Scrambling sensing signals

Abstract

Examples of the present disclosure relate to scrambling a radio frequency (RF) sensing signal. In an example of the present disclosure, a sensing node may be configured to scramble a sensing signal, where the sensing signal is configured to sense a passive object, and where the scrambling is performed using a scrambling sequence known by an authorized sensing node. The sensing node may then transmit the scrambled sensing signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to scrambling sensed signals. Some involve scrambling radio frequency (RF) sensed signals. Background Technology

[0002] Sensing signals, such as RF sensing signals, can be used to detect, identify, authenticate, or locate objects. These objects can be passive objects, that is, objects that do not send or receive signals. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on various, but not necessarily all, examples of this disclosure, a method is provided that includes:

[0004] Scrambling a sensing signal, wherein the sensing signal is configured to sense a passive object, and wherein scrambling is performed using a scrambling sequence known to an authorized sensing node; and

[0005] Send the scrambled sensing signal.

[0006] The sensing signal may include at least one of the following:

[0007] Communication reference signals;

[0008] Dedicated radar signal.

[0009] Authorized sensing nodes can be cellular network nodes.

[0010] The sensing signal can be a data signal.

[0011] Sensing signals can be multiplexed with data signals.

[0012] The sensing signal can use an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing waveform.

[0013] Scrambling can include multiplying the symbols of the sensed signal by a scrambling sequence.

[0014] The scrambling sequence can include complex symbols with random phases.

[0015] Scrambling can include using a mapping function of resource elements to change the position of the sensed signal.

[0016] The mapping function can change the position in at least one of the following:

[0017] time;

[0018] frequency;

[0019] space.

[0020] The sensing signal can use a frequency-modulated continuous wave waveform.

[0021] The sensing signal may include frequency-modulated continuous wave pulses, and the frequency-modulated continuous wave pulses are multiplexed with symbols carrying data.

[0022] Scrambling can include assigning different start frequencies to frequency-modulated continuous wave pulses.

[0023] Scrambling can include assigning a frequency-modulated continuous wave pulse whether it has a negative or positive gradient.

[0024] The sensing signal can be used in one of the following ways:

[0025] Bistatic sensing system;

[0026] Monostatic sensing system.

[0027] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of this disclosure, a sensing node is provided, including means for performing the methods described herein.

[0028] The sensing node can be at least one of the following:

[0029] User equipment;

[0030] Network node.

[0031] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of this disclosure, a computer program is provided, comprising instructions for performing at least the following:

[0032] Scrambling a sensing signal, wherein the sensing signal is configured to sense a passive object, and wherein scrambling is performed using a scrambling sequence known to an authorized sensing node; and

[0033] Send the scrambled sensing signal.

[0034] While the examples and optional features of this disclosure have been described individually, it should be understood that their provision in all possible combinations and permutations is included within this disclosure. It should be understood that various examples of this disclosure may include any or all of the features described in other examples of this disclosure, and vice versa. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that any one or more of these features, in any combination, may be implemented / included / performed by means of an apparatus, method, and / or computer program instructions as needed and where appropriate. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 An example network is shown;

[0037] Figures 2A to 2C An example sensing architecture is shown;

[0038] Figure 3 Example methods are shown;

[0039] Figure 4 An example scrambling process is shown;

[0040] Figure 5 An example scrambling process is shown; and

[0041] Figure 6 An example controller is shown.

[0042] These figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For clarity and simplicity, some features and views in these figures may be shown schematically or enlarged to aid in clarification. For example, the dimensions of some elements in these figures may be enlarged relative to other elements to aid in illustration. Corresponding reference numerals are used in these figures to refer to the corresponding features. For clarity, not all reference numerals are necessarily shown in all figures. definition

[0043] CPI coherent processing interval

[0044] E-UTRA Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access

[0045] FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave)

[0046] gNB NR base station

[0047] LPP (Long Term Evolution Positioning Protocol)

[0048] LTE Long Term Evolution

[0049] NR New Radio

[0050] NRPPa New Radio Positioning Protocol

[0051] OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing)

[0052] O-RAN Open Radio Access Network

[0053] RAN (Radio Access Network)

[0054] RE Resource Components

[0055] RF (Radio Frequency)

[0056] RRC Radio Resource Control

[0057] SeMF Sensing Management Function

[0058] UE User Equipment Detailed Implementation

[0059] Figure 1An example of network 100, such as a 5G NR network, is shown. Network 100 includes various different types of devices 110, 120, and 130. These different types of devices may include terminal devices 110, network devices 120, and core network devices 130, and / or any other suitable devices.

