Method for performing a data collection procedure in an entity of a communication network

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for performing a detection procedure in an entity (10) of a communication network, comprising: - Receiving (101) a communication signal (4) from a first node (20) which is sent from the first node (20) to a device (30), - Receiving (102) a reflected communication signal (6) from the first node (20) and at least one further node (21, 22, 23), wherein the reflected communication signal (6) is a reflection of the communication signal (4) at at least one object (5) in the environment, - Performing the acquisition procedure based on the received signals (6), wherein the received (101) communication signal (4) is used as a pilot signal for the acquisition procedure, - Adapting a digital model of an environment of the entity (10) with at least one detected object (5) in the environment based on the performed (103) acquisition procedure.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for performing a data acquisition procedure in an entity of a communication network. The invention further relates to a computer program, a device, and a storage medium for this purpose. State of the art

[0002] Integrated Communication and Sensing (ICAS) is an emerging concept that seeks to unify communication and sensing capabilities within a single system, thereby improving efficiency and enabling advanced capabilities across various technological fields. By effectively leveraging shared hardware and signal processing techniques, ICAS facilitates seamless integration, allowing devices to simultaneously transmit data and sensing their environment. This convergence could offer advantages in terms of reduced system complexity, improved spectrum utilization, and enhanced performance, making it a crucial development for future wireless networks, autonomous systems, and intelligent environments.

[0003] Current ICAS systems still exhibit limited capabilities for accurate object detection and environment modeling. Furthermore, the state of the art only provides methods for combining communication and data acquisition for a non-distributed architecture.

[0004] One object of the present invention is therefore to overcome at least some of the disadvantages described above. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a distributed communication and data acquisition approach that improves the robustness and efficiency of the ICAS system. Disclosure of the invention

[0005] According to aspects of the invention, a method with the features of claim 1, a computer program with the features of claim 8, a data processing device with the features of claim 9, and a computer-readable storage medium with the features of claim 10 are provided. Further features and details of the invention are disclosed in the respective dependent claims, in the description, and in the drawings. Features and details described in the context of the method according to the invention also correspond in each case to the computer program, the data processing device, and the computer-readable storage medium according to the invention, and vice versa.

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, a method for performing a detection procedure in an entity of a communication network, comprising: - Receiving a communication signal from a first node, which is sent from the first node to a device, - Receiving a reflected communication signal from the first node and at least one further node, wherein the reflected communication signal is a reflection of the communication signal from at least one object in the environment, - Performing the acquisition procedure based on the received signals, using the received communication signal as a pilot signal for the acquisition procedure, - Adapting a digital model of an entity's environment with at least one detected object in the environment based on the performed acquisition procedure.

[0007] This has the advantage that, by using existing communication signals as the basis for acquisition, the invention eliminates the need for separate spectrum allocation for acquisition purposes. The distributed nature of the communication network architecture allows for a multistatic acquisition approach, thereby providing a more detailed and accurate environmental model. Furthermore, this allows for easy scaling by adding nodes, thus improving acquisition coverage and resolution without significant infrastructure changes.

[0008] It is also possible that the procedure may further include the following: - Exchanging the communication signal sent to the device with at least one other node via a core network of the communication network.

[0009] The core network advantageously enables communication and coordination between the nodes involved in the data acquisition procedure, thereby allowing for more efficient data exchange and processing. Exchanging the communication signal between nodes enables a more structured and organized approach to multi-static data acquisition. This has the advantage of significantly improving the overall accuracy and reliability of the system.

[0010] It is also possible that receiving includes the following: - Receiving a decoded communication signal that includes at least one decoded data symbol, thereby enabling the use of the at least one decoded data symbol as a reference symbol for the acquisition procedure.

[0011] It is possible to extract specific data symbols by decoding the communication signal. These decoded one or more data symbols can then serve as one or more reference points for the acquisition procedure.

