Analog-to-digital filtering

Abstract

Among other things, methods and apparatus for analog-to-digital filtering of radio signals in a communication network are disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following disclosure relates to the field of communication technologies, particularly communication networks, and more particularly wireless communication networks. The present disclosure relates to sensing the radio environment of entities in a communication network, which involves analog filtering, where the analog filtering can be particularly based on a filter configuration derived at least in part in the digital domain. The present disclosure particularly relates to an iterative method for obtaining a digital radio signal representing a radio environment affected by a high signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR). Background Art

[0002] In modern communication technologies, throughput, latency, and spectral efficiency are crucial. The emergence of ubiquitous digital communication technologies (such as, for example, large-scale IoT, vehicle-to-everything communication, digital twins) has made interference from reflections and / or external transmitters the main source of interference for radio signals acquired from the radio environment of entities in a communication network. To be able to communicate efficiently in such an environment, particularly to receive radio signals of interest with sufficient quality, today's radio signal sensing methods must take proactive measures to remove the interference effects in the originally received radio signals. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Next-generation wireless communication systems may be able to simultaneously sense the status and behavior of other active and / or passive radio entities (such as nodes, devices, objects) within the environment of an entity in a wireless communication system. This may be referred to as joint communication and sensing (JCAS). Improving sensing capabilities has been recognized as a major component of high-performance wireless communication networks. Improving such sensing capabilities in existing communication networks is challenging because existing hardware may have to be used and existing protocols should not be substantially modified.

[0004] One challenge in the field of sensing the radio environment of entities in a wireless communication network is the need to convert an analog-acquired signal into the digital domain. This conversion is typically performed by using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

[0005] Such an ADC takes an analog signal as input and converts it into a digital version of the analog signal. In terms of the values it can take, an analog signal can be considered to have infinite resolution. In other words, its value may change continuously. In this case, two values that continuously represent the analog signal can be infinitely close to each other. In other words, the difference in values can be infinitely small. An analog signal also has no fixed bounds. That is, for a given number, there may be an actual maximum value that is generally not exceeded. However, in principle, an analog signal can take arbitrarily high values. For example, an analog signal can be a time-varying record corresponding to the field strength recorded by an antenna. The absolute value of this quantity can vary continuously between zero and an arbitrarily high maximum value.

[0006] The ADC now converts this analog signal into a digital signal. This conversion introduces two limitations to the conversion result (which did not originally exist in the analog signal). First, the analog-to-digital filtering defines a series of analog values that are mapped to a series of digital values. In other words, the original unbounded analog signal is now (e.g., only) considered to be within a numerical range. For example, taking the electric field strength recorded by an antenna as an example, the absolute value of the field strength can theoretically range from zero to infinity. From previous observations, it is known that most of the time, the field strength varies between 0 and 1 V / μm, and occasionally extreme values of 2 V / μm occur. Therefore, for the analog-to-digital conversion, the range of 0 to 1 V / μm can be selected as the first option. In this case, when the digital signal reaches its maximum value, this corresponds to an analog value of 1 V / μm or greater. When (e.g., only) observing the digital signal, the observing entity (such as, for example, a DSP that processes the digital signal) cannot determine whether the analog signal from which the digital signal has been obtained is exactly 1 V / μm or a greater numerical unit, such as the occasional extreme value of 2 V / μm. Cutting off the extreme values of the analog signal through analog-to-digital conversion can be called clipping.

[0007] The second limitation introduced by the ADC lies in the nature of any digital signal: its quantization. That is, any digital signal can (e.g., only) take a finite number of discrete values. For example, a digital signal can be represented as a series of 8-bit binary numbers. A single value encoded by such an 8-bit binary number can vary between zero and 255, or between -127 and 128, or between any other 256 different values. These unitless digital values can be mapped to analog equivalent values. In this way, a quantized analog signal can be defined, in which the corresponding values of the quantized analog signal take one value from a fixed set of quantization values. The analog-to-digital conversion typically quantizes the analog signal at constant intervals in the analog domain. A given ADC can have a fixed number of steps. This ADC can also be configurable to have at least two mutually different numbers of steps into which the analog signal can be quantized. For example, for a signal between 0 and 1 V / μm, the ADC can quantize the signal into N values, such as 2 8= 256, with a step size of 1 / 255 V / μm. In this case, the quantized analog signal can take values of 0 V / μm, 1 / 255 V / μm, …, 1 V / μm. The ADC can alternatively be configured to quantize the analog signal with a variable-sized step. For example, it can apply a logarithmic distribution of step sizes, where lower values of the analog signal can be quantized with smaller steps and larger values with larger steps. Regardless of the exact choice of quantization and step size of the ADC, any quantization of the analog signal to obtain a digital signal results in so-called quantization noise. That is, any value of the analog signal that is not exactly equal to one of the discrete values available for the quantized analog signal will be approximated (e.g., only) by the closest available quantization value. For example, in the above example, the smallest non-zero value of the quantized analog signal is 1 / 255 V / μm. For example, if the analog signal to be converted has a value of 1 / 511 V / μm, it will be converted to a digital signal with a value of 1 / 255 V / μV. Due to quantization, the converted value in this case is twice the correct analog value. The quantization error is approximately equal to 100%. As can be seen from this example, small features of the analog signal are particularly strongly affected by quantization noise. Any change in the analog signal that is equal to or less than the step size of the quantized analog signal is, figuratively speaking, invisible in the quantized analog signal and thus also in the digital signal.

[0008] To minimize quantization noise and avoid clipping, the analog signal is typically scaled before analog-to-digital conversion to use the full range of available quantization values. To avoid clipping, the maximum value of the range of the converted analog values is chosen to be approximately equal to the maximum analog value that the analog signal can take. The same can be done for the lower limit of the range of analog values. The resolution of the quantized analog signal depends on the magnitude between the minimum and maximum values of the analog signal, as well as the number of steps provided by the analog-to-digital converter. Problems arise when the dynamic range of the analog signal is large. The dynamic range can be defined as the relationship between the largest and smallest (e.g., available) signal components in the analog signal. For example, if the relationship between the largest and smallest signal components within the analog signal is greater than the number of quantization steps of the analog-to-digital converter, the large component will be clipped or the small component will be lost in the quantization noise. A first countermeasure can be simply to increase the number of conversion steps of the analog-to-digital conversion. However, the energy consumed per conversion step grows exponentially with the number of quantization steps.

[0009] Thus, among other things, the aim is to enable the conversion of analog radio signals into digital radio signals for sensing in energy-efficient communication networks, allowing relatively weak signal components of the analog signal to be retained in the converted digital radio signal and integrating it into existing communication technologies. A solution will be particularly valuable for sensing the radio environment in next-generation wireless communication networks.

[0010] According to a first exemplary aspect, a method is disclosed, the method comprising:

[0011] - Obtaining at least one radio signal recorded by at least one antenna of a device, wherein the radio signal indicates a radio environment observable by the device, the radio environment comprising at least one interference element and at least one element of interest;

[0012] - Performing analog filtering on the obtained radio signal by means of at least one analog filter to obtain an analog-filtered radio signal based on a current filter configuration;

[0013] - Converting the analog-filtered radio signal into a digital radio signal by means of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC);

[0014] - Evaluating whether at least one criterion is met,

[0015] - If at least one criterion is met:

[0016] - Determining at least one interference

[0017] element in the radio environment based on the digital radio signal; and

[0018] - Deriving a derived filter configuration for at least one analog filter, wherein the derived filter configuration is selected to selectively attenuate the influence of the interference element on the analog-filtered radio signal; and

[0019] - Setting the derived filter configuration as the current filter configuration for a next iteration of the method.

[0020] The method may for example be executed and / or controlled by a device (e.g., a server). Alternatively, the method may be executed and / or controlled by more than one device, such as a server cloud comprising at least two servers. Alternatively, the method may for example be executed and / or controlled by an electronic device (e.g., a node in a communication system). For example, the method may be executed and / or controlled by using at least one processor of the electronic device.

[0021] According to another exemplary aspect, a computer program is disclosed which, when executed by a processor, causes a device (e.g., a server) to execute and / or control the actions / steps of the method according to the first exemplary aspect.

[0022] A computer program can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium, particularly a tangible and / or non-transitory medium. The computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, a magnetic disk or a memory, etc. The computer program can be stored in the computer-readable storage medium in the form of instructions encoding the computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium can be used to participate in the operation of a device, such as an internal or external memory, for example, a read (e.g., read-only) memory (ROM) or a hard disk of a computer, or for distributing a program, such as an optical disc.

[0023] According to another exemplary aspect, a device is disclosed that is configured to perform and / or control or includes corresponding components for performing and / or controlling the method according to the first exemplary aspect.

[0024] The components of the device can be implemented in hardware and / or software. They can include, for example, at least one processor for executing computer program code to perform the required functions, at least one memory for storing the program code, or both. Alternatively, they can include, for example, circuitry designed to implement the required functions, such as implemented in a chipset or a chip, such as an integrated circuit. Generally, the components can include, for example, one or more processing components or processors.

[0025] The above-disclosed device according to any aspect can be a module or component for a device, such as a chip. Alternatively, the device disclosed according to any aspect can be a device, such as a server or a server cloud. The device disclosed according to any aspect can include (e.g., only include) the disclosed components, such as components, processors, memories, or can also include one or more additional components.

[0026] The method includes acquiring at least one radio signal. The radio signal can be recorded by at least one antenna, such as an antenna of the device. The radio signal can specifically be an analog radio signal. The device that acquires (e.g., records) the radio signal through one of its antennas can correspond to a radio unit (RU). The radio unit can be part of a mobile device, such as a user equipment, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a smart watch, a laptop computer, a PDA, a wearable device, and an IOT device, a vehicle, and / or a combination thereof. The radio unit alternatively or additionally corresponds to a component of a communication network, such as, for example, a node, particularly a base transceiver station (BTS), a nodeB, an evolved node B (eNB), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a distributed unit (DU), a central unit (CU), and / or a combination thereof.

[0027] The device can be configured to perform at least partially or fully the method according to the first exemplary aspect. Additionally or alternatively, the device can not perform any step of the method according to the first exemplary aspect.

[0028] A radio signal can indicate a radio environment. The radio environment can be observable, for example, by a device, such as a device to which at least one antenna that has and / or will record the radio signal belongs. The radio environment can include at least one reflecting element, at least one transmitter, at least one emitter, at least one receiver, and / or a combination thereof. Attributes of such elements in the radio environment can be sensed by an observing device, where these attributes can, for example, correspond to signal strength, time of arrival (ToA), angle of arrival (AoA), frequency range, and / or a combination thereof.

[0029] The radio environment includes at least one interfering element. The interfering element can in particular include at least one reflection, at least one transmitter or emitter, and / or a combination thereof. An interfering element is generally an element of the radio environment that is included in the radio signal but is not intended to be recorded. Such an interfering element is generally an unwanted component in the radio signal, such as, for example, a (strong) transmitter that enters the receiving field of an antenna that records the radio signal. The interfering element can also correspond to a reflecting element that reflects a transmission beam towards at least one antenna with respect to the radio signal. For example, the interfering element may not convey any information of interest to an entity that performs at least a part of the method.

[0030] The radio environment can include at least one element of interest. For example, the element of interest can, for example, correspond to at least one object within the radio environment, at least one attribute of which is to be determined. The at least one attribute to be determined can, for example, be the position of the object, the transmit and / or receive field strength, frequency, time of arrival (ToA), angle of arrival (AoA), the identity of the element of interest, and / or a combination thereof.

[0031] The radio environment can in particular include at least one element of interest and at least one interfering element, or (for example, only) at least one interfering element without an element of interest, or at least one element of interest without an interfering element, or neither an interfering element nor an element of interest.

[0032] The method according to the first exemplary aspect also includes: based on the current filter configuration, with the aid of at least one analog filter, analog filtering is performed on the acquired radio signal. By analog filtering, an analog filtered radio signal is acquired. At least one analog filter can act in particular in the spatial domain, for example, the analog filter can correspond to a phase filter. For example, at least one of the at least one analog filter can implement a variant of beamforming, thereby shaping the receiving field of at least one or more antennas, in particular the joint receiving field of two or more antennas, in particular the receiving field of the antenna array. For example, such spatial filtering can apply filtering based on the angle of arrival (AoA). At least one of the at least one analog filter can additionally or alternatively implement filtering in the frequency domain and / or time domain. For example, one of the at least one analog filter can implement low pass, high pass and / or band pass. At least one of the at least one analog filter can additionally or alternatively implement filtering based on the time of arrival. The analog filtering can be based on the angle of arrival or the time of arrival or both.

[0033] At least one of the at least one analog filter is configurable. The filter configuration can be applied to at least one analog filter, and therefore can affect the filtering characteristics of the analog filter. Therefore, the analog filtered radio signal is based on the current filter configuration. The filter configuration can involve filtering based on the angle of arrival or filtering based on the time of arrival or both. A separate configuration for the angle of arrival and the time of arrival can be provided. The current filter configuration is the filter configuration currently set for the analog filter. The filter configuration can be the configuration of at least one of the at least one analog filter. The filter configuration can also be applied to two or more analog filters. For example, the current filter configuration can be, for example, previously derived in a previous (e.g., aforementioned) iteration of the method according to the first exemplary aspect.

[0034] By means of analog filtering, an original radio signal, for example obtained from at least one antenna, can be shaped before being transmitted to the digital domain. As described above, by clipping or quantization or both, transmitting an analog signal to the digital domain by means of an ADC discards at least some information. Therefore, applying an analog filter to the analog radio signal before converting it into a digital radio signal enables shaping of the radio signal while avoiding these drawbacks of the digital domain. In particular, the influence of at least one interference element of the radio environment on the radio signal can be removed from the analog-filtered radio signal. This can be particularly useful if the interference element causes at least one strong signal component in the radio signal, for example a dominant signal component. By removing such a component from the radio signal by means of analog filtering, the ratio of at least one desired signal component of the analog-filtered radio signal to the combined interference noise can be increased. This relationship can be referred to as the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR). Noise here and in the following and foregoing can include one or more different noise sources, by way of example only, including but not limited to thermal noise, quantization noise, noise from cosmic background radiation, and / or combinations thereof.