[0060] Network device 120 can be configured to communicate with terminal device 110. Core network device 130 communicates with network device 120. In some examples, core network device 130 communicates with terminal device 110.

[0061] In some examples, core network devices 130 can communicate with each other. In some examples, one or more network devices 120 can communicate with each other.

[0062] Network 100 may be a cellular network comprising multiple cells 122. Each cell in the network is served by network device 120. Network device 120 may provide access nodes. In this example, the interface between terminal device 110 and network device 120 defining cell 122 is wireless interface 124.

[0063] Network device 120 includes one or more cellular radio transceivers. Terminal device 110 also includes one or more cellular radio transceivers.

[0064] In the example shown, cellular network 100 is a 3GPP network, where terminal device 110 is a user equipment (UE), and network device 120 may be an access node, such as a base station (gNB).

[0065] The term "user equipment" is used to refer to mobile devices that include smart cards for authentication / encryption, such as subscriber identification modules (SIMs). In some examples, the term "user equipment" is used to refer to mobile devices that include circuitry embedded as part of the user equipment for authentication / encryption (such as software SIMs).

[0066] Network device 120 may be a base station. Network device 120 may be any suitable type of base station. A base station is an access node. Network device 120 may be a network entity responsible for radio transmission and reception with UE 110 in one or more cells. Network device 120 may be a network element in a radio access network (RAN) or any other suitable type of network.

[0067] Core network device 130 may be part of a core network. Core network device 130 may be configured to manage connectivity-related functions of UE 110. For example, core network device 130 may be configured to manage functions such as connectivity, mobility, authentication, authorization, and / or other suitable functions.

[0068] exist Figure 1 In the example, core network device 130 is shown as a single entity. In some examples, core network device 130 may be distributed across multiple entities. For example, core network device 130 may be cloud-based or distributed in any other suitable manner.

[0069] Network 100 can be a 4G or 5G network. For example, it can be a New Radio (NR) network using gNBs or eNBs as access nodes 120. New Radio is 3GPP's designation for 5G technology. In this case, network device 120 may include gNodeBs (gNBs) 120 configured to provide user plane and control plane protocol termination to UE 110, and / or perform any other suitable functions. gNBs 120 interconnect with each other via X2 / Xn interfaces 126. gNBs 120 are also connected to core network device 130 via N2 interfaces 128. Other types of networks and interfaces may also be used in other examples. Other types of networks may include next-generation mobile communication networks, such as 6G networks.

[0070] Network 100 can be configured to sense targets located within the area of ​​network 100. For example, gNB 120 and UE 110 within the network can be configured to transmit and receive RF sensing signals. This allows network 100 to be used to perform radar sensing or any other suitable type of sensing.

[0071] Different system architectures can be used for sensing. Different sensing system architectures can be single-base station or dual-base station. In a single-base station sensing system, a single node transmits and receives sensing signals. In a single-base station sensing system, the transmitter and receiver are located in the same node. In a dual-base station sensing system, the first node transmits sensing signals, and the second node receives sensing signals. In a dual-base station sensing system, the transmitter and receiver are located in different nodes.

[0072] In order to be able to sense objects, the receiving node must know the sense signal being transmitted. In situations such as... Figure 1 In the communication network of Network 100, the sensing signal can be a communication reference signal, a dedicated radar signal, or any other suitable type of signal.

[0073] Figures 2A to 2C An example system architecture that can be used for sensing within a communication network 100 is shown. These system architectures can be configured to detect one or more objects 200. Objects 200 can be passive objects that do not themselves send or receive signals for sensing purposes. Sensing signals reflected by objects 200 can be used to sense objects 200.

[0074] Figure 2A The network is shown as a sensor (NaS) architecture. Figure 2A In this architecture, a single base station system is provided, in which the same gNB 120 receives and transmits sensing signals 214.

[0075] exist Figure 2A In the example, gNB 120 includes a transmit array 202 and a receive array 204. The transmit array 202 is configured to transmit a transmit beam 206, and the receive array 204 is configured to receive a receive beam 208.