[0012] In other words, receiving the communication signal from the first node can include decoding the received communication signal to obtain a decoded communication signal, wherein the decoded communication signal comprises at least one decoded data symbol. The at least one decoded data symbol is preferably used as a reference symbol or pilot signal for the acquisition procedure. This allows for a more accurate analysis of the reflected signals and potentially improves the accuracy of object detection and localization in the environment.

[0013] It is also possible that carrying out the data collection procedure may further include the following: - Using the received communication signal, specifically the received decoded communication signal, to interpret the reflected communication signal from the first node, - Processing the reflected communication signal to detect the at least one object in the environment; and further adapting the following: - Updating the digital model of the environment by adding the at least one detected object and / or the attributes of the respective object.

[0014] It is possible that the acquisition procedure involves analyzing the received communication signal to interpret the reflected signals from both the first node and the other nodes. This interpretation can be used to identify specific properties of objects in the environment, leading to more detailed object detection. By processing the reflected signals, the system can advantageously determine the location, size, and even material properties of the detected objects. The digital model of the environment is then updated by integrating these newly detected objects and their attributes, resulting in a richer and more accurate representation of the environment.

[0015] It is also possible that the reflected communication signal includes information regarding the environment, with the information including an indicator of the received signal strength and / or arrival time information and / or arrival angle information.

[0016] It is possible that the reflected communication signal carries additional environmental data, such as signal strength, TOA (time of arrival), or AOA (angle of arrival). These metrics or parameters can advantageously contribute to a more detailed understanding of the environment. Signal strength indicators can reveal object proximity and density. TOA and AOA measurements allow for improved object localization and directionality.

[0017] It is possible that the first node and / or at least one further node are contained in a distributed integrated data acquisition and communication system.

[0018] The distributed integrated data acquisition and communication system allows for the deployment of numerous nodes across a large area. This widely distributed node network enables comprehensive environmental coverage and a more detailed understanding of the environment. Furthermore, the decentralized nature of the system improves robustness and resilience to failures, as the loss of a single node would not significantly impact overall functionality.

[0019] It is also possible that the entity comprises the first node or a capture management function of the communication network.

[0020] It is also possible that the entity is a node in the communication network capable of both sending and receiving signals. Alternatively, the entity could be a centralized function, such as a SeMF (Collection Management Function), responsible for coordinating data from multiple nodes and generating an environmental model. This flexibility allows the system to adapt to different network architectures and scales.

[0021] In another aspect of the invention, a computer program, in particular a computer program product, can be provided, comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to the invention. Thus, the computer program according to the invention can have the same advantages that have been described in detail with reference to a method according to the invention.

[0022] In another aspect of the invention, a data processing device can be provided that is designed to carry out the method according to the invention. For example, the device can be a computer that executes the computer program according to the invention. The computer can include at least one processor that can be used to execute the computer program. Furthermore, a non-volatile data storage medium can be provided in which the computer program can be stored and from which the computer program can be read by the processor for execution.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, a computer-readable storage medium can be provided which comprises the computer program according to the invention and / or instructions which, when the computer program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of the method according to the invention. The storage medium can be designed as a data storage device, such as a hard disk and / or non-volatile memory and / or a memory card and / or a solid-state drive. The storage medium can, for example, be integrated into the computer.

[0024] Furthermore, the method according to the invention can be implemented as a computer-implemented method. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the disclosed method steps can be computer-implemented and / or automated.

[0025] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this context, the features mentioned in the claims and in the description can be essential to the invention, either individually or in any combination. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a method, a computer program, a storage medium and a device according to embodiments of the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of an exemplary system according to embodiments of the invention.

[0026] In the following figures, identical reference numerals are used for the same technical features, even for different embodiments.