[0035] The method further includes converting the analog-filtered radio signal into a digital radio signal by means of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The conversion can for example include the step of adjusting the amplitude of the analog-filtered radio signal to match the dynamic range of the ADC. For example, the ADC can accept an analog input variable (e.g., voltage) in the range between A and B. The analog-filtered signal can vary between C and D. To make full use of the available input range of the ADC, the analog-filtered signal (AFS) can be scaled to a scaled version sAFC = (AFS - C) / (D - C)*(B - A)+A. The scaled version sAFC varies between A and B and thus makes full use of the available analog input range of the ADC. Such or similar scaling can be achieved by means of a so-called automatic gain control (AGC). The AGC generally avoids clipping of the ADC, i.e., the ADC receives a scaled input signal that exceeds the allowed analog input range.

[0036] The ADC can be part of a device that performs at least some or some or (e.g., all) steps of the method according to the first exemplary aspect. Additionally or alternatively, the ADC can be part of the device to which at least one antenna for recording the radio signal belongs.

[0037] A digital radio signal can include at least one component corresponding to at least one of at least one element of interest. The digital radio signal can additionally or alternatively include at least one component corresponding to at least one interfering element. For example, the digital radio signal can contain information about the radio environment. The digital radio signal can be represented and / or stored and / or shared in its complete form, i.e., including the time-varying amplitude of the digital radio signal, such as the combined amplitude of at least one antenna and / or the time-varying amplitude of at least two or more antennas. The digital radio signal can also be represented by information elements indicating the radio signal. The information elements can for example include at least one post-processing amplitude, angle of arrival (AoA), time of arrival (ToA), and / or combinations thereof, which for example describe at least one element of the radio environment that can be detected within the digital radio signal. Additionally or alternatively, the digital radio signal can be represented by a transformed variant, such as for example a periodogram, such as an N-dimensional periodogram. The information elements can for example include a list of components within the radio signal, in particular components having an amplitude stronger than the noise floor of the ADC (i.e., the residual quantization noise floor).

[0038] The method according to the first exemplary aspect further includes evaluating whether at least one criterion is met. For example, the criterion can be based on the digital radio signal. The criterion can be a continuation criterion.

[0039] If at least one criterion is met, the method according to the first exemplary aspect can further include at least three steps: (1) determining at least one interfering element, (2) deriving a filter configuration, and (3) setting the derived filter configuration as the current filter configuration for the next iteration of the method. These steps will be disclosed in detail below. In an example embodiment of the first exemplary aspect, these at least three steps can be performed at least once regardless of whether the criterion is met. For example, for the first iteration of the method according to the first exemplary aspect, the criterion can be met.

[0040] In the method according to the first exemplary aspect, it can include determining at least one interfering element in the radio environment based on the digital radio signal. For example, the determination can include detecting a specific angle of arrival, time of arrival, frequency, and / or combinations thereof, which may not be caused by any object of interest in the radio environment, but can correspond to an unwanted signal component caused by at least one interfering element within the radio environment.

[0041] This determination may be based, in particular, on digital radio signals. For example, digital radio signals may be analyzed by means of digital processing, such as frequency domain analysis by using Fourier transform, cosine transform, wavelet transform, and / or combinations thereof. Additionally or alternatively, this determination may include analyzing the digital radio signal in the time domain. For example, this determination may include detecting strong components within the digital radio signal (e.g., components with high amplitude, e.g., when compared with, for example, AoA, ToA, frequency, and / or combinations thereof and / or with respect to the average, median, or minimum amplitude relative to a noise floor (e.g., residual quantization noise floor)). For example, at least a factor of 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, or greater, and / or a factor of 1 dB, 2 dB, 3 dB, 4 dB, 5 dB, 10 dB, or 20 dB or greater (correspondingly + / −1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and / or 20% or greater) may be predefined between the amplitude of the strong component and a comparison value to determine that the component is strong. Additionally or alternatively, this determination may include searching for expected components, such as expected frequency and / or expected timing and / or expected angle of arrival and / or expected signal strength. The corresponding expectations may be based on at least one known property of the radio environment, such as, for example, whether there is at least one known object, such as a known transmitter, emitter, known reflection element, and / or known transmitted signal, such as a signal transmitted by a device performing at least one step of the method according to the first exemplary aspect. The above expectations may be based on previously acquired radio signals (and / or digital radio signals based on such radio signals). The expectations may also be based on typical AoA, ToA, and / or frequencies used by the corresponding communication technology. For example, this determination may include detecting unexpected components, such as components with unexpected frequency, unexpected angle of arrival, and / or unexpected timing and / or unexpected signal strength. The method may, for example, include comparing the digital radio signal with an expected (digital) radio signal. The expected radio signal may be derived based on at least one of the expectations as described above. A deviation from the expected (digital) radio signal may be considered unexpected. For example, this determination may include detecting reflections by considering what signals have been transmitted in the past, such as by a device that at least partially implements the method according to the first exemplary aspect (i.e., a device that is sensing the radio environment).

[0042] The interfering element is characterized in that at least one time of arrival (ToA), at least one angle of arrival (AoA), at least one pair of ToA and AoA, frequency, and / or combinations thereof are determined.

[0043] By determining at least one interference element in a radio environment based on a digital radio signal, a method according to a first exemplary aspect can implement a hybrid sensing strategy for observing the radio environment. The original radio signal can include signal components that, for example, obscure other (usable) components in the digital signal when directly converting the radio signal into a digital radio signal without analog filtering. By using an analog-filtered radio signal to obtain the digital radio signal, the method according to the first exemplary aspect is capable of generating a particularly accurate digital representation of the radio environment. Thus, the method can allow for a particularly accurate analysis of the elements of interest and interference elements within the radio environment and thereby provide good sensing performance.

[0044] The method according to the first exemplary aspect further includes deriving a filter configuration. The derivation of the filter configuration can be performed, for example, for at least one analog filter. The derivation of the filter configuration can be based on, for example, the current filter configuration or derived from the current filter configuration. This derivation of the filter configuration can include deriving an advanced filter specification. Such an advanced filter specification can include, for example, aspects of the radio signal such as time of arrival, angle of arrival, frequency, amplitude, phase, and / or combinations thereof, which can be desired or undesired. If an aspect is desired, this can mean, for example, that the component will be amplified, preserved, or at least not significantly attenuated (e.g., significantly can be understood as not exceeding 3 dB, 10 dB, 15 dB, or 20 dB, just to give a few non-limiting examples), and will not be zeroed by the analog filter (i.e., in the analog-filtered radio signal). If an aspect is undesired, this can mean that the component will be deleted, zeroed, attenuated, or at least not amplified by the analog filtering. That is, the radio signal components specified by the advanced filter specification can be certain aspects of the radio signal that will be blocked and / or attenuated by the analog filter configured with the derived filter configuration, and / or should remain unaffected and / or be amplified by the analog filter configured with the derived filter configuration. Additionally or alternatively, the derived filter configuration can correspond to a specific configuration of at least one analog filter. Such a specific configuration can include, for example, a set of analog filter coefficients, such as at least one spatial and / or temporal equalization weight. The specific configuration can be adapted to at least one filter capability of the corresponding analog filter to be configured.

[0045] It is possible to select an export filter configuration to selectively attenuate the influence of interference elements on the analog-filtered radio signal, especially compared to the rest of the analog-filtered radio signal. In particular, the export filter configuration can be selected to attenuate the influence of at least one interference element on the analog-filtered radio signal. In particular, the components of the analog-filtered radio signal that are not determined to be caused by interference elements may not be attenuated, or at least not attenuated to a lesser extent than the components caused by at least one interference element. For example, the export filter configuration can cause the average magnitude of at least one analog filter in terms of angle of arrival, time, frequency, and / or a combination thereof to be substantially equal to 1, i.e., 0 dB. When configured with the export filter configuration, the analog filter may in particular not reduce and / or increase the average magnitude of the analog-filtered radio signal in terms of frequency, arrival time, and / or angle of arrival compared to the radio signal. Additionally or alternatively, such components of the radio signal that are caused and / or affected by at least one interference element (e.g., only) are attenuated by the analog filter in the analog-filtered radio signal, while the remaining components of the radio signal remain substantially unchanged in the analog-filtered radio signal. Alternatively, (e.g., all) signal components of the radio signal that do not correspond to the determined at least one interference element can be amplified, while the components corresponding to the at least one interference element can remain substantially unchanged through the analog filter.

[0046] The method further includes the step of setting the export filter configuration as the current filter configuration. By doing so, the method according to the first exemplary aspect, or rather, at least one analog filter can be prepared for the next iteration of the method.

[0047] By iteratively performing the steps of the method according to the first exemplary aspect, in a given iteration, the acquired radio signal can be analog-filtered in a manner that incorporates insights obtained in the digital domain based on the digitized version of the analog-filtered radio signal from the corresponding previous iteration. In the current iteration, at least one or more interference elements present in the previous iteration will be attenuated and / or suppressed by at least one analog filter configured with the current filter configuration. This can allow for the detection of other interference elements in the current iteration that may not have been detectable in the previous iteration. Then, the export filter configuration for subsequent iterations can cause at least one analog filter to suppress the now-detected interference elements in the subsequent iterations. By correspondingly repeating the iterative process by performing the method of the first exemplary aspect, the analog-filtered radio signal becomes increasingly less affected by interference elements on the radio signal. Thus, more and more useful components (i.e., components of interest) can become visible in the digital radio signal.

[0048] It should be noted that, without the iterative nature of the method, the (e.g., only) way to access signal components in the received radio signal that are much weaker than the components caused by interfering elements in the radio signal would be to increase the resolution of the ADC. However, this would be energy-inefficient and would lead to an increase in component cost, as the ADC is a relatively expensive component. The energy required for a single conversion grows exponentially with the number of quantization steps, and repeating (e.g., just repeating) doubles the energy consumption. It should be noted that analog filtering can achieve beamforming, which can shape the reception field of at least one antenna before the signals of multiple antennas are combined in time into a scalar radio signal. The radio signal filtered using such an analog filter can, for example, selectively monitor a given area of the radio environment and emphasize and / or attenuate specific angles of arrival. Such analog filtering cannot simply be replaced by increasing the ADC resolution (through which the unfiltered signal is converted to the digital domain), as the ADC typically receives the combined signals of multiple antennas rather than the individual signals of multiple antennas. At this stage, backtracking beamforming is no longer possible. Thus, providing higher-resolution ADCs for multiple antennas can be considered the (e.g., only) alternative to the iterative method proposed according to the first exemplary aspect, which can achieve similar sensing performance. However, such an arrangement would be more wasteful in terms of energy and components.

[0049] If at least one criterion is satisfied in a given iteration of the method according to the first exemplary aspect, then (e.g., only) perform the above steps of determining at least one interfering element, deriving a filter configuration, and setting the derived filter configuration as the current filter configuration. In particular, if at least one criterion is not satisfied, these steps may not be performed in the given iteration. In particular, if the criterion is not satisfied, any step of the method may not be performed. For example, the method (and the optional iterative method) may actually be aborted.

[0050] According to an embodiment of the first exemplary aspect, the method further comprises:

[0051] - If at least one criterion is not satisfied:

[0052] - Do not perform any other steps of the method.

[0053] According to an embodiment of the first exemplary aspect, the method further comprises:

[0054] - Perform at least two or more iterations of the method, wherein the derived filter configuration of a given iteration replaces the initial filter configuration of subsequent iterations.

[0055] A given iteration may include a subset of the steps of the method or the steps of the method. The method may be repeated as long as at least one criterion is met. The method may be stopped or aborted afterwards. For example, if a change in the radio environment is detected, e.g., based on a digital radio signal, the method may be restarted.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the first exemplary aspect, at least one criterion is based on at least one of the following:

[0057] - The number of iterations,

[0058] - The properties of the digital radio signal, or the properties of at least one or more beams,

[0059] - The properties of the digital radio signal, or the properties of at least one or more beams, where the properties include at least one of the following:

[0060] - The lower limit of the residual quantization noise floor of the digital radio signal,

[0061] - The lower limit of the residual quantization noise floor of the digital radio signal, where the lower limit depends on the thermal noise power of at least one component of the device, and

[0062] - The presence of interference elements.

[0063] At least one criterion evaluated in the evaluation step specifies whether the method continues or stops. Such a criterion may shape the result of the method and / or may specify how long the iterative process of the method is executed. The criterion may be based on one aspect or more than one aspect among multiple aspects.

[0064] As a first option, the criterion may be based on the number of iterations of the method. For example, the method may be executed at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20 times or more. Alternatively or additionally, the method may be executed at most 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100 times or more iterations. The method may also be executed a fixed number of iterations, e.g., any one of 1 to 100 iterations, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 or 50 iterations.

[0065] At least one criterion may additionally or alternatively be based on at least one property of the digital radio signal or the properties of at least one or more beams. In this case, the beam may correspond to a subset of the angles of arrival that can be received by at least one antenna, e.g., shaped by beamforming implemented by an analog filter. Thus, at least one criterion may be based on one or more specific beams shaped by analog filtering. For example, the properties of the beam may be derived from the digital radio signal and / or correspond to the properties of a part of the digital radio signal.

[0066] For example, at least one criterion can correspond to a comparison between an attribute value of a digital radio signal and a threshold. For example, if the value of an attribute of a digital radio signal is below or above the threshold, such a criterion can be met.

[0067] For example, an attribute of a radio signal or beam can correspond, for example, to a lower limit of a residual quantization noise floor of a digital radio signal. The residual quantization noise floor can be defined, for example, as a step size of a quantized analog filtered signal. By reducing the amplitude of the analog input of the ADC (e.g., the range of values, the difference between the maximum and minimum values), the step size of the quantized analog filtered signal will also be reduced. Thus, by iteratively applying the method of the first exemplary aspect, the residual quantization noise floor can be reduced. Accordingly, at least one criterion can be based on a residual quantization noise floor that is equal to or lower than a threshold.

[0068] For example, the threshold can be based on the thermal noise power of at least one component of a device (in particular, the device to which at least one of at least one antenna belongs). For example, as long as the residual quantization noise floor is equal to or higher than the thermal noise power or a fraction or multiple of the thermal noise power, the criterion can be met. Such a criterion can be applied to ensure that the ADC resolution does not increase unreasonably.