[0076] Transmission beam 206 can be used to send communication signal 212 to UE 110. Communication signal 212 can be sent via radio channel 210.

[0077] The transmission beam 206 can also be used to transmit the sensing signal 214, which can be used to sense one or more objects 200. The sensing signal 214 can be an RF signal.

[0078] The sensing signal 214 reflected from object 200 can be received by receiving beam 208 and receiving array 204.

[0079] The gNB 120 can be configured to process the received sensing signal 214 to sense the object 200. Sensing the object 200 may include detection, identification, authentication, location, or performing any other suitable functions related to the object 200.

[0080] Figure 2B Another network is shown as a sensor (NaS) architecture. Figure 2B In this architecture, a dual-base system is provided. In this example, the first gNB 120_1 transmits sensing signals, and the second gNB 120_2 receives sensing signals.

[0081] exist Figure 2B In the example, the first gNB 120_1 is configured to transmit a sensing signal 214 using a transmit beam 206. The sensing signal 214 may be an RF signal. The second gNB 120_1 is configured to receive the sensing signal 214 using a receive beam 208. At least some of the sensing signal 214 received by the second gNB 120_2 has been reflected from the object 200 and can therefore be used to sense the object 200. The second gNB 120_1 may be configured to process the received sensing signal 214 to sense the object 200.

[0082] Figure 2C The UE is shown as a sensor-as-a-Service (UaS) architecture. Figure 2CIn this example, the architecture provides a dual-base station system. The gNB 120 transmits sensing signals, and the UE 110 receives the sensing signals.

[0083] exist Figure 2C In the example, UE 110 is configured to transmit sensing signal 214. Sensing signal 214 may be an RF signal. gNB 120 is configured to receive sensing signal 214 using receive beam 208. At least some of the sensing signal 214 received by gNB 120 has been reflected from object 200 and can therefore be used to sense object 200. gNB 120 may be configured to process the received sensing signal 214 to sense object 200.

[0084] In other systems, UE 110 can receive sensing signal 214 sent by gNB 120 or another entity. In this case, UE 110 can process the received signal to sense object 200.

[0085] exist Figures 2A to 2C In the example, UE 110 and gNB 120, which transmit and / or receive sensing signal 214, can be referred to as transmitting nodes. Figures 2A to 2C In the examples, one transmitting sensing node and one receiving sensing node are shown in each example. In some examples, multiple transmitting sensing nodes and / or multiple receiving sensing nodes may exist. This allows multiple sensing signals 214 to be used to sense the object and can provide improved accuracy for sensing.

[0086] The sensing node that transmits sensing signal 214 has a known location. When UE 110 transmits sensing signal 214, the location of UE 110 is known in advance. The sensing node that transmits sensing signal 214 can be referred to as a reference node.

[0087] The system architecture may also include Figures 2A to 2C Components not shown. For example, the system may include a Sensing Management Function (SeMF). The SeMF may be a network entity that processes data from the received sensing signal 214. For example, a sensing node receiving the sensing signal 214 may send relevant data to the SeMF for processing. In some examples, the SeMF may also manage the sensing signal 214.

[0088] SeMF can be a virtual entity. SeMF can be hosted by gNB 120, UE 110, or any other network entity. In some examples, SeMF can combine information from multiple sensing nodes to improve sensing performance.

[0089] Figure 3An example method is illustrated. This example method can be performed by a sensing node, by SeMF, or by any other suitable entity. The entity performing this method can be UE 110, a network node (such as gNB 120), or any other suitable network entity. The sensing node can be configured as a dual-base station sensing system, a single-base station sensing system, or any other suitable type of sensing system. The location of the corresponding sensing node will be known to enable sensing of object 200.

[0090] At block 300, the method includes scrambling the sensing signal 214. The sensing signal 214 is configured to sense a passive object 200. The object 200 is passive because it does not send or receive any sensing-related signals. The object 200 may be located in the same environment as the sensing node.

[0091] The sensing signal 214 may include an RF sensing signal 214. The sensing signal 214 may include a communication reference signal, a dedicated radar signal, or any other suitable type of signal.

[0092] In some examples, the sensing signal can be a data signal. In some examples, the sensing signal can be multiplexed with a data signal.