[0027] The core of the invention is based on the effective use of a distributed architecture of a mobile communication network, which includes a sensing entity 10, which can be a centralized entity in a core network, as well as ongoing communication. This can be achieved without the need for additional spectrum resources by effectively utilizing existing communication between a base station 20 (BS) and a user device 30 (UE). The reflections 6 from this communication 4 are received by the surrounding BS 21, 22, 23, which, in conjunction with the central entity (SeMF), can process these signals 6 to perform environmental sensing.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1 shows a method 100, a computer program 50, a storage medium 15, and a device 10 for data processing, which can, for example, be designed as an entity 10 of a communication network. In particular, Figure 1 shows Fig. 1. A method 100 for performing a detection procedure in an entity 10 of a communication network, comprising the following: In step 101, a communication signal 4 is received from a first node 20 (by the entity 10) and transmitted from the first node 20 to a device 30. In step 102, a reflected communication signal 6 is received from the first node 20 and at least one other node 21, 22, 23. The reflected communication signal 6 is a reflection of the communication signal 4 from at least one object 5 in the environment. In step 103, the detection procedure is performed based on the received signals 6. The communication signal 4 received in step 101 is used as a pilot signal for the detection procedure.In step 104, the digital environment model of entity 10 is adapted based on the completed 103 acquisition procedure with at least one detected object 5 in the environment.

[0029] Furthermore, it shows Fig. 1 a device 10 for data processing or the entity 10. The device comprises a computer-readable storage medium 15. The medium 15 comprises a computer program 50.

[0030] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary system according to embodiments of the invention. In particular, it shows Fig. 2. A first base station 20, which communicates with a user device 30 or apparatus 30 via a communication network. 4. The communication network (not shown) can be a cellular network or a mobile network. In embodiments of the present invention, the communication network can further comprise a core network. The core network can include functions for managing the communication network.

[0031] Furthermore, it shows Fig. 2 an object 5 in the vicinity of the base stations 20, 21, 22, 23. Such an object can be, for example, a building, a plant such as a tree or a bush, a traffic sign, a person, a vehicle such as a car, a truck or a bus, or an obstacle. The base stations 20, 21, 22, 23 can send or transmit information regarding a reflected signal 6 of a communication signal 4 to an entity 10, such as a SeMF (Capture Management Function) 10. The SeMF 10 can be a core network entity, as in this embodiment of Fig. 2 shown. The first base station 20 can send information regarding the transmitted communication signal 4 to entity 10 101.

[0032] The first base station 20 communicates 4 with a user facility 30 (UE). The reflections 6 from this ongoing communication 4 are received by all surrounding base stations 21, 22, 23, including the transmitting one 20. Since the base stations 20, 21, 22, 23 are connected to the core network 102, an entity 10 of this network can process the received signals with knowledge of the transmitted data in order to perform scene capture.

[0033] In more detail, the first base station 20 sends a communication signal 4, which includes data or a data stream, to a user device 30. For example, the first base station 20 can transmit a data stream 4 to the user device 30. This data stream 4 includes coded information intended for communication. It can also be used as a pilot signal for acquisition. Each of the other in Fig. The two base stations 21, 22, 23 shown can receive a reflection 6 of the data communication signal 4 from the surrounding objects 5. These reflections or reflected signals can contain information about the environment.

[0034] Furthermore, the first base station 20 can send the same data stream of the communication signal 4 to a network entity 10, which in this embodiment is Fig. 2 can be configured as a SeMF (acquisition management function) 10. The first base station 20 can send the original data stream (communication) directly to the SeMF 10. This data stream can serve as a reference for the acquisition process.

[0035] Each of the base stations 21, 22, 22 can transmit the respective received reflective signal 6 to the SeMF 10 102. The received information includes, for example, information regarding signal strength, which includes indicators of the strength of the received signal that can provide an indication of the distance and size of the reflective objects 5. Furthermore, it can include information on TOA (time of arrival) and / or AOA (angle of arrival). These metrics help in triangulating the position of objects 5. The information can also be encapsulated in a standardized format such as JSON via a secure communication protocol dedicated to the communication network. This format can include metadata such as a timestamp, a base station identifier, and / or the aforementioned signal metrics (signal strength, ToA, AoA).