[0069] At least one criterion can alternatively or additionally be based on the presence of interference elements, particularly in a radio environment and / or on the detectability of a digital radio signal. If an interference element is present, at least one criterion can be met. In such a case, in subsequent iterations of the method, it may be necessary to attenuate the effect of the interference element on the analog filtered radio signal by deriving a filter configuration.

[0070] At least one criterion can be a combined criterion based on more than one of the previously disclosed factors. For example, the criterion can be based on both the number of iterations and an attribute of a digital radio signal. For example, the criterion can be met in a first iteration, thus ensuring that a method comprising steps that are performed or conditionally performed when at least one criterion is met is implemented or executed in the first iteration. Accordingly, a conditional branch based on the evaluation of a criterion can implement a do - while loop that (e.g., always) performs a full initial iteration. For example, in a second iteration and subsequent iterations, the criterion can (e.g., only) be based on an attribute of a digital radio signal. For example, the criterion can be at least partially based on an attribute of a digital radio signal and can additionally impose a limit on the iteration. That is, in such a case, when an attribute of a digital radio signal meets a certain first criterion (e.g., the residual quantization noise floor is greater than a threshold) and the number of iterations has not exceeded a maximum value, at least one criterion is met.

[0071] The iterations may include all steps of the method according to the first exemplary aspect. The last iteration may (e.g., only) include steps up to the evaluation of at least one criterion.

[0072] According to an embodiment of the first exemplary aspect, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0073] - Sensing at least one object of interest based on a digital radio signal;

[0074] - Sensing at least one object of interest based on a digital radio signal, wherein sensing includes determining at least one attribute of the object of interest; and

[0075] - Sensing at least one object of interest based on a digital radio signal, wherein sensing includes determining at least one attribute of the object of interest, where the attribute is at least one of the position, signal strength, round-trip time, frequency range, angle of arrival, time of arrival, and identity of the object of interest.

[0076] Sensing the object of interest may be based on a digital radio signal. For example, the method may include analyzing the digital radio signal. The method may, for example, include analyzing the digital radio signal in the time domain, such as by detecting at least one time of arrival. In this case, sensing may include, for example, analyzing the (one or more) amplitudes of the radio signal at different times. The method may, for example, include analyzing the digital radio signal in the frequency domain. For example, this may involve using a transform to transform the digital radio signal. The transform may, for example, include a Fourier transform, a cosine transform, a wavelet transform, and / or a combination thereof. In the frequency domain, the digital radio signal may be analyzed (e.g., at different times) based on the (one or more) amplitudes of different frequency components. Elements of the digital radio signal may be detected based on their frequency, amplitude, and / or time of arrival.

[0077] Sensing the radio environment may enable an entity of a wireless communication system to optimize the transmission and reception settings of the entity for a wireless communication channel between the entity and another entity of the wireless communication system.

[0078] For example, the object of interest may correspond to a transmitter and / or a transmitted signal, an entity performing at least a part of the method may expect to receive at least one radio signal from the transmitter and / or the transmitted signal, and / or the corresponding entity may communicate with and / or attempt to communicate with the transmitter and / or the transmitted signal. In this case, the entity transmitting the radio signal may be different from the entity receiving the radio signal. This constellation may be referred to as a bistatic constellation.

[0079] The object of interest may also correspond to an interaction between the transmitted radio signal and an element of the radio environment, such as a reflection. For example, in the so-called monostatic method, an entity that performs at least a part of the method may transmit a radio signal and receive its reflection from the environment. In this case, such a reflection corresponds to the object of interest and is expected to become part of a digital radio signal.

[0080] The object of interest may contribute to localization, in particular the localization of an entity that performs at least a part of the method.

[0081] The object of interest may for example correspond to a reflection of a transmitted signal (by an entity that performs at least a part of the method or by a different entity), which signal may for example contain information (e.g., content) that may be of interest. The object of interest is different from noise and interference, such as interference elements.

[0082] The radio signal recorded from the object of interest (e.g., transmitted by the object of interest and received by an observing entity, such as a network entity that performs at least a part of the sensing) may have reached the recording antenna directly, i.e., without further interaction with the radio environment, such as without reflection. Alternatively, the object of interest may be observed via at least one reflection. In the latter case, the received signal strength may be weaker compared to an observation made along a straight line. Nevertheless, such a reflection can be useful.

[0083] Sensing may for example include determining at least one property of the object of interest. For example, such a property may correspond to at least one of the position, signal strength (e.g., amplitude, power), round-trip time, frequency, frequency range, angle of arrival, time of arrival, or identity (e.g., identifier) of the object of interest, or a combination thereof.

[0084] Sensing can be achieved in a collaborative manner and involves digital radio signals obtained by mutually different receivers. The receivers can, for example, exchange observations such as digital radio signals in order to construct an accurate representation of the radio environment of the receivers. For example, at least two network entities (e.g., (one or more) SAPs such as UEs and / or network nodes, (one or more) sensing management functions, and / or combinations thereof) can send at least a part of at least one corresponding digital radio signal or indicate at least one information element of at least one digital radio signal (e.g., each network entity can also have multiple (e.g., at least two) radio signals, multiple information elements, and / or multiple pieces of supplementary data) to a central management function. The central management function can integrate the data received from at least two network entities to enable joint sensing. The result of such joint sensing (e.g., another digital radio signal and / or an information element indicating a radio signal and / or a list of elements in the radio environment and / or combinations thereof) can be returned by the central management function to at least one and / or (e.g., all) network entities.

[0085] According to an embodiment of the first exemplary aspect

[0086] - The interference elements include at least one of the following items and / or are caused by at least one of the following items:

[0087] - At least one interaction between the transmitted radio beam and the radio environment of the device, and

[0088] - Radio transmitters.

[0089] For example, the interference element may include and / or be caused by at least one interaction between the transmitted radio beam and the radio environment. For example, the interaction may correspond to and / or include reflection, scattering, diffraction, and / or a combination of the radio beam. In this case, the radio environment may include at least one element that participates in or causes the interaction. For example, such an element may correspond to a building, a vehicle, a part of the landscape, and / or a combination thereof. The radio beam may be transmitted by an entity of a radio communication system. For example, the radio beam may be transmitted by an entity that performs at least a part of these steps according to the method. For example, the radio beam may be transmitted by a device to which at least one of the at least one antenna belongs. In some cases, the interference element may at least partially depend on the radio signal transmitted by the entity that performs at least a part of the method according to the first exemplary aspect. This may facilitate determining the interference element because certain attributes (e.g., frequency, phase, identity, timing) of the transmitted radio signal may be known and thus may be identified in the received radio signal. In particular, in a bistatic scenario where radio signals from transmitters different from one or more entities performing the method are to be received, the interaction (especially reflection) of the signals transmitted by these entities with the environment may be regarded as an interference element.

[0090] For example, the interference element may also correspond to a radio transmitter. The radio transmitter may particularly be different from the entity that performs at least a part of the method. The radio transmitter may correspond to, for example, a gNB, a DU, an RU, a CU, a UE, and / or a combination thereof. For example, the radio transmitter (e.g., its oscillator) may be out of sync with the (any) entity that performs at least a part of the method. The radio signal may be obtained directly from the radio transmitter, i.e., without further interaction such as, for example, reflection with the radio environment. In particular, in a monostatic constellation where interactions such as reflection of the radio signal transmitted by at least one of the one or more entities performing the method are of interest (e.g., for the sensing step), the radio signals of other radio transmitters may correspond to interference elements.

[0091] According to an embodiment of the first exemplary aspect,

[0092] - the determination includes at least one of the following items:

[0093] - comparing the amplitudes of at least two elements of the radio environment based on the digital radio signal,

[0094] - determining an element within the radio environment having the strongest amplitude across at least two elements of the radio environment or elements of the radio environment,

[0095] - determining an element different from at least one element of interest,

[0096] - determining at least one element of a digital radio signal having an amplitude above the noise floor of the ADC, or

[0097] - determining at least one element of a digital radio signal having an amplitude higher than a threshold amplitude, where the threshold amplitude is based on the noise floor of the ADC.

[0098] Determining at least one interfering element can include at least one of one or more different steps. For example, the determination can include comparing the amplitudes of at least two elements of the radio environment based on the radio signal. These two elements can, for example, correspond to different frequency ranges, different times, and / or combinations thereof. In one example, such a comparison can, for example, involve comparing the signal strength in a first frequency range with the signal strength in a second frequency range, where the frequency ranges can be separate or can overlap.

[0099] The determination can include determining, based on the digital radio signal, an element within the radio environment having the strongest amplitude among at least two elements or among the corresponding elements of the radio environment. For example, the method can include calculating the amplitude between frequency and time ranges within the digital radio signal, for example, based on the short-time Fourier transform (STFT). Such a frequency range (e.g., at a given time or over the entire time of the digital radio signal) can be determined as an interfering element.

[0100] In some cases, the interfering element may not be the strongest element of the digital radio signal. For example, compared to the average, median, or minimum signal strength, amplitude, and / or power of, for example, AoA, ToA, frequency, and / or combinations thereof, and / or relative to the noise floor, in particular the noise floor of the digital radio signal, such as the residual quantization noise floor, the signal strength, amplitude, and power corresponding to the strongest element can be higher. In this and other cases, determining the interfering element can correspond to determining an element different from at least one element of interest. For example, an element of interest can be identified. For example, this can be based on the frequency range, timing, identifier, and / or combinations thereof. The elements of the radio environment captured by the digital radio signal can be classified as elements of interest and other elements (e.g., elements of no interest). The other elements can be regarded as interfering elements. These elements can be selected to be attenuated by deriving a filter configuration. For example, elements having properties close to at least one element of interest (i.e., similar frequency, ToA, or AoA) can preferably be attenuated so as not to interfere with the element of interest anymore.

[0101] The determination can also include detecting at least one element of the digital radio signal above the noise floor of the ADC as an interfering element. In this case, the determined filter will attenuate any element not caused by the ADC noise itself.

[0102] This determination may also include determining at least one element of a digital radio signal having an amplitude above a threshold amplitude. The threshold amplitude may be pre-configured. For example, the threshold amplitude may be based on the noise floor of the ADC. The threshold amplitude may be different from the noise floor of the ADC, particularly higher or lower.

[0103] According to an embodiment of the first exemplary aspect, the method further includes:

[0104] - at least one of the following: adapting the resolution of the ADC and reducing the resolution of the ADC, based on an attribute of at least one of the radio signal after analog filtering and the digital radio signal.

[0105] For example, the resolution of the ADC can be reduced or adapted by configuring the ADC. In this case, the ADC can have at least two different settings corresponding to different resolutions. For example, an 8-bit ADC can be switched to a 7-bit ADC, thereby halving the resolution from 256 levels to 128 levels. A typical ADC can support 12-bit or 10-bit resolution. It can be seen that for a 6 dB reduction in the dynamic range (i.e., the range between the weakest and the strongest components of the analog-filtered signal), the corresponding resolution of the ADC can be reduced by 1 bit.

[0106] The corresponding resolution of the ADC can also be changed by switching from a first ADC to a second ADC. Here, the second ADC can have a lower resolution than the first ADC.

[0107] The reduction of the ADC resolution can be conditional on an attribute of at least one of the radio signal after analog filtering and the digital radio signal. For example, such an attribute can correspond to the dynamic range of the corresponding radio signal, the difference between the strongest and the weakest components, such as above the noise floor, such as the residual quantization noise floor. For example, the resolution required by the ADC can be derived based on the power of the strongest signal component minus the attenuation of the (such) components achieved by analog filtering, minus the power of the weakest component, plus the signal quantization noise ratio of the weakest signal component. For example, the strongest signal component can be determined according to the signal strength, amplitude, and / or power corresponding to the (one or more) strongest elements, compared with, for example, the average, median, or minimum signal strength, amplitude, and / or power consumption over AoA, ToA, frequency, and / or a combination thereof (e.g., all or a series), and / or relative to the noise floor (e.g., the residual quantization noise floor), particularly the noise floor of the digital radio signal, and the strongest element can be higher. If it is determined that the required resolution is less than the current resolution of the ADC and / or less than or equal to a lower resolution that can be selected (e.g., by configuring the current ADC or switching to another ADC), then the resolution of the ADC can be adjusted. If one of these attributes is below a predefined threshold, the ADC resolution can be reduced.

[0108] According to a second exemplary aspect, there is disclosed an apparatus (e.g., a user equipment (UE) of a mobile communication network), the apparatus comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform the following, or include components for the following:

[0109] - at least one of the following:

[0110] - obtain at least one radio signal recorded by at least one antenna of the apparatus, wherein the radio signal indicates a radio environment observable by the apparatus, the radio environment including at least one interference element and at least one element of interest;

[0111] - analog-filter the obtained radio signal by means of at least one analog filter to obtain an analog-filtered radio signal based on a current filter configuration; and

[0112] - convert the analog-filtered radio signal into a digital radio signal by means of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC);

[0113] Or

[0114] - receive a digital radio signal or an information element indicating a digital radio signal from a network entity;

[0115] Or

[0116] - perform the following steps and

[0117] - evaluate whether at least one criterion is met, and if at least one criterion is met, perform the following steps:

[0118] - provide a digital radio signal or an information element indicating a digital radio signal to a network entity;

[0119] - at least one of the following:

[0120] - receive an indication of at least one interference element from a network entity,

[0121] - receive an indication of at least one interference element from a network entity and derive a derived filter configuration for at least one analog filter, wherein the derived filter configuration is selected to selectively attenuate the influence of the interference element on the analog-filtered radio signal, and

[0122] - at least one of the following:

[0123] - receive an indication of at least one interference element from a network entity,

[0124] - receive an indication of at least one interference element from a network entity and derive a derived filter configuration for at least one analog filter, wherein the derived filter configuration is selected to selectively attenuate the influence of the interference element on the analog-filtered radio signal, and

[0125] - Receive an exported filter configuration from a network entity;

[0126] - At least one of the following:

[0127] - Set the exported filter configuration as the current filter configuration for subsequent analog filtering;

[0128]

[0129] - Set the exported filter configuration as the current filter configuration for subsequent analog filtering, where the setting includes at least one of the following:

[0130]

[0131] - Configure at least one analog filter of the device;

[0132] - Provide the exported filter configuration to the network entity;

[0133] - Set the exported filter configuration as the current filter configuration for subsequent analog filtering, where the setting includes at least one of the following:

[0134]

[0135] - Provide an indication of at least one received interference element to the network entity;

[0136] - Provide an indication of at least one received interference element to the network entity via the F1 interface.