[0093] Scrambling is performed using a scrambling sequence known to the authorized sensing node. The authorized sensing node may have a key or permission that enables it to perform scrambling or descrambling of the signal. The key or permission may be shared with the authorized sensing node using any suitable procedure.

[0094] The scrambling applied to the sensing signal 214 is arranged such that the scrambled signal appears as noise to an unauthorized node. An unauthorized node is a node that does not possess the key or authority to perform scrambling or descrambling of the signal. An authorized sensing node can be a cellular network node, such as UE 110 or gNB 120, or any other suitable network node.

[0095] At block 302, the method includes transmitting a scrambled sensing signal. Transmitting the scrambled sensing signal enables the scrambled sensing signal to be used to sense one or more objects 200.

[0096] Different scrambling processes may be used in the different examples disclosed herein. The scrambling process used depends at least in part on the waveform used to sense the signal 214.

[0097] In some examples, the sensing signal 214 may use an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform. In such examples, scrambling may include multiplying the symbols of the sensing signal 214 by a scrambling sequence. The sensing signal may be a data and signaling channel. In such examples, only the channel used for sensing the signal will be scrambled. Data and signaling channels not used for sensing will not be scrambled. The scrambling sequence may include complex symbols with random phase.

[0098] In the example where the sensing signal 214 uses an OFDM waveform, scrambling may include using a mapping function of resource elements to change the position of the sensing signal 214. The mapping function may change the position of the sensing resource elements (REs) and the REs used for data or for the sensing signal. The mapping function may change the position in at least one of the time, frequency, or space dimensions.

[0099] In some examples, the sensing signal 214 may use a frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) waveform. In such examples, the sensing signal 214 may include an FMCW pulse. The FMCW pulse may be multiplexed with symbols carrying data. The symbols carrying data may be OFDM symbols or any other suitable type of symbol.

[0100] In an example where the sensed signal 214 includes an FMCW waveform, scrambling may include assigning different start frequencies to the FMCW pulses. In some examples, scrambling may include assigning the FMCW pulses a negative or positive gradient.

[0101] Figure 4 An example scrambling process that can be used to scramble the sensing signal 214 is illustrated schematically in some examples of this disclosure.

[0102] In this example, OFDM waveforms can be used for both communication and sensing signals.

[0103] In this example, scrambling is applied to the modulation symbols instead of the bits. Figure 4 The example scrambling process shown includes two steps. In implementations of this disclosure, one or both of these steps may be used.

[0104] exist Figure 4 In the example, the sensing signal 214 includes a reference signal. Reference signal Specifically designed for sensing. That is, the reference signal. It was used for sensing, not for data.

[0105] In the first step of the scrambling process, from the group Reference signal Multiply by scrambling sequence . scrambling sequence Includes complex symbols with random phases. Scrambling sequence. It is kept secret, so that only authorized sensing nodes know about it.

[0106] Data and signaling channels in Figure 4 The middle is represented as Data and signaling channels not used for sensing Do not multiply by scrambling sequence Data and signaling channels It can be sent in unscrambled form.

[0107] In the second step of the scrambling process, the mapping function is... Applied to sensing signals 214 and data and signaling channels Mapping function Reference signal It is applied after being multiplied by the scrambled sequence. Mapping function It can be a secret function, because only authorized sensing nodes know about it.

[0108] Mapping function Map the sensed signals to resource elements , which correspond to the i-th symbol, j-th subcarrier, and n-th antenna or beam of the OFDM frame, respectively. Mapping function Change the position of the sensing signal 214. In this case, the mapping function... The change has been multiplied by the scrambling sequence The position of the sensed signal 214. The position can change in time, frequency, or space. The mapping function can be a bijective function.

[0109] Using a mapping function allows for the use of a large number of scrambling sequences because the phase shift can be arbitrary and the number of subcarrier arrangements can be very large. Using a mapping function also allows for greater flexibility in waveform shaping, which can optimize or improve the ambiguity function.

[0110] Then, the scrambled signal is applied to the OFDM waveform and transmitted.

[0111] exist Figure 4 In the example, the sensing signal 214 includes a reference signal dedicated to sensing. and data and signaling channels It is shown separately. In some examples, the sensing signal 214 may also include data. The sensing node that receives the sensing signal 214 including data will need a key to enable the decryption of the data.