[0036] The SeMF 10 can use the received data signal 102 from the first base station 20 as a pilot signal to perform a detection procedure with the reflected signals 6 received from the first base station 20 and the other base stations 21, 22, and 23. In other words, the SeMF 10 can use the received data stream 4 as a pilot signal to interpret the reflected signals 6. The SeMF 10 can process the reflected signals 6 to detect objects. This process includes, for example, signal processing using a filter of advanced algorithms, correlating and analyzing the signals 6 to identify unique environmental features. The one or more detected objects 5 and their attributes, such as position or movement, can be added to or updated by the SeMF 10 in a digital model or digital twin of the environment.

[0037] In another embodiment, the first base station 20 can send one or more data symbols, which are transmitted through the core network of the communication network to the other base stations 21, 22, 23 to the UE 30, thereby bypassing the SeMF 10. All base stations 20, 21, 22, 23 can then use this data stream 4 as a pilot signal and perform a data acquisition procedure.

[0038] In another embodiment, the received signal 6 can be decoded in a receiving base station 21, 22, 23. Then, in an iterative demodulation process, the decoded signal can be used as a capture pilot signal. In other words, the receiving base station 21, 22, 23 can decode the received signal 6 or the received data 6 and can then use the decoded data to perform the capture along the reflected path.

[0039] In another embodiment, a received signal 6 is decoded in each of the base stations 20, 21, 22, 23 before the decoded signal is sent to the SeMF 10 102. This allows the use of a pre-processed signal in the acquisition procedure.

[0040] The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention in the context of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, as long as this is technically reasonable and does not depart from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

[1] Method (100) for performing a data acquisition procedure in an entity (10) of a communication network, comprising: - Receiving (101) a communication signal (4) from a first node (20) which is sent from the first node (20) to a device (30), - Receiving (102) a reflected communication signal (6) from the first node (20) and at least one further node (21, 22, 23), wherein the reflected communication signal (6) is a reflection of the communication signal (4) at at least one object (5) in the environment, - Performing (103) the acquisition procedure based on the received signals (4, 6), wherein the received (101) communication signal (4) is used as a pilot signal for the acquisition procedure, - Adapting (104) a digital model of an environment of the entity (10) with at least one detected object (5) in the environment based on the (103) acquisition procedure performed. [2] Method (100) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the procedure (100) further comprises the following: - Exchanging the communication signal (4) sent to the device (30) with at least one other node (21, 22, 23) via a core network of the communication network. [3] Method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that receiving (101) further includes the following: - Receiving a decoded communication signal (4) comprising at least one decoded data symbol, thereby enabling the use of the at least one decoded data symbol as a reference symbol for the acquisition procedure. [4] Method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that carrying out (103) the recording procedure further includes the following: - Using the received communication signal (4), specifically the received decoded communication signal (4), to interpret the reflected communication signal (6) from the first node (20) and / or the at least one further node (21, 22, 23), - Processing the reflected communication signal (6) to detect the at least one object (5) in the environment; and the adaptation (104) further includes: - Updating the digital model of the environment by adding the at least one detected object (5) and / or the attributes of the respective object. [5] Method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the reflected communication signal (6) includes information regarding the environment, wherein the information includes an indicator of the received signal strength and / or arrival time information and / or arrival angle information. [6] Method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first node (20) and / or at least one further node (21, 22, 23) are contained in a distributed integrated acquisition and communication system (2). [7] Method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the entity (10) includes the first node (20) or a capture management function of the communication network. [8] Computer program (50) comprising instructions which, when the computer program (50) is executed by a computer (10), cause the computer (10) to execute the method (100) according to any of the preceding claims. [9] Data processing device (10) comprising means for carrying out the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. [10] Computer-readable storage medium (15) comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer (10), cause the computer (10) to perform the steps of the method (100) according to claim 1 of 7.

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