[0137] According to a second exemplary aspect including these steps, the steps performed by the device can be interpreted or form a corresponding method. For example, such a method can be performed and / or controlled by a device (e.g., a server). Alternatively, the method can be performed and / or controlled by more than one device, such as a server cloud including at least two servers. Alternatively, the method can be performed and / or controlled by an electronic device, such as a node or a mobile device in a communication system. For example, the method can be performed and / or controlled by using at least one processor of the electronic device.

[0138] According to another exemplary aspect, a computer program is disclosed that, when executed by a processor, causes a device (e.g., a server) to perform and / or control the actions / steps of the method according to the second exemplary aspect.

[0139] A computer program can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium, in particular a tangible and / or non-transitory medium. The computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, a magnetic disk or a memory, etc. The computer program can be stored in the computer-readable storage medium in the form of instructions encoding the computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium can be used to participate in the operation of a device, such as an internal or external memory, for example, a read (e.g., read-only) memory (ROM) or a hard disk of a computer, or for distributing a program, such as an optical disc.

[0140] According to another exemplary aspect, a device is disclosed that is configured to perform and / or control or includes corresponding components for performing and / or controlling the method according to the second exemplary aspect.

[0141] The components of the device can be implemented in hardware and / or software. They can include, for example, at least one processor for executing computer program code to perform the required functions, at least one memory for storing the program code, or both. Alternatively, they can include, for example, circuitry designed to implement the required functions, such as implemented in a chipset or a chip, such as an integrated circuit. Generally, the components can include, for example, one or more processing components or processors.

[0142] The above-disclosed device according to any aspect can be a module or component for a device, such as a chip. Alternatively, the device disclosed according to any aspect can be a device, such as a server or a server cloud. The device disclosed according to any aspect can include (e.g., only include) the disclosed components, such as components, processors, memories, or can also include one or more additional components.

[0143] For example, the device can correspond to a sensing access point (SAP). The SAP can correspond to a node of a communication network, such as a gNB, or one of CU, DU, RU. The device can also correspond to a user equipment (UE). The SAP can correspond to a component of the device responsible for at least one sensing operation. For example, the device (especially when corresponding to the SAP) can include at least one antenna. The device (especially when corresponding to the SAP) can be configured to transmit at least one radio signal and / or receive at least one radio signal.

[0144] The device can be configured to acquire at least one radio signal recorded by at least one antenna of the device. In this case, the device can correspond to an RU and / or be substantially the same and / or correspond to the device of the second exemplary aspect. For further details on acquiring at least one radio signal, the features disclosed for the first exemplary aspect are hereby incorporated and / or considered to be disclosed for the second exemplary aspect as well.

[0145] The apparatus may also be configured to, by means of at least one analog filter, perform analog filtering on the acquired radio signal to obtain an analog-filtered radio signal based on the current filter configuration. The at least one analog filter may be a component of the apparatus according to the second exemplary aspect. For further details of such analog filtering, the features disclosed for the first exemplary aspect are incorporated herein and / or considered to be disclosed for the second exemplary aspect as well.

[0146] The apparatus may also be configured to convert the analog-filtered radio signal into a digital radio signal by means of an ADC. The ADC may be part of the apparatus according to a second separate aspect. Alternatively, the ADC part of different apparatuses. In this case, the analog-filtered radio signal is transmitted to another entity before being converted into a digital radio signal. For example, such transmission may be achieved by at least one of at least one cable, a wireless communication link, or an optical fiber.

[0147] As an alternative to the above acquisition, filtering, and conversion steps, the apparatus according to the second example aspect may be configured to receive a digital radio signal or an information element indicating a digital radio signal from a network entity. For example, in this case, the network entity may correspond to an RU. The reception may be achieved by at least one of a cable, wireless communication, or an optical fiber.

[0148] The apparatus according to the second exemplary aspect may be configured to conditionally or unconditionally perform the following steps when a criterion is met. If the apparatus is configured to unconditionally perform the following steps, the criterion may be evaluated by different network entities with which the apparatus may cooperate. If the apparatus is configured to perform the following steps (e.g., only) when the criterion is met, the apparatus is configured to evaluate the criterion. For further details of such evaluation, the features disclosed for the first exemplary aspect are incorporated herein and / or considered to be disclosed for the second exemplary aspect as well.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to send a corresponding signal to at least one network entity when the criterion is not met. The signal may indicate to the at least one network entity that the criterion is not met. For example, the criterion may indicate that the apparatus has not performed other steps after evaluating the criterion.

[0150] The apparatus may be configured to provide a digital radio signal or an information element indicating a digital radio signal to a network entity. For example, the providing may include, for example, sending by means of a wireless communication link, a cable, and / or an optical fiber. The network entity to which the providing is performed may correspond to a sensing management function, for example.

[0151] The apparatus may also be configured to receive an indication of at least one interference element from a network entity. The network entity may correspond, for example, to a sensing management function. The indication of the interference element may be based, for example, on a digital radio signal and / or an information element indicating a digital radio signal previously provided to the network entity by the apparatus according to an exemplary aspect. The indication of at least one interference element may identify, for example, a portion of the digital radio signal, such as, for example, a frequency range, a timing range, and / or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the indication of at least one interference element may also correspond to a filter specification, particularly an advanced filter specification. The specification may be configured to enable the configuration of a federation (particularly an elevator) to attenuate the effect of at least one interference element on a filtered variant of a radio signal (particularly on an analog-filtered radio signal). Here, below and above (i.e., in all exemplary aspects), an indication of an interference element may correspond to a list of time of arrival (ToA) and / or angle of arrival (AoA). Such a list may be a 1D list (i.e., a ToA list or an AoA list). Such a list may also correspond to a 2D list, i.e., a list of ToA and AoA pairs. The ToA, AoA, and / or a pair of ToA and AoA may correspond to and / or identify interference elements in the radio signal and / or in the radio environment. The indication may additionally or alternatively (e.g., a list of time of arrival (ToA) and / or angle of arrival (AoA)) indicate signal strength (i.e., power, amplitude), for example, for a given AoA, ToA, and / or a pair of AoA and ToA. Such an amplitude may be used by subsequent actions (e.g., performed by the same or a different apparatus), particularly when deriving a filter configuration. While strong targets (e.g., interference elements) may be filtered out by an analog filter, relatively weak targets may remain in the analog-filtered radio signal for digital processing. For example, the amplitude may be represented as an absolute value and / or a relative value, for example, compared to the noise floor and / or the amplitude of at least one other interference (e.g., the strongest interference), the amplitude of an object of interest, or the average, median, minimum, or maximum amplitude of at least a certain range or (e.g., all) AoA, ToA, and / or both.

[0152] The apparatus may be configured to derive a filter configuration (in particular in addition to receiving an indication of at least one interference element). For further details of such derivation, the features disclosed for the first exemplary aspect are incorporated herein and / or considered to be disclosed also for the second exemplary aspect. If the derived filter configuration is based on a previous, e.g., current filter configuration, the apparatus may be configured to save the derived filter configuration for a given iteration of the method of the second exemplary aspect and use the saved filter configuration when deriving the filter configuration in subsequent iterations. In one embodiment, the derivation may depend on at least one capability of at least one analog filter. For example, the apparatus of the second exemplary aspect may save at least one available information element indicating such filtering capabilities. For example, in the case where at least one analog filter among at least one analog filter is external to the apparatus, the filter capabilities may be obtained from a network entity. Such obtaining may be part of a setup phase and / or a configuration phase.

[0153] Alternatively, the apparatus may be configured to receive the derived filter configuration from a network entity. The network entity may in particular correspond to a network entity to which the apparatus according to the second exemplary aspect is configured to provide a digital radio signal or an information element indicating a digital radio signal. The network entity may in particular correspond to a sensing management function.

[0154] The apparatus of the second exemplary aspect may also be configured to set the derived filter configuration for subsequent analog filtering. If the apparatus includes at least one among at least one analog filter, such subsequent filtering may be implemented by the apparatus itself. The subsequent analog filtering may also be performed by another network entity such as an RU.

[0155] For example, the setting may include configuring at least one analog filter of the apparatus of the second exemplary aspect. In this case, the apparatus includes at least one analog filter that may be used to filter a radio signal to obtain an analog-filtered radio signal.

[0156] Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus of the second exemplary aspect may be configured to provide the derived filter configuration to a network entity (such as, for example, an RU). The network entity to which the provision is made may include at least one among at least one analog filter.

[0157] Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus of the second exemplary aspect may be configured to provide an indication of at least one received interference element to a network entity. The network entity may correspond to, for example, a DU or an RU. For example, the apparatus according to the second exemplary aspect may correspond to a CU and may be configured to provide the received indication to the DU. The apparatus may also be a DU and may be configured to provide the received indication to the RU. In this case, the network entity to which the indication is provided may itself derive a corresponding (e.g., derived) filter configuration. In this case, the apparatus may not be configured to derive the derived filter configuration and / or (e.g., only) derive a part of the derived filter configuration.

[0158] The apparatus may in particular be configured to provide the received indication to a network entity (e.g., DU, RU) via the F1 interface.

[0159] The provision of the derived filter configuration may be configured to command the receiving network entity to set the derived filter configuration as the current filter configuration. For example, the provision may be configured to command the network entity to filter at least one subsequent filtered radio signal using the derived filter configuration. For this purpose, the derived filter configuration may be accompanied by a corresponding command directed to the network entity. Providing an indication of at least one interference to the network entity may command the receiving network entity to derive a derived filter configuration based on the received indication and set the derived filter configuration as the current filter configuration of at least one analog filter (in particular, the analog filter of the network entity).

[0160] According to one embodiment, the apparatus of the second exemplary aspect may be configured to perform at least two or more iterations of the steps described above.

[0161] According to an embodiment of the apparatus based on the second exemplary aspect, at least one memory and computer program code are configured to, together with at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform at least one of the following, or the apparatus includes components for at least one of the following:

[0162] - Sense at least one object of interest based on a digital radio signal;

[0163] - Sense at least one object of interest based on a digital radio signal, wherein sensing includes determining at least one attribute of the object of interest; and

[0164] - Sense at least one object of interest based on a digital radio signal, wherein sensing includes determining at least one attribute of the object of interest, where the attribute is at least one of the position, signal strength, round-trip time, frequency range, angle of arrival, time of arrival, and identity of the object of interest.

[0165] For more details on sensing, features disclosed for the first exemplary aspect are hereby incorporated and / or considered to be disclosed also for the second exemplary aspect.

[0166] All features disclosed for the first exemplary aspect are also disclosed for the second exemplary aspect, in particular details related to standard and interference elements.

[0167] According to a third exemplary aspect, a device is disclosed, the device comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to perform the following, or include components for the following:

[0168] - Receive a digital radio signal or an information element indicating a digital radio signal from a network entity;

[0169] - At least one of the following:

[0170] - Perform the following steps, and

[0171] - Evaluate whether at least one criterion is met, and if at least one criterion is

[0172] met, perform the following steps:

[0173] - Based on the digital radio signal, determine at least one interference element in the radio environment;

[0174] - At least one of the following:

[0175] - Send an indication of at least one interference element to the network entity, and

[0176] - Derive a filter configuration for at least one analog filter, where the derived filter configuration is selected to selectively attenuate the impact of the interference element on the analog-filtered radio signal, and send the derived filter configuration to the network entity.

[0177] The steps performed by the device may be interpreted as or form a method according to the third exemplary aspect including these steps. The method may for example be performed and / or controlled by one device (e.g., a server). Alternatively, the method may be performed and / or controlled by more than one device, such as a server cloud including at least two servers. Alternatively, the method may for example be performed and / or controlled by an electronic device, such as a node or a mobile device in a communication system. For example, the method may be performed and / or controlled by using at least one processor of the electronic device.

[0178] According to another exemplary aspect, a computer program is disclosed which, when executed by a processor, causes a device (e.g., a server) to perform and / or control the actions / steps of the method according to the third exemplary aspect.

[0179] The computer program may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium, in particular a tangible and / or non-transitory medium. The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, a disk or a memory, etc. The computer program may be stored in the computer-readable storage medium in the form of instructions encoding the computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium may be used to participate in the operation of a device, such as an internal or external memory, e.g., a read (e.g., read-only) memory (ROM) or a hard disk of a computer, or for distributing a program, such as an optical disc.

[0180] According to another exemplary aspect, a device is disclosed which is configured to perform and / or control or includes corresponding components for performing and / or controlling the method according to the third exemplary aspect.

[0181] The components of the device may be implemented in hardware and / or software. They may include, for example, at least one processor for executing computer program code to perform the required functions, at least one memory for storing the program code, or both. Alternatively, they may include, for example, circuitry designed to implement the required functions, e.g., implemented in a chipset or a chip, such as an integrated circuit. Generally, the components may include, for example, one or more processing components or processors.

[0182] The device disclosed above according to any aspect may be a module or component for a device, such as a chip. Alternatively, the device disclosed according to any aspect may be a device, such as a server or a server cloud. The device disclosed according to any aspect may include (e.g., only include) the disclosed components, such as components, processors, memories, or may also include one or more additional components.

[0183] The device may, for example, correspond to a sensing management function. The sensing management function may be located in a location management function (LMF) and / or in a node of a communication network, such as, for example, a gNB.

[0184] The device may be configured to receive a digital radio signal or an information element indicating a digital radio signal from a network entity. The network entity may, for example, correspond to or be represented by the device according to the second exemplary aspect, e.g., an SAP, which may be, for example, part of a network node of a communication network, such as a gNB or a UE. The reception may be achieved via a wireless communication link or a wired communication link (such as a cable or an optical fiber). The reception may be implemented as an F1 interface.

[0185] The apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect may perform additional steps conditionally or unconditionally. In the latter case, these steps may be performed without evaluating a criterion. In the former case, the apparatus is configured to evaluate a criterion, and if the criterion is met, to implement or perform the following steps. For further details regarding criterion evaluation and the criterion itself, the disclosures related to the first exemplary aspect and the second exemplary aspect are also regarded as the corresponding disclosures of the third exemplary aspect. If the criterion is evaluated and not met, the apparatus may be configured to provide an indication of the non - met condition to at least one network entity.