[0112] Figure 5Another example scrambling process, which can be used to scramble the sensing signal 214, is illustrated schematically among some examples of this disclosure.

[0113] In this example, the FMCW waveform can be used for sensing signals. For example, FMCW pulse 500 can be multiplexed with OFDM symbol 502. FMCW pulse 500 can be time-division multiplexed with OFDM symbol 502. FMCW pulse 500 can be used for sensing, while OFDM symbol 502 can be used for communication. The FMCW pulse 500 can be scrambled using a scrambling sequence known to the authorized sensing node.

[0114] Figure 5 An example sequence of scrambled FMCW pulses 500 multiplexed with OFDM symbol 502 is shown. The sequence of scrambled FMCW pulses 500 can be set within a coherent processing interval (CPI) or any other suitable interval. FMCW pulses 500 can be scrambled by assigning different start frequencies to different FMCW pulses 500. This is in Figure 5 As shown, different FMCW pulses 500 begin at different frequencies.

[0115] The FMCW pulse 500 can also be scrambled by assigning it either a positive or negative gradient. This is in... Figure 5 As shown, some of the FMCW pulses 500 have positive gradients, and some of them have negative gradients.

[0116] In this example, This is the duration of the FMCW pulse 500 or chirp. Within the interval... Within, the instantaneous baseband frequency of the FMCW pulse 500 is changed from... Given, among which It is the initial frequency given the bandwidth B. Furthermore, It is the gradient of the FMCW pulse 500. Indicate whether it is a positive or negative gradient, and It is a wraparound function used to ensure that the instantaneous frequency satisfies... .

[0117] Therefore, the scrambled sensing signal sent is , where A is a scalar value or a constant.

[0118] In these examples, the absolute gradient determines the detection performance invariably. However, the initial frequency... and / or gradient signal One or two of them can be pseudo-randomly changed to provide scrambling.

[0119] In some examples, the sensing signal 214 and the scrambling applied to it can be selected by one or more sensing nodes. The sensing signal 214 and / or the scrambling applied to it can be selected to provide good sensing characteristics. That is, they can be selected so that they can be easily detected and processed by other sensing nodes. For example, they can be selected to have a concentrated ambiguity function. The ambiguity function will vary depending on the allocated resources. Sensing nodes can compute a predefined pseudo-random scrambling ambiguity function for the sensing signal and can eliminate signals that do not meet a specific criterion. The criterion can be sidelobe level or any other suitable criterion.

[0120] In the various examples disclosed herein, a random key can be used to generate scrambling sequences. The random key can be updated periodically.

[0121] If the scrambled sensing signal is used in a dual-base station sensing system, or if multiple sensing nodes are working collaboratively, the random key must be shared among legitimate sensing nodes, but must not be shared with or available to any unintended nodes or potential attackers. The random key can be distributed among legitimate sensing nodes using existing security mechanisms present between gNB 120s (via Xn-AP) or between the UE 110 and its serving gNB 120 (e.g., via Radio Resource Control (RRC)). In some examples, external entities (such as Location Management Functions (LMFs)) can participate in the generation and / or processing of the random key. In such examples, mechanisms such as the New Radio Positioning Protocol a (NRPPa) or the Long Term Evolution Positioning Protocol (LPP) can be used to distribute the key to the relevant sensing nodes.

[0122] Figure 6 An example controller 600 is shown. Controller 600 can be located within an entity such as a device like UE 110 or gNB 120 or any other suitable device. Controller 600 can be implemented as controller circuitry. Controller 600 can be implemented solely in hardware, with some aspects of software (including firmware only), or it can be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).

[0123] like Figure 6 As shown, the controller 600 can be implemented using instructions that enable hardware functions, such as by using executable instructions of a computer program 606 in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor 602, which can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium (disk, memory, etc.) for execution by such processor 602.

[0124] Processor 602 is configured to read data from memory 604 and write data to memory 604. Processor 602 may also include: an output interface via which processor 602 outputs data and / or commands; and an input interface via which data and / or commands are input to processor 602.

[0125] Memory 604 stores computer program 606, which includes computer program instructions (computer program code) for controlling the operation of the device when loaded into processor 602. The computer program instructions of computer program 606 provide logic and routines that enable the device to perform the methods shown in the figures. Processor 602 can load and execute computer program 606 by reading memory 604.

[0126] Therefore, controller 600 includes: at least one processor 602; and at least one memory 604 storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor 602, cause the device to perform at least the following:

[0127] Scrambling the sensing signal 300, wherein the sensing signal is configured to sense a passive object, and the scrambling is performed using a scrambling sequence known to the authorized sensing node; and

[0128] Send the scrambled sensing signal after 302.

[0129] The computer program 606 can reach the device via any suitable delivery mechanism 608. The delivery mechanism 608 can be, for example, a machine-readable medium, a computer-readable medium, a non-transient computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a recording medium (such as an optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or a digital versatile optical disc (DVD)), or a solid-state storage device, or an article of manufacture that includes or tangibly embodies the computer program 606. The delivery mechanism can be a signal configured to reliably transmit the computer program 606. The device can propagate or transmit the computer program 606 as a computer data signal.

[0130] Computer program 606 may include computer program instructions for causing the device to perform at least the following, or for performing at least the following:

[0131] The scrambling sensing signal 300 is configured to sense a passive object, and the scrambling is performed using a scrambling sequence known to the authorized sensing node; and

[0132] Send the scrambled sensing signal after 302.

[0133] Computer program instructions may be included in a computer program, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, a computer program product, or a machine-readable medium. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, computer program instructions may be distributed within more than one computer program.

[0134] Although memory 604 is illustrated as a single component / circuit, it can be implemented as one or more separate components / circuits, some or all of which can be integrated / removable and / or can provide permanent / semi-permanent / dynamic / cache storage.

[0135] Although processor 602 is illustrated as a single component / circuit, it can be implemented as one or more separate components / circuits, some or all of which can be integrated / removable. Processor 602 can be a single-core or multi-core processor.

[0136] References to “computer-readable storage medium,” “computer program product,” “tangible computer program,” or “controller,” “computer,” “processor,” etc., should be understood to encompass not only computers with different architectures (such as single / multiprocessor architectures and sequential (von Neumann) / parallel architectures) but also special-purpose circuits (such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), signal processing devices, and other processing circuits). References to computer programs, instructions, code, etc., should be understood to encompass the software or firmware of programmable processors, such as the programmable content of hardware devices, whether processor instructions or configuration settings of fixed-function devices, gate arrays, or programmable logic devices.

[0137] As used in this application, the term "circuit" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0138] (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation with only analog and / or digital circuits); and

[0139] (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (where applicable):

[0140] (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits with software / firmware; and

[0141] (ii) Any part of a hardware processor (including digital signal processors), software, and memory (including multiple memory), which work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions; and

[0142] (c) (multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors (such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion of (multiple) microprocessors) that require software (e.g. firmware) to operate, but may be absent when the software is not required to operate.

[0143] This definition of "circuit" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim. As yet another example, as used in this application, the term "circuit" also covers only hardware circuitry or processors and their accompanying software and / or firmware implementations. For example, and if applicable to a particular claim element, the term "circuit" also covers baseband integrated circuits in mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or networking devices.

[0144] The stages shown in the figure may represent steps in a method and / or code segments in computer program 606. The specific order of the blocks shown in the figure does not necessarily imply a requirement or preferred order of blocks, and the order and arrangement of blocks can be changed. Furthermore, some modules may be omitted.

[0145] In this document, the term "includes" is used in an inclusive rather than exclusive sense. That is, any reference to X including Y indicates that X may include only one Y, or may include more than one Y. If "includes" is intended to be used in an exclusive sense, it will be clearly indicated in the context by reference to "includes only one..." or by the use of "consisting of...".

[0146] In this specification, the terms “connection,” “coupling,” and “communication,” and their derivatives, mean operational connection / coupling / communication. It should be understood that any number or combination of intermediate components (including no intermediate components) may be present to provide direct or indirect connection / coupling / communication. Any such intermediate component may include hardware and / or software components.

[0147] As used herein, the term "determine / determine" (and its grammatical variations) can include, but is not limited to: operation, calculation, processing, derivation, measurement, investigation, identification, lookup (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), ascertainment, etc. Furthermore, "determine" can also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), obtaining, etc. Moreover, "determine / determine" can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, etc.