[0186] The apparatus may also be configured to determine at least one interference element based on a digital radio signal. For more details, particularly regarding the determination and the interference element, see the disclosures of the first exemplary aspect and the second exemplary aspect.

[0187] The apparatus may also be configured to send an indication of at least one interference element to a network entity. The network entity may for example correspond to a SAP, such as a part of a gNB, DU or UE. The network entity may also for example correspond to a RU. The receiving network entity may be able to derive a filter configuration based on the indication of at least one interference element.

[0188] The apparatus of the third exemplary aspect may additionally or alternatively be configured to first derive (e.g., the derived) filter configuration and then send the derived filter configuration to a network entity. In this case, the network entity may particularly correspond to a RU and may alternatively or additionally correspond to a SAP, such as a network node, such as for example a gNB or a part of a gNB, or correspond to a UE.

[0189] According to an example embodiment of the third exemplary aspect, at least one memory and computer program code are configured to, together with at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform the following, or include components for the following:

[0190] - Sense at least one object of interest based on a digital radio signal;

[0191] - Sense at least one object of interest based on a digital radio signal, wherein sensing includes determining at least one attribute of the object of interest; and

[0192] - Sense at least one object of interest based on a digital radio signal, wherein sensing includes determining at least one attribute of the object of interest, where the attribute is at least one of the location, signal strength, round - trip time, frequency range, angle of arrival, time of arrival, and identity of the object of interest.

[0193] Regarding the details of sensing, the disclosures related to the first and second aspects apply to the third exemplary aspect in the same manner.

[0194] According to an embodiment of the third exemplary aspect:

[0195] - The determination includes at least one of the following items:

[0196] - Based on a digital radio signal, comparing the amplitudes of at least two elements of the radio environment,

[0197] - Based on a digital radio signal, determining an element within the radio environment having the strongest amplitude among at least two elements across the radio environment or elements of the radio environment,

[0198] - Determining an element different from at least one element of interest,

[0199] - Determining at least one element of a digital radio signal having an amplitude higher than the noise floor of the ADC, and

[0200] - Determining at least one element of a digital radio signal having an amplitude higher than a threshold amplitude, where the threshold amplitude is based on the noise floor of the ADC.

[0201] Regarding the details of sensing, the disclosures related to the first and second aspects apply to the third exemplary aspect in the same manner.

[0202] According to a fourth aspect, a device is disclosed, the device including at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to at least perform the following items, or the device includes components for the following items:

[0203] - At least one of the following items:

[0204] - Receiving an indication of at least one interference element from a network entity,

[0205] - Receiving an indication of at least one interference element from a network entity, and deriving a filter configuration for at least one analog filter, where the derived filter configuration is selected to selectively attenuate the impact of the interference element on the analog-filtered radio signal; and

[0206] - Receiving a derived filter configuration from a network entity;

[0207] - Setting the derived filter configuration as the current filter configuration for subsequent analog filtering;

[0208] - Obtain at least one radio signal recorded by at least one antenna of the device, where the radio signal indicates the radio environment observable by the device, and the radio environment includes at least one interference element and at least one element of interest;

[0209] - By means of at least one analog filter, perform analog filtering on the obtained radio signal to obtain an analog-filtered radio signal based on the current filter configuration;

[0210] - By means of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), convert the analog-filtered radio signal into a digital radio signal;

[0211] - Provide the digital radio signal or an information element indicating the digital radio signal to a network entity.

[0212] The steps performed by the device can be interpreted as or form a corresponding method according to the fourth exemplary aspect including these steps. The method can be performed and / or controlled by, for example, a device (such as a server). Alternatively, the method can be performed and / or controlled by more than one device, such as a server cloud including at least two servers. Alternatively, the method can be performed and / or controlled by, for example, an electronic device, such as a node or a mobile device in a communication system. For example, the method can be performed and / or controlled by using at least one processor of the electronic device.

[0213] According to another exemplary aspect, a computer program is disclosed, which, when executed by a processor, causes a device (such as a server) to perform and / or control the actions / steps of the method according to the fourth exemplary aspect.

[0214] The computer program can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium, particularly a tangible and / or non-transitory medium. The computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, a disk or a memory, etc. The computer program can be stored on the computer-readable storage medium in the form of instructions encoding the computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium can be used to participate in the operation of the device, such as an internal or external memory, for example, a read (e.g., read-only) memory (ROM) or a hard disk of a computer, or for distributing the program, such as an optical disc.

[0215] According to another exemplary aspect, a device is disclosed, which is configured to perform and / or control or includes corresponding components for performing and / or controlling the method according to the fourth exemplary aspect.

[0216] The components of the device can be implemented in hardware and / or software. They can include, for example, at least one processor for executing computer program code to perform the required functions, at least one memory for storing the program code, or both. Alternatively, they can include, for example, circuitry designed to implement the required functions, such as implemented in a chipset or a chip, like an integrated circuit. Generally, the components can include, for example, one or more processing components or processors.

[0217] The device disclosed above according to any aspect can be a module or component for a device, such as a chip. Alternatively, the device disclosed according to any aspect can be a device, such as a server or a server cloud. The device disclosed according to any aspect can include (e.g., only include) the disclosed components, such as components, processors, memories, or can also include one or more additional components.

[0218] The device can, for example, correspond to a network node of a communication network or a component of a network node. For example, the device can correspond to a network node (e.g., gNB) or a RU of a UE (e.g., SAP-RU).

[0219] The device can receive an indication of at least one interference element from a network entity (e.g., the device of the second exemplary aspect). Regarding the attributes of the indication, reference is made to other exemplary aspects. The network entity can, for example, correspond to a sensing management function. Additionally, the network entity can correspond to a part of the SAP (such as CU / DU) or at least a part of the UE. The device and the network entity according to the fourth exemplary aspect can correspond to different parts of the same network entity.

[0220] The device can also be configured to derive (e.g., the derived) filter configuration. The derivation can be based on the received indication of at least one interference element. The same applies to the disclosure of other aspects of the derivation according to the fourth aspect.

[0221] The device can also receive the derived filter configuration from a network entity. In this case, the device according to the fourth exemplary aspect itself does not require or need to be able to derive the derived filter configuration. Another network entity (especially the network entity that receives the derived filter configuration) may have derived the derived filter configuration. According to the fourth exemplary aspect, the network entity can derive the derived filter configuration based on an indication of at least one filtering capability of a previously exchanged device. The network entity can, for example, correspond to a sensing management function. Additionally, the network entity can correspond to a part of the SAP (such as CU / DU) or at least a part of the UE. The device and the network entity according to the fourth exemplary aspect can correspond to different parts of the same network entity.

[0222] The apparatus may be configured to set a (e.g., derived) filter configuration as the current filter configuration for subsequent analog filtering. For example, the apparatus may include at least one analog filter. The at least one analog filter may be configured to set the analog filter to the derived filter configuration. When the analog filter is subsequently applied to a radio signal, the analog filter will apply the derived filter configuration to the radio signal. If the derived filter configuration is received as a specific configuration of the filter, it may be directly applied to the analog filter without additional processing steps. Alternatively, the derived filter configuration may be obtained (e.g., received) in a more abstract form by the apparatus of the fourth exemplary aspect, such as as a high-level filter configuration. In this case, setting the derived filter configuration as the current filter configuration may involve a second derivation step in which specific filter coefficients, such as equalization weights or similar coefficients, are derived from the more abstract definition of the derived filter configuration.

[0223] The apparatus of the fourth exemplary aspect may further include analog filtering and convert the analog-filtered radio signal into a digital radio signal. To this end, the apparatus may include at least one analog filter and at least one ADC. Further details regarding analog filtering and conversion are disclosed for other exemplary aspects and these details are also incorporated for the fourth exemplary aspect.

[0224] The apparatus of the fourth exemplary aspect is further configured to provide the digital radio signal or an information element indicating the digital radio signal to a network entity. The providing may be performed, for example, by sending it to the network entity via a wireless communication link or a wired communication link (e.g., via a cable or an optical fiber). The providing may also correspond to making the digital radio signal or the information element indicating the digital radio signal available to the network entity, e.g., by allowing the network entity to obtain it from the apparatus according to the fourth exemplary aspect, or by sending it to another network entity for it to obtain.

[0225] The network entity to which the providing is made may correspond to a SAP, such as a network node, e.g., a gNB, a part thereof, such as a CU / DU. The network entity may also correspond to a UE. Alternatively, the network entity may correspond to a sensing management function.

[0226] According to a fifth aspect, a system is disclosed that includes at least two of the apparatus of the second exemplary aspect, the apparatus of the third exemplary aspect, and the apparatus of the fourth exemplary aspect.

[0227] The system may be configured to, for example, at least partially jointly perform the method according to the first exemplary aspect.

[0228] Furthermore, at least two and / or more network entities of the system may exchange configuration information, particularly before performing at least a part of these steps according to the method based on the first exemplary aspect. For example, a device according to the fourth exemplary aspect may share at least one analog filtering capability. For example, such an analog filtering capability may be an analog temporal filtering capability. Additionally or alternatively, an analog spatial filtering capability (particularly a beamforming capability) may be shared with at least one other entity, particularly with a device according to the second exemplary aspect and / or with a device according to the third exemplary aspect.

[0229] The initialization process may include sharing at least one analog filtering capability.

[0230] In particular, a device according to the fourth exemplary aspect may acquire a radio signal and filter it using a current filter configuration previously obtained as a derived filter configuration. The device may convert the analog-filtered radio signal into a digital radio signal and provide it to a device according to the second exemplary aspect and / or a device according to the third exemplary aspect. Alternatively, a device according to the second aspect may be configured to perform the steps of acquisition, analog filtering, and conversion, such that the corresponding system according to the fifth exemplary aspect may not require a device according to the fourth exemplary aspect to provide a digital radio signal. In such a case, the device according to the second exemplary aspect provides a digital radio signal to the device according to the third exemplary aspect.

[0231] A device according to the second exemplary aspect may then optionally evaluate at least one criterion and conditionally perform the following steps, or may alternatively perform the following steps without evaluating the criterion.

[0232] Then, a device according to the second exemplary aspect may provide a digital radio signal to a device according to the third exemplary aspect.

[0233] A device according to the third exemplary aspect may receive a digital radio signal from a device according to the second exemplary aspect or a device according to the fourth exemplary aspect. Subsequently, a device according to the third exemplary aspect may evaluate at least one criterion and conditionally perform the following steps, or perform the following steps without evaluating the criterion.

[0234] A device according to the third exemplary aspect is configured to (e.g., then) determine at least one interference element based on the digital radio signal and send an indication of at least one interference element to a device according to the second exemplary aspect. Alternatively, a device according to the second exemplary aspect may derive a derived filter configuration based on the interference element and send the derived filter configuration to a device according to the second exemplary aspect or a device according to the fourth exemplary aspect.

[0235] The apparatus according to the second exemplary aspect can receive a derived filter configuration from the apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect, or derive a derived filter configuration based on a reception indication of at least one interference element received from the apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect. It can be configured to set the derived filter configuration as the current filter configuration. To this end, it can configure its own analog filter, or provide an indication of the at least one interference element received or the derived filter configuration to the apparatus according to the fourth exemplary aspect.

[0236] Alternatively, the apparatus according to the fourth exemplary aspect can obtain (e.g., substantially without involving the apparatus according to the second exemplary aspect) an indication of at least one interference element or a derived filter configuration from the apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect.

[0237] All features disclosed for any exemplary aspect are also disclosed for the corresponding other exemplary aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0238] The figures show:

[0239] FIG. 1a, FIG. 1b show corresponding exemplary sensing scenarios;

[0240] Figure 2 is a diagram of a configurable combination of an analog filter and an ADC according to the first exemplary aspect and the fourth exemplary aspect;

[0241] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the impact on a digital radio signal of the method according to all exemplary aspects;

[0242] Figure 4 is a signaling diagram of an embodiment according to all exemplary aspects for a digital radio signal;

[0243] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a method for a digital radio signal according to an embodiment of all exemplary aspects;

[0244] Figure 6 is a signaling diagram according to an embodiment of all exemplary aspects;

[0245] FIG. 7a, FIG. 7b are two block diagrams showing an exemplary embodiment of the interaction between entities according to the second exemplary aspect, the third exemplary aspect, and the fourth exemplary aspect, which entities can jointly perform the method according to the first exemplary aspect;

[0246] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method according to the first exemplary aspect;

[0247] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method according to the second exemplary aspect;

[0248] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a method according to a third exemplary aspect;

[0249] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a method according to a fourth exemplary aspect;

[0250] Figure 12 is a block diagram showing an embodiment according to a second exemplary aspect;

[0251] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a method according to a third exemplary aspect;

[0252] Figure 14 is a block diagram showing an embodiment according to a fourth exemplary aspect;

[0253] Figure 15 is an example of a storage medium. Detailed Description

[0254] Figures 1a and 1b show two example sensing scenarios. Two radio environments are shown. A device (such as an SAP, e.g., network node 100, or UE 100 as shown) that may correspond to a device according to the second aspect senses a plurality of signals from its radio environment. Among them, useful signals (such as useful signals transmitted by network node 500) are received. Weaker reflections of the useful signals transmitted by node 500 (as shown by the dashed lines) are also received (e.g., reflected by it) via environmental elements 600 and 602.

[0255] Interference elements of the radio environment (e.g., the interference element in Figure 1a) may originate from signals received from network node 400 and may contaminate the radio signals recorded from the shown radio environment. Therefore, it may be helpful to attenuate the (one or more) effects of such one / or more elements of the radio environment by means of an analog filter.

[0256] Figure 2FIG. illustrates a part of the apparatus 300 corresponding to the fourth exemplary aspect. The apparatus may for example correspond to an RU, for example as part of a UE or a network node. Three antennas 370 filtered by an analog spatial filter 380A are shown. By applying a phase shift within the analog spatial filter 380A, the analog spatial filter can apply beamforming. Thus, a specific angle of arrival of a radio signal towards the antennas 370 of the apparatus 300 can be amplified while other angles are attenuated. This can in particular be achieved by signals adding constructively and destructively within a combiner following the analog spatial filter 380A in the signal chain. In the illustrated embodiment, an analog temporal filter 380B follows the combiner. The analog temporal filter 380A applies temporal filtering. For example, a specific time of arrival can be amplified and / or attenuated. Additionally or alternatively, the analog temporal filter 380B can amplify or attenuate the frequency. An optional step of downconversion can be performed before the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 390 transfers the analog-filtered radio signal to the digital domain.

[0257] In Figure 2 the illustrated embodiment, for example according to the fourth exemplary aspect or the second exemplary aspect, the DSP is integrated with the apparatus 300 / integrated at the apparatus 300. The DSP can implement a certain interference estimation. For example, the DSP can identify at least one element within the radio environment and / or the digital radio signal that may correspond to an interference element. Alternatively, the DSP can detect elements within the radio environment and / or the digital radio signal without classifying them as interference elements and non-interference elements. The DSP can create a summary report of the digital radio signal, which includes for example a list of the times of arrival and angles of arrival of the corresponding element(s) within the radio environment and / or the digital radio signal. For example, the summary takes the form of a list or an AoA, ToA, and / or a combination thereof, for example a list of AoA and ToA pairs.

[0258] For example, according to the third exemplary aspect, the apparatus 300 can communicate with the management function 200. The management function can be a location management function 200 and / or a sensing management function 200. The management function 200 can obtain a target list from the apparatus 300. The management function 200 can then decide how to configure at least one of the at least one analog filter of the apparatus 300. The management function 200 can command the apparatus 300 to configure at least one of its analog filters with the configuration provided by the management function 200.

[0259] Figure 3An example of the impact of analog filtering on a digital radio signal is shown. Its x-axis is shown as a unitless quantity and can be interpreted as the angle of arrival (e.g., degrees), or the time of arrival (e.g., milliseconds). Using a high-resolution ADC, in this example a 30-bit ADC, the unwanted peak at a range value of 14 and the wanted signal at approximately 18 can be clearly seen. Using a lower-resolution AEC, in this example a 12-bit ADC, (e.g., only) the unwanted peak at a range value of approximately 14 is visible, while the wanted signal below a range value of approximately 18 is hidden in the quantization noise of the ADC. To address this issue, the analog filter is configured to attenuate the impact of interfering elements on the analog filtered signal at a range value of approximately 14. When the digital radio signal is now recorded again, filtering it with the analog filter, which is designed to block the interfering elements at a value of approximately 14, and converting the analog filtered radio signal into a digital signal by means of a low resolution (here a 12-bit ADC), the desired signal component at a range value of approximately 18 can be seen.

[0260] The range value can correspond to the time of arrival and / or the angle of arrival. The method can, for example, include scanning the radio environment at multiple angles by tuning a spatial analog filter to multiple different angles. By doing so, interfering elements to be blocked can be identified at different angles of arrival.

[0261] Figure 4 A signaling diagram between a management function 200 according to, for example, a third exemplary aspect and a SAP RU 300 according to, for example, a fourth exemplary aspect and / or a second exemplary aspect is shown. In an initialization phase, in step S100, the management function 200 can request the RU 300 to share information about analog filtering capabilities and / or ADC resolution in a TRP information request. In particular, it can request the RU 300 to share analog equalization capabilities, nulling capabilities, the capabilities of one or more ADCs, and / or combinations thereof.

[0262] In step 102, the RU can respond with a TRP information response. In this response, the RU can share the capabilities requested by the management function 200. The RU 300 can share the requested information, and / or can share more or less information than that requested by the management function 200.

[0263] Information about capabilities (e.g., analog filtering and / or ADC capabilities) can be shared, for example, between the CU and the DU, particularly via the F1 interface. Additionally, if there is a split between the DU and the RU, the filtering capabilities can be shared from the RU to the DU. In particular, the configuration signaling between the DU and the RU can be enhanced by adding analog filtering capabilities (especially analog temporal filtering capabilities and / or analog spatial filtering capabilities). Additionally or alternatively, the ADC capabilities can be shared between the DU and the RU, particularly during the initialization step.

[0264] In step S104, sensing scans and / or acquisitions are performed. Here, in particular, the RU 300 can record at least one radio signal of its radio environment. Analog filtering can be applied to the radio signal and analog-to-digital conversion, and can be performed within step S104. The analog filtering can be based on current, e.g., an initial filter configuration.

[0265] Based on the digital radio signal thus obtained, a target to be removed by analog filtering, i.e., an interference element, is determined. This determination of the interference element can be made at the level of the management function 200. This step can include deriving a filter configuration. Optionally, it can be decided to adapt the ADC resolution, particularly to reduce the resolution.

[0266] The management function 200 can provide the filter configuration to the RU 300 and step S108, particularly the derived filter configuration derived in step S106. The filter configuration can particularly include equalization parameters, specific spatio-temporal analog equalization parameters for the next sensing. Specifically, in step S108, the management function 200 can request another sensing from the RU and attach the derived filter configuration to such a request.

[0267] In step S110, the derived filter configuration is applied before converting the recorded radio signal into a digital radio signal. Step 110 can include at least a part and / or (e.g., all) of step S104, where the filter configuration is the derived filter configuration determined in step S106 and transmitted in step S108.

[0268] In step S112, criteria can be evaluated based on the digital radio signal. If the criteria are met, the method can proceed to the next iteration, e.g., starting from step S106.

[0269] Figure 5An exemplary flowchart is shown, which illustrates an embodiment of a method according to a first exemplary aspect, including selecting one of two available ADCs. One ADC has a higher resolution than the other ADC. In a first step, a radio front end (RF front end) may provide an analog radio signal that is converted into a digital signal by either of the two ADCs. Based on the resulting digital radio signal, at least one power level of elements of the digital radio signal (e.g., targets identified within the digital radio signal) is estimated. Based on the power level, e.g., based on the dynamic range of the power level, it is determined (e.g., decided) whether the number of required bits is low enough to use a low-precision ADC. This determination / decision may be performed independently of the configuration of an analog filter of a part of the RF front end to derive a filter configuration.

[0270] Figure 6 An example of information exchange between a radio unit (here an NG-RAN node) 300 according to a fourth exemplary aspect and / or a second exemplary aspect and a location management function (LMF) 200 according to a third exemplary aspect is shown. The LMF 200 may request information from the node 300 in a TRP information request. Such information may particularly relate to the analog filtering capabilities of the node, e.g., the analog spatial filtering capabilities of the node. Additional information may be requested in the same TRP information request and / or in subsequent and / or previous TRP information requests. The node 300 responds with a TRP information response that indicates at least a part of the requested information indicated in the previously received TRP information request. Such information exchange may be part of an initialization process performed between at least two of the shown entities of the network node 300 and the location management function 200. Since the LMF 200 may later (e.g., during the process of performing at least a part of the steps of the method according to the first exemplary aspect) send at least one derived filter configuration. In addition, the LMF 200 may adapt the filter configuration to the filtering capabilities of the network node 300.

[0271] Figure 7 illustrates two example systems of an embodiment according to, for example, the fifth exemplary aspect, including a sensing management function 200 according to, for example, the third exemplary aspect, a SAP 100 according to, for example, the second exemplary aspect, and an optional radio unit 300 according to, for example, the fourth exemplary aspect. In the first configuration shown in FIG. 7a, there is a split between the SAPs 100, such as network nodes such as gNBs, in particular CU-DU, DU, and / or combinations thereof, and / or RU 300. The RU 300 may include at least one antenna 370. The RU 300 may record a radio signal, filter it using at least one analog filter, and convert it into a digital radio signal. The RU 300 may then provide the digital radio signal and / or an indication of the digital radio signal to the SAP 100, which may send the radio signal to the sensing management function 200, which in turn may determine interference elements and / or filter configurations. The sensing management function 100 may then provide (e.g., transmit) the interference elements, in particular an indication of the interference elements and / or the filter configuration, to the SAP 100. The SAP 100 may set the analog filter configuration, for example, by sending the filter configuration to the RU 300, in particular the filter configuration received from the sensing management function 200.

[0272] In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 7b, the RU 300 is integrated into the SAP 100.

[0273] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the sensing management function 200 may interface directly with the RU 300, i.e., without the SAP 100.

[0274] Figure 8 A flowchart of an example embodiment of a method according to the first exemplary aspect is shown. In step S1010, at least one radio signal is obtained. For example, the obtaining may include recording at least one radio signal by means of at least one antenna. The obtaining may alternatively or additionally include receiving a radio signal that may, for example, have been previously recorded using the antenna of the device.

[0275] In step S1020, the radio signal may be filtered in an analog filtering step. The analog filtering produces an analog-filtered radio signal. The analog-filtered radio signal may, for example, reflect beamforming and / or filtering in time implemented by at least one analog filter. The analog-filtered radio signal may depend on the current filter configuration. The current filter configuration may, for example, correspond to a previously derived filter configuration that may, for example, have been derived in a previous iteration of the method according to the first exemplary aspect or through an initial configuration.

[0276] In step S1030, the radio signal that has been simulated and fitted can be converted into a digital radio signal. The digital radio signal can be shaped by automatic gain control and / or by the resolution of the ADC used for the conversion. The digital radio signal includes quantization noise. The digital radio signal is also filtered by the current filter configuration applied to the analog filter, just like the radio signal that has been analog-filtered.

[0277] In optional step S1040, it is evaluated whether at least one criterion is met. Hereinafter, if (for example, only if) the criterion is met, other steps of the method are executed. However, if the criterion is not met, the method can end here.

[0278] If the criterion of step S1040 is met, the method further includes determining at least one interference element in step S1050. This determination can be based on the digital radio signal. For example, high-amplitude element screening can be performed on the digital radio signal, and these can be identified as interference elements. Alternatively or additionally, a search can be made for the expected components of the digital radio signal, which can respond at least partially to the elements of interest. Any part of the digital radio signal that is not identified as an element of interest can be determined as an interference element among these candidates, and the strongest interference element can be identified and selected in order to be nullified by the subsequently derived filter configuration. For example, interference elements can be compared by their amplitude in the digital radio signal. The element with the strongest amplitude compared to other elements can be determined as the strongest interference element.

[0279] In step S1060, a (for example, the derived) filter configuration is derived. The derived filter configuration can be selected to selectively attenuate the influence of at least one interference element on the radio signal that has been analog-filtered, and thus on the digital radio signal.

[0280] Then, step S1017 sets the derived filter configuration as the current filter configuration. In step S1020, the current filter configuration can be used in subsequent iterations of the method according to the first exemplary aspect.

[0281] Figure 9 The flowchart in shows a series of steps that can be executed by an example embodiment of the apparatus 300 according to the second exemplary aspect. The apparatus can, for example, correspond to the SAP 300.

[0282] In step S2010, the apparatus may obtain at least one radio signal, and subsequently, in step S2020, apply analog filtering, and subsequently in step S2030A, convert the analog-filtered radio signal into a digital radio signal. As an alternative to steps S2010, S2020, S2030A, the method may include step S2030B, in which a digital radio signal is received. For example, apparatus 300 may receive a digital radio signal from an apparatus according to the fourth exemplary aspect (e.g., radio unit 300).

[0283] The method may optionally include step S2040, in which at least one criterion is evaluated. If the criterion is not met, the method may end. Alternatively, if the criterion is met, the method may proceed to one or more subsequent steps. As an alternative to evaluating the criterion, the method may simply start from step S2030A or S2030B and proceed to step S2050, in which the digital radio signal is provided to another entity of the communication network, such as an apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect, such as sensing management function 200.

[0284] In step S2060, an apparatus according to the second exemplary aspect may receive an indication of interference elements and / or receive a derived filter configuration, in particular from an apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect, in particular from the apparatus to which the digital radio signal has been provided in step S2050.

[0285] Optionally, apparatus 100 may derive a derived filter configuration in step S2070. For example, in this case, in step S2060, the apparatus may (e.g., only) have received an indication of interference elements but not a derived filter configuration. In this case, in step S2070, the apparatus may derive (e.g., the derived) filter configuration based on the received indication of interference elements. If a derived filter configuration has been received in step S2060, the apparatus may also omit step S2070.

[0286] In step S2080, the apparatus may set the derived filter configuration as the current filter configuration. To this end, the apparatus may communicate with another apparatus, in particular with an apparatus according to the fourth exemplary aspect, in particular apparatus 300, two configurations of at least one analog filter residing in the apparatus according to the fourth exemplary aspect

[0287] Figure 10 A visual flowchart of steps that an example embodiment of an apparatus according to the third exemplary aspect may perform is shown. The apparatus may, for example, correspond to or represent sensing management function 200.

[0288] In a first step S3010, the device may receive a digital radio signal. For example, the device may receive a digital radio signal from a device according to a first exemplary aspect. The digital radio signal may be represented, for example, by a list of elements detected within the digital radio signal.

[0289] If at least one criterion is met in step S3020, the device may also be configured to perform at least one evaluation. If the criterion is not met, the device may be configured not to perform any further steps starting from step S3030. On the other hand, if the criterion is met, the device may continue directly (i.e., unconditionally) to step S3030 starting from step S3010.

[0290] In step S3030, the device may be configured to determine at least one interfering element. The determination may be based in particular on the received digital radio signal.

[0291] Then, in step S3040, the device may send an indication of the determined at least one interfering element. Alternatively or additionally, the device may derive a filter configuration in step S3050 and send the derived filter configuration in step S3060. The sending in steps S3040 and S3060 may be performed, for example, for a device according to a second exemplary aspect and / or for a device according to a fourth exemplary aspect.

[0292] Figure 11 The illustrated flowchart shows the steps that a device according to a fourth exemplary aspect may perform.

[0293] The device may receive a derived filter configuration in step S4020B, or alternatively may receive an indication of at least one interfering element in step S4010 and derive a filter configuration in step S4020A (e.g., autonomously). The derived filter configuration may be based in particular on the received indication of at least one interfering element.

[0294] Then, the device may proceed to step S4030, in which the derived filter configuration is set as the current filter configuration. For example, a device according to a fourth exemplary aspect may include at least one analog filter. By setting the derived filter configuration as the current filter configuration, the filtering characteristics of at least one analog filter are adjusted, and subsequent filtered radio signals are shaped by the new current filter configuration.

[0295] The device may also be configured to obtain at least one radio signal in step S4040, for example by means of at least one antenna that may belong to the device performing these steps. Subsequently, in step S4050, the device may perform analog filtering, which is in particular based on a filter configuration, in particular based on a new current filter configuration, i.e., a previously obtained derived filter configuration.