[0148] Various examples have been referenced in this specification. A description of a feature or function associated with an example indicates that such feature or function exists in that example. The use of the terms “example,” “for example,” “may,” or “possibly” in the text, whether explicitly stated or not, indicates that such a feature or function exists at least in the described example (whether or not the example is described as an example), and that they may, but not necessarily, exist in some or all other examples. Therefore, “example,” “for example,” “may,” or “possibly” refers to a specific instance of a class of examples. An instance’s attribute can be an attribute of only that instance, an attribute of the class, or an attribute of a subclass of the class (which includes some, but not all, instances of the class). Therefore, it is implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example but not to another example may, where possible, be used in that other example as part of a work composition, but is not necessarily required to be used in that other example.

[0149] Although examples have been described with reference to various examples in the preceding paragraphs, it should be understood that modifications can be made to the given examples without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0150] The features described above can be used in combinations other than those explicitly described above.

[0151] Although some features have been described with reference to certain characteristics, these features may also be performed by other features (whether or not they have been described).

[0152] Although features have been described with reference to some examples, these features may also exist in other examples (whether or not they have been described).

[0153] In this document, the terms “a,” “an,” or “the” are used in an inclusive rather than exclusive sense. That is, any reference to X including a / an / the Y indicates that X may include only one Y, or may include more than one Y, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. If “a,” “an,” or “the” is intended to be used in an exclusive sense, it will be clearly stated in the context. In some cases, “at least one” or “one or more” may be used to emphasize an inclusive sense, but the absence of these terms should not be construed as excluding an exclusive sense.

[0154] The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature (or combination of features) itself, and also a reference to a feature (equivalent feature) that achieves substantially the same technical effect. Equivalent features include, for example, features that are variations and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same manner. Equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same manner to achieve substantially the same result.

[0155] In this specification, various examples have been referenced, and adjectives or adjective phrases have been used to describe the characteristics of these examples. Such descriptions of characteristics related to examples indicate that the characteristic exists exactly as described in some examples, and substantially as described in others.

[0156] The foregoing description illustrates some examples of this disclosure; however, those skilled in the art will recognize possible alternative structures and methodological features that provide equivalent functionality to specific examples of such structures and features described above, and for the sake of brevity, they have been omitted from the foregoing description. Nevertheless, unless such alternative structures or methodological features are expressly excluded in the foregoing description of the examples of this disclosure, the foregoing description should be understood to implicitly include references to such alternative structures and methodological features that provide equivalent functionality.

[0157] Although efforts have been made in the foregoing specification to highlight those features deemed important, it should be understood that the applicant may seek protection by means of the claims for any patentable feature or combination of features mentioned above and / or shown in the figures (whether or not they have been emphasized).

Claims

1. A method comprising: Scrambling a sensing signal, wherein the sensing signal is configured to sense a passive object, and wherein the scrambling is performed using a scrambling sequence known to an authorized sensing node; as well as Send the scrambled sensing signal.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensing signal comprises at least one of the following: Communication reference signals; Dedicated radar signal.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the authorized sensing node is a cellular network node.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensing signal is a data signal.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensing signal and the data signal are multiplexed.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensing signal uses an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing waveform.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the scrambling comprises: The symbol of the sensed signal is multiplied by a scrambling sequence.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the scrambling sequence comprises complex symbols having a random phase.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the scrambling comprises: The location of the sensed signal is changed using a mapping function of the resource element.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the mapping function changes the position in at least one of the following: time; frequency; space.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sensing signal uses a frequency-modulated continuous wave waveform.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the sensing signal comprises a frequency-modulated continuous wave pulse, and the frequency-modulated continuous wave pulse is multiplexed with a symbol carrying data.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the scrambling comprises: Different starting frequencies are assigned to frequency-modulated continuous wave pulses.

14. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 13, wherein the scrambling comprises: This refers to whether the frequency-modulated continuous wave pulse has a negative or positive gradient.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensing signal is used in one of the following: Bistatic sensing system; Monostatic sensing system.

16. A sensing node comprising means for performing the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

17. The sensing node of claim 16, wherein the sensing node is at least one of the following: User equipment; Network node.

18. A computer program comprising instructions for performing at least the following: A scrambled sensing signal, wherein the sensing signal is configured to sense a passive object, and wherein the scrambling is performed using a scrambling sequence known to an authorized sensing node; and Send the scrambled sensing signal.

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