[0296] In step S4060, the device may convert the analog-filtered radio signal into a digital radio signal. To this end, it may use at least one ADC, which may be part of the device performing these steps.

[0297] The device may be configured to subsequently provide the digital radio signal to at least one network entity. The network entity may correspond, for example, to an embodiment according to the second exemplary aspect or the third exemplary aspect.

[0298] Figures 8 to 11 The order of steps shown may show the order in which these steps are performed by the corresponding device. However, the corresponding device is not limited to the shown order. On the contrary, the disclosed steps may be performed in any permutation.

[0299] Figure 12 An embodiment of a device 100 according to the second exemplary aspect is shown. The device may include a program memory A110, a main memory A120, and a data memory A140. The device may also include a user interface A160, which may, for example, enable a user of the device to interact with the device. The device may also include a communication interface A150, which may be configured, for example, to communicate with at least one other device (e.g., a device according to the third aspect and the fourth aspect).

[0300] Device 100 may include at least one of the following functional units A1301 to A1310. These functional units may correspond, here and below, for example, to software modules, parts of a computer program, computer instructions, functional electronic circuits, functional components connected to the device, and / or combinations thereof. These functional units correspond to Figure 9 the corresponding functions shown in the flowchart of

[0301] Figure 13 A device 200 according to the third exemplary aspect is shown. The device may include memory components A210, A220, A240, a user interface A260, and a communication interface A250 similar to those of the device shown in the second exemplary aspect. The device may also include functional units A231 to A236, which correspondingly correspond to Figure 10 the steps shown in the flowchart of

[0302] Figure 14illustrates an apparatus 300 according to a third exemplary aspect. The apparatus may include memory components A310, A320, A340, a user interface A360, and a communication interface A350 similar to those of the apparatus shown in the second exemplary aspect of Figure 12 as well.

[0303] The apparatus 300 may further include at least one antenna A370. The antenna A370 may be configured to acquire radio signals from the radio environment of the apparatus 300. The apparatus 300 may include two or more antennas A370. The radio signal acquirer A335 may use at least one antenna A370 to acquire at least one radio signal, for example.

[0304] The apparatus 300 may include at least one analog filter A380. The analog filter A380 may include, for example, a spatial analog filter such as a beamformer. The analog filter may alternatively or additionally include a spatial analog filter. The functional unit A336 (i.e., the analog filter) may use at least one analog filter A380 to acquire and analog-filter the radio signals. The functional unit A334 (i.e., the filter configuration setter) may be capable of configuring the analog filter A380.

[0305] The apparatus 300 may further include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) A390. The functional unit A337 of the converter may interact with the ADC A390 to acquire digital radio signals.

[0306] The functional units A331 to A338 correspondingly correspond to Figure 11 the steps shown in the flowchart of

[0307] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of an example of a tangible and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to the present invention, which may be used, for example, to implement Figures 12 to 14 the programs and / or main memories A110, A120, A140, A210, A220, A240, A310, A320, A340 of the apparatuses 100, 200, and / or 300 of Figure 15 illustrates a flash memory 1500 (which may be soldered or glued to a printed circuit board), a solid-state drive 1501 including a plurality of memory chips (e.g., flash memory chips), a magnetic hard disk drive 1502, a secure digital (SD) card 1503, a universal serial bus (USB) memory stick 1504, an optical storage medium 1505 (e.g., a CD-ROM or a DVD), and a magnetic storage medium 1506.

[0308] Furthermore, at least the following embodiments should be considered specifically disclosed:

[0309] Embodiment 1:

[0310] A method, for example, executed and / or implemented by a device (e.g., SAP), includes:

[0311] - At least one of the following:

[0312] - Obtain at least one radio signal recorded by at least one antenna of the device, where the radio signal indicates a radio environment observable by the device, and the radio environment includes at least one interference element and at least one element of interest;

[0313] - By means of at least one analog filter, perform analog filtering on the obtained radio signal to obtain an analog-filtered radio signal based on a current filter configuration; and

[0314] - By means of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), convert the analog-filtered radio signal into a digital radio signal;

[0315] Or

[0316] - Receive a digital radio signal or an information element indicating the digital radio signal from a network entity;

[0317] - At least one of the following

[0318] - Perform the following steps, and

[0319] - Evaluate whether at least one criterion is met, and if the at least one criterion is met, perform the following steps:

[0320] - Provide the digital radio signal or an information element indicating the digital radio signal to a network entity;

[0321] - At least one of the following:

[0322] - Receive an indication of at least one interference element from a network entity,

[0323] - Receive an indication of at least one interference element from a network entity, and derive a filter configuration for the at least one analog filter, where the derived filter configuration is selected to selectively attenuate the influence of the interference element on the analog-filtered radio signal, and

[0324] - Receive a derived filter configuration from a network entity;

[0325] - At least one of the following:

[0326] - Receive an indication of at least one interference element from a network entity,

[0327] - Receive a derived filter configuration from a network entity;

[0328] - At least one of the following:

[0329] - Set the exported filter configuration to the current filter configuration for subsequent analog filtering; and

[0330] - Set the exported filter configuration to the current filter configuration for subsequent analog filtering, where the setting includes at least one of the following:

[0331] - Configure at least one analog filter of the device;

[0332] - Provide the exported filter configuration to a network entity;

[0333] - Set the exported filter configuration to the current filter configuration for subsequent analog filtering, where the setting includes at least one of the following:

[0334] - Provide an indication of the at least one interference element received to a network entity;

[0335] - Provide an indication of the at least one interference element received to a network entity via the F1 interface.

[0336] - Provide an indication of the at least one interference element received to a network entity via the F1 interface.

[0337] Example 2:

[0338] The method according to Example 1, wherein the criterion is based on at least one of the following:

[0339] - The number of iterations,

[0340] - The attributes of the digital radio signal, or the attributes of at least one or more beams,

[0341] - The attributes of the digital radio signal, or the attributes of at least one or more beams, where the attributes include at least one of the following:

[0342] - The lower limit of the residual quantization noise floor of the digital radio signal,

[0343] - The lower limit of the residual quantization noise floor of the digital radio signal, where the lower limit depends on the thermal noise power of at least one component of the device, and / or

[0344] - The presence of interference elements.

[0345] Example 3:

[0346] The method according to Example 1 or 2, further comprising at least one of the following:

[0347] - Sense at least one object of interest based on the digital radio signal;

[0348] - Sensing at least one object of interest based on the digital radio signal, wherein the sensing includes: determining at least one attribute of the object of interest; and / or

[0349] - Sensing at least one object of interest based on the digital radio signal, wherein the sensing includes: determining at least one attribute of the object of interest, wherein the attribute is at least one of the following: the position of the object of interest, signal strength, round-trip time, frequency range, angle of arrival, time of arrival, and identity.

[0350] Example 4:

[0351] The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein:

[0352] - The interference element includes at least one of the following and / or is caused by at least one of the following:

[0353] - At least one interaction between the transmitted radio beam and the radio environment of the device, and / or

[0354] - Radio transmitter.

[0355] Example 5:

[0356] The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein:

[0357] - The determination includes at least one of the following:

[0358] - Comparing the amplitudes of at least two elements of the radio environment based on the digital radio signal,

[0359] - Based on the digital radio signal, determining an element within the radio environment that has the strongest amplitude across at least two elements of the radio environment or an element of the radio environment,

[0360] - Determining an element different from the at least one element of interest,

[0361] - Determining at least one element of the digital radio signal that has an amplitude higher than the noise floor of the ADC, and / or

[0362] - Determining at least one element of the digital radio signal that has an amplitude higher than a threshold amplitude, wherein the threshold amplitude is based on the noise floor of the ADC.

[0363] Example 6:

[0364] The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, further comprising:

[0365] - at least one of the following: adapting the resolution of the ADC based on at least one of the properties of the analog-filtered radio signal and the digital radio signal, and reducing the resolution of the ADC.

[0366] Example 7:

[0367] A method, for example, performed by a device (e.g., a sensing management function), includes:

[0368] - receiving a digital radio signal or an information element indicating the digital radio signal from a network entity;

[0369] - at least one of the following:

[0370] - performing the following steps, and / or

[0371] - evaluating whether at least one criterion is met, and if the at least one criterion is met, performing the following steps:

[0372] - determining at least one interference element in the radio environment based on the digital radio signal;

[0373] - at least one of the following:

[0374] - sending an indication of the at least one interference element to the network entity, and / or

[0375] - deriving a filter configuration for the at least one analog filter, where the derived filter configuration is selected to selectively attenuate the impact of the interference element on the analog-filtered radio signal, and sending the derived filter configuration to the network entity.

[0376] - for the at least one analog filter, deriving a filter configuration, where the derived filter configuration is selected to selectively attenuate the impact of the interference element on the analog-filtered radio signal, and sending the derived filter configuration to the network entity.

[0377] The derived filter configuration is selected to selectively attenuate the impact of the interference element on the analog-filtered radio signal, and send the derived filter configuration to the network entity.

[0378] Example 8:

[0379] The method according to Example 7, wherein the criterion is based on at least one of the following

[0380] - the number of iterations,

[0381] - the property of the digital radio signal, or the property of at least one or more beams,

[0382] - the property of the digital radio signal, or the property of at least one or more beams, where the property includes at least one of the following:

[0383] - the lower limit of the residual quantization noise floor of the digital radio signal,

[0384] - The lower limit of the residual quantization noise floor of the digital radio signal, where the lower limit depends on the thermal noise power of at least one component of the device, and / or

[0385] - The presence of interfering elements.

[0386] Example 9:

[0387] The method according to Example 7 or 8 further comprises at least one of the following:

[0388] - Sensing at least one object of interest based on the digital radio signal;

[0389] - Sensing at least one object of interest based on the digital radio signal, where the sensing includes: determining at least one attribute of the object of interest; and / or

[0390] - Sensing at least one object of interest based on the digital radio signal, where the sensing includes: determining at least one attribute of the object of interest, where the attribute is at least one of the following: the position, signal strength, round-trip time, frequency range, angle of arrival, time of arrival, and identity of the object of interest.

[0391] Example 10:

[0392] The method according to any one of Examples 7 to 9, wherein:

[0393] - The interfering elements include at least one of the following and / or are caused by at least one of the following:

[0394] - At least one interaction between the transmitted radio beam and the radio environment of the device, and / or

[0395] - A radio transmitter.

[0396] Example 11:

[0397] The method according to any one of Examples 7 to 10, wherein:

[0398] - The determination includes at least one of the following:

[0399] - Based on the digital radio signal, comparing the amplitudes of at least two elements of the radio environment,

[0400] - Based on the digital radio signal, determining an element within the radio environment having the strongest amplitude across at least two elements of the radio environment or an element of the radio environment,

[0401] - Determining an element different from the at least one element of interest,

[0402] - determining at least one element of the digital radio signal having an amplitude above the noise floor of the ADC, and / or

[0403] - determining at least one element of the digital radio signal having an amplitude higher than a threshold amplitude, wherein the threshold amplitude is based on the noise floor of the ADC.

[0404] Example 12:

[0405] The method according to any one of Examples 7 to 11, further comprising:

[0406] - at least one of the following: adapting the resolution of the ADC and reducing the resolution of the ADC, based on properties of at least one of the analog-filtered radio signal and the digital radio signal.

[0407] Example 13:

[0408] A method, for example, performed and / or implemented by a device (e.g., RU), comprising:

[0409] - at least one of the following:

[0410] - receiving an indication of at least one interference element from a network entity,

[0411] - receiving an indication of at least one interference element from a network entity and deriving a filter configuration for the at least one analog filter, wherein the derived filter configuration is selected to selectively attenuate the effect of the interference element on the analog-filtered radio signal; and / or

[0412] - receiving a derived filter configuration from a network entity; and

[0413] - setting the derived filter configuration as the current filter configuration for subsequent analog filtering;

[0414] - obtaining at least one radio signal recorded by at least one antenna of the device, wherein the radio signal indicates a radio environment observable by the device, the radio environment including at least one interference element and at least one element of interest;

[0415] - analog-filtering the obtained radio signal by means of at least one analog filter to obtain an analog-filtered radio signal based on the current filter configuration;

[0416] - converting the analog-filtered radio signal into a digital radio signal by means of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC);

[0417] - Provide the digital radio signal to a network entity or indicate an information element of the digital radio signal.

[0418] Example 14:

[0419] The method according to Example 13, wherein the criterion is based on at least one of the following:

[0420] - The number of iterations,

[0421] - An attribute of the digital radio signal, or an attribute of at least one or more beams,

[0422] - An attribute of the digital radio signal, or an attribute of at least one or more beams, wherein the attribute includes at least one of the following:

[0423] - A lower limit of a residual quantization noise floor of the digital radio signal,

[0424] - A lower limit of a residual quantization noise floor of the digital radio signal, wherein the lower limit depends on a thermal noise power of at least one component of the device, and / or

[0425] - The presence of interference elements.

[0426] Example 15:

[0427] The method according to Example 13 or 14, further comprising at least one of the following:

[0428] - Sense at least one object of interest based on the digital radio signal;

[0429] - Sense at least one object of interest based on the digital radio signal, wherein the sensing includes: determining at least one attribute of the object of interest; and / or

[0430] - Sense at least one object of interest based on the digital radio signal, wherein the sensing includes: determining at least one attribute of the object of interest, wherein the attribute is at least one of the following: the position, signal strength, round-trip time, frequency range, angle of arrival, time of arrival, and identity of the object of interest.

[0431] Example 16:

[0432] The method according to any one of Examples 13 to 15, wherein:

[0433] - The interference elements include at least one of the following and / or are caused by at least one of the following:

[0434] - at least one interaction between the transmitted radio beam and the radio environment of the device, and / or

[0435] - a radio transmitter.

[0436] Example 17:

[0437] The method according to any one of Examples 13 to 16, wherein:

[0438] - the determination includes at least one of the following:

[0439] - comparing the amplitudes of at least two elements of the radio environment based on the digital radio signal,

[0440] - determining an element within the radio environment having the strongest amplitude across at least two elements of the radio environment or an element of the radio environment based on the digital radio signal,

[0441] - determining an element different from the at least one element of interest,

[0442] - determining at least one element of the digital radio signal having an amplitude higher than the noise floor of the ADC, and / or

[0443] - determining at least one element of the digital radio signal having an amplitude higher than a threshold amplitude, wherein the threshold amplitude is based on the noise floor of the ADC.

[0444] Example 18:

[0445] The method according to any one of Examples 13 to 17, further comprising:

[0446] - at least one of the following: adapting the resolution of the ADC and reducing the resolution of the ADC according to an attribute of at least one of the analog-filtered radio signal and the digital radio signal.

[0447] Example 19:

[0448] A first device, such as a SAP, comprising corresponding components for performing the method according to any one of Examples 1 to 6.

[0449] Example 20:

[0450] A first device, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least perform and / or control the method according to any one of Examples 1 to 6.

[0451] Example 21:

[0452] A second device, comprising corresponding components for performing the method according to any one of Embodiments 7 to 12.

[0453] Embodiment 22:

[0454] A second device, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least perform and / or control the method according to any one of Embodiments 7 to 12.

[0455] Embodiment 23:

[0456] A third device, comprising corresponding components for performing the method according to any one of Embodiments 13 to 18.

[0457] Embodiment 24:

[0458] A third device, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least perform and / or control the method according to any one of Embodiments 13 to 18.

[0459] Embodiment 25:

[0460] A computer program which, when executed by a processor, causes a device (e.g., a device according to any one of Embodiments 19 to 24) to perform and / or control the actions and / or steps of the method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 18.

[0461] Embodiment 26:

[0462] A computer program product, comprising the computer program according to Embodiment 25.

[0463] Embodiment 27:

[0464] A system, comprising:

[0465] At least one first device according to any one of Embodiments 19 or 20;

[0466] At least one second device according to any one of Embodiments 21 or 22; and

[0467] At least one third device according to any one of Embodiments 23 or 24.

[0468] In this specification, any presented connection in the described embodiments should be understood in a manner that the components involved are operatively coupled. Thus, the connection can be direct or indirect, with any number or combination of intermediate elements, and there can be only a functional relationship between the components.

[0469] In addition, any method, process, and action described or shown herein can be implemented using executable instructions in a general or special purpose processor, which are stored on a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., disk, memory, etc.) for execution by such a processor. The reference to "computer-readable storage medium" should be understood to include dedicated circuits such as FPGAs, ASICs, signal processing devices, and other devices.

[0470] The expression "A and / or B" is considered to include any one of the following three cases: (i) A, (ii) B, (iii) A and B. It has the same meaning as the expression "A or B", and in this text, the expressions "at least one of A or B", "at least one of A and B", and "at least one of A and / or B" can be used. In addition, the article "a" should not be understood as "one", that is, the use of the expression "an element" does not exclude the existence of other elements. The term "comprising" should be understood in an open sense, that is, an object that "comprises element A" may also include other elements in addition to element A.

[0471] It should be understood that all the presented embodiments are (e.g., only) exemplary, and any feature presented for a particular exemplary embodiment can be used alone with any aspect, or in combination with any feature presented for the same or another particular exemplary embodiment, and / or in combination with any other feature not mentioned. In particular, the exemplary embodiments presented in this specification should also be understood to be disclosed to each other in all possible combinations, as long as it is technically reasonable, and the exemplary embodiments are not alternatives to each other. It will also be understood that any feature presented for an exemplary embodiment in a particular category (method / apparatus / computer program / system) can also be used in a corresponding manner in any other category of exemplary embodiments. It should also be understood that the presence of a feature in the presented exemplary embodiments does not necessarily mean that the feature forms an essential feature and cannot be omitted or replaced.

[0472] The statement that a feature includes at least one of the subsequent listed features is not mandatory, because the feature includes all the subsequent listed features, or includes at least one feature among multiple subsequent listed features. In addition, the listed features can be selected in any combination, or (e.g., only) one of the listed features can be selected. Specific combinations of all the subsequent listed features can also be considered. In addition, multiple (e.g., only one) of the listed features can be possible.

[0473] The order of all the above method steps is not mandatory, and there can be alternative orders. However, the specific order of the method steps exemplarily shown in the figures should be regarded as one possible order of the method steps of the corresponding embodiments described by the corresponding figures.

[0474] The subject matter has been described with reference to example embodiments. It should be noted that alternative ways and variations are obvious to those skilled in the art, and these alternative ways and variations can be implemented without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0475] List of Abbreviations

[0476] 3GPP: 3rd Generation Partnership Project

[0477] 5G: Fifth Generation

[0478] 6G: Sixth Generation

[0479] AGC: Automatic Gain Control

[0480] ADC: Analog-to-Digital Converter

[0481] AoA: Angle of Arrival

[0482] CU: Central Unit

[0483] DL: Downlink

[0484] DU: Distributed Unit

[0485] eCPRI: Enhanced Common Radio Interface

[0486] gNB: Next Generation Node B

[0487] HW: Hardware

[0488] JCAS: Joint Communication and Sensing

[0489] LMF: Location Management Function

[0490] NR: New Radio

[0491] NRPPa: NR Positioning Protocol A

[0492] OFDM: Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing

[0493] PHY: Physical (Layer)

[0494] PoC: Proof of Concept

[0495] PRS: Positioning Reference Signal

[0496] QoS: Quality of Service

[0497] Radar: Radio Detection and Ranging

[0498] RAN: Radio Access Network

[0499] RT: Real Time

[0500] RU: Radio Unit

[0501] RX: Receiver

[0502] SAP: Sensing Access Point (which can be a JCAS base station or a dedicated UE performing sensing) SINR: Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio

[0503] SRS: Sounding Reference Signal

[0504] ToA: Time of Arrival

[0505] TRP: Transmission and Reception Point

[0506] TX: Transmitter

[0507] UE: User Equipment

[0508] UL: Uplink

Claims

1. A method, comprising: - obtaining at least one radio signal recorded by at least one antenna of a device, wherein the radio signal indicates a radio environment observable by the device, the radio environment comprising at least one interference element and at least one element of interest; - analog filtering the obtained radio signal by means of at least one analog filter to obtain an analog-filtered radio signal based on a current filter configuration; - converting the analog-filtered radio signal into a digital radio signal by means of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC); - evaluating whether at least one criterion is met, - if the at least one criterion is met: - determining at least one interference element in the radio environment based on the digital radio signal; and - deriving a filter configuration for the at least one analog filter, wherein the derived filter configuration is selected to selectively attenuate the influence of the interference element on the analog-filtered radio signal; and - setting the derived filter configuration as the current filter configuration for a next iteration of the method.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the criterion is based on at least one of the following: - the number of iterations, - an attribute of the digital radio signal, or an attribute of at least one or more beams, - an attribute of the digital radio signal, or an attribute of at least one or more beams, wherein the attribute comprises at least one of the following: - a lower limit of a residual quantization noise floor of the digital radio signal, - a lower limit of a residual quantization noise floor of the digital radio signal, wherein the lower limit depends on a thermal noise power of at least one component of the device, and - the presence of an interference element.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising at least one of the following: - sensing at least one object of interest based on the digital radio signal; - sensing at least one object of interest based on the digital radio signal, wherein the sensing comprises: determining at least one attribute of the object of interest; and - sensing at least one object of interest based on the digital radio signal, wherein the sensing comprises: determining at least one attribute of the object of interest, wherein the attribute is at least one of the following: the position, signal strength, round-trip time, frequency range, angle of arrival, time of arrival, and identity of the object of interest.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the interference element comprises at least one of the following and / or is caused by at least one of the following: - at least one interaction between a transmitted radio beam and the radio environment of the device, and - a radio transmitter.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the determining comprises at least one of the following: - comparing the amplitudes of at least two elements of the radio environment based on the digital radio signal, - Based on the digital radio signal, determine an element within the radio environment that has at least two elements across the radio environment or the element with the strongest amplitude among the elements of the radio environment. - Determine an element different from the at least one element of interest. - Determine at least one element of the digital radio signal that has an amplitude higher than the noise floor of the ADC, and - Determine at least one element of the digital radio signal that has an amplitude higher than a threshold amplitude, where the threshold amplitude is based on the noise floor of the ADC.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - At least one of the following: adapt the resolution of the ADC and reduce the resolution of the ADC according to the properties of at least one of the analog-filtered radio signal and the digital radio signal.

7. An apparatus comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform: - At least one of the following items: - Obtain at least one radio signal recorded by at least one antenna of the apparatus, where the radio signal indicates a radio environment observable by the apparatus, and the radio environment includes at least one interference element and at least one element of interest; - Subject the obtained radio signal to analog filtering by means of at least one analog filter to obtain an analog-filtered radio signal based on a current filter configuration; And - Convert the analog-filtered radio signal into a digital radio signal by means of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC); Or - Receive a digital radio signal or an information element indicating the digital radio signal from a network entity; - At least one of the following items: - Perform the following steps, and - Evaluate whether at least one criterion is met, and if the at least one criterion is met, perform the following steps: - Provide the digital radio signal or the information element indicating the digital radio signal to a network entity; - At least one of the following items: - Receive an indication of at least one interference element from a network entity, - Receive an indication of at least one interference element from a network entity and derive a filter configuration for the at least one analog filter, where the derived filter configuration is selected to selectively attenuate the influence of the interference element on the analog-filtered radio signal, and - Receive a derived filter configuration from a network entity; - At least one of the following items: - Set the derived filter configuration as the current filter configuration for subsequent analog filtering; and - Set the derived filter configuration as the current filter configuration for subsequent analog filtering, where the setting includes at least one of the following items: - Configure at least one analog filter of the apparatus; - Provide the derived filter configuration to a network entity; - Set the derived filter configuration to the current filter configuration for subsequent analog filtering, where the setting includes at least one of the following items: - Provide an indication of the at least one received interference element to a network entity; - Provide an indication of the at least one received interference element to a network entity via the F1 interface.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform at least one of the following items: - Sense at least one object of interest based on the digital radio signal; - Sense at least one object of interest based on the digital radio signal, where the sensing includes: determining at least one attribute of the object of interest; and - Sense at least one object of interest based on the digital radio signal, where the sensing includes: determining at least one attribute of the object of interest, where the attribute is at least one of the following: the position, signal strength, round-trip time, frequency range, angle of arrival, time of arrival, and identity of the object of interest.

9. An apparatus comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: - Receive a digital radio signal or an information element indicating the digital radio signal from a network entity; - At least one of the following: - Perform the following steps, and - Evaluate whether at least one criterion is met, and if the at least one criterion is met, perform the following steps: - Based on the digital radio signal, determine at least one interference element in the radio environment; - At least one of the following: - Send an indication of the at least one interference element to a network entity, and - Derive a derived filter configuration for the at least one analog filter, where The derived filter configuration is selected to selectively attenuate the impact of the interference element on the analog-filtered radio signal, and send the derived filter configuration to a network entity.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform: - Sense at least one object of interest based on the digital radio signal; - Sense at least one object of interest based on the digital radio signal, where the sensing includes: determining at least one attribute of the object of interest; and - Sense at least one object of interest based on the digital radio signal, where the sensing includes: determining at least one attribute of the object of interest, where the attribute is at least one of the following: the position, signal strength, round-trip time, frequency range, angle of arrival, time of arrival, and identity of the object of interest.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein: - The determination includes at least one of the following: - Comparing the amplitudes of at least two elements of the radio environment based on the digital radio signal, - Determining, based on the digital radio signal, an element within the radio environment having the strongest amplitude across at least two elements of the radio environment or among the elements of the radio environment, - Determining an element different from the at least one element of interest, - Determining at least one element of the digital radio signal having an amplitude higher than the noise floor of the ADC, and - Determining at least one element of the digital radio signal having an amplitude higher than a threshold amplitude, wherein the threshold amplitude is based on the noise floor of the ADC.

12. An apparatus, comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform: - At least one of the following: - Receiving an indication of at least one interfering element from a network entity, - Receiving an indication of at least one interfering element from a network entity and deriving a filter configuration for the at least one analog filter, wherein the derived filter configuration is selected to selectively attenuate the effect of the interfering element on the analog-filtered radio signal; and - Receiving a derived filter configuration from a network entity; - Setting the derived filter configuration as the current filter configuration for subsequent analog filtering; - Obtaining at least one radio signal recorded by at least one antenna of the apparatus, wherein the radio signal indicates a radio environment observable by the apparatus, the radio environment including at least one interfering element and at least one element of interest; - Analog-filtering the obtained radio signal by means of at least one analog filter to obtain an analog-filtered radio signal based on the current filter configuration; - Converting the analog-filtered radio signal into a digital radio signal by means of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC); - Providing the digital radio signal or an information element indicating the digital radio signal to a network entity.

13. A system, comprising at least two of the following: the apparatus according to any one of claims 7 or 8, the apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, and the apparatus according to claim 12.

14. An apparatus of a mobile communication network, comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform: - Obtaining at least one radio signal recorded by at least one antenna of the apparatus, wherein the radio signal indicates a radio environment observable by the apparatus, the radio environment including at least one interfering element and at least one element of interest; - Analog-filtering the obtained radio signal by means of at least one analog filter to obtain an analog-filtered radio signal based on the current filter configuration; - By means of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), convert the analog-filtered radio signal into a digital radio signal; - Evaluate whether at least one criterion is met, - If the at least one criterion is met: - Based on the digital radio signal, determine at least one interference element in the radio environment; And - Derive a filter configuration for the at least one analog filter, where The derived filter configuration is selected to selectively attenuate the influence of the interference element on the analog-filtered radio signal; and - Set the derived filter configuration as the current filter configuration for the next iteration of the method.

15. A tangible computer-readable medium storing computer program code, which when executed by a processor causes the device to perform and / or control: - Obtain at least one radio signal recorded by at least one antenna of the device, where the radio signal indicates a radio environment observable by the device, and the radio environment includes at least one interference element and at least one element of interest; - By means of at least one analog filter, perform analog filtering on the obtained radio signal to obtain an analog-filtered radio signal based on the current filter configuration; - By means of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), convert the analog-filtered radio signal into a digital radio signal; - Evaluate whether at least one criterion is met, - If the at least one criterion is met: - Based on the digital radio signal, determine at least one interference element in the radio environment; And - Derive a filter configuration for the at least one analog filter, where The derived filter configuration is selected to selectively attenuate the influence of the interference element on the analog-filtered radio signal; And - Set the derived filter configuration as the current filter configuration for the next iteration of the method.

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