A method for enabling remote sensing of an object, a related network node, and a related coverage enhancing device

Abstract

Disclosed is a method, performed in a network node, for enabling remote sensing of an object. The method comprises obtaining information indicative of an operational mode capability of a coverage enhancing device, CED, wherein the operational mode capability is indicative of information indicating whether the CED has a capability to support full duplex mode. The method comprises in accordance with the information indicating that the CED has the capability to support full duplex mode, obtaining, based on the operational mode capability, a first configuration associated with a first spatial filter; and transmitting, to the CED, the first configuration.

Description

[0001] A METHOD FOR ENABLING REMOTE SENSING OF AN OBJECT, A RELATED NETWORK NODE, AND A RELATED COVERAGE ENHANCING DEVICE

[0002] The present disclosure pertains to the field of wireless communications. The present disclosure relates to a method for enabling remote sensing of an object, a related network node, and a related coverage enhancing device.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] In future telecommunication systems, such as 3GPP systems and for example 6G, it is predicted that joint communication and sensing, JCS or JCE, will be used. Joint communication and sensing address the use of hardware and spectrum resources for the purpose of both communication and sensing.

[0005] Traditionally, communication and sensing functionalities have been treated as distinct domains, each having its own dedicated set of resources and infrastructure. However, the limitations of this approach are becoming evident as the demand for efficient resource utilization and enhanced network performance grows. JCS introduces a transformative approach by concurrently leveraging hardware and spectrum resources to support both communication and sensing tasks within a unified framework.

[0006] Despite the promising potential of JCS in advancing the capabilities of 3GPP systems and beyond, several challenges remain in achieving its implementation and optimal performance.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for devices and methods for enabling remote sensing, such as remote sensing of an object, which may mitigate, alleviate, or address the shortcomings existing and may provide for implementation of joint communication and sensing, e.g., using a coverage enhancing device, CED.

[0009] Disclosed is a method, performed in a network node, for enabling remote sensing, such as remote sensing of an object. The method comprises obtaining information indicative of an operational mode capability of a coverage enhancing device, CED, wherein the operational mode capability is indicative of information indicating whether the CED has a capability to support full duplex mode. The method comprises in accordance with the information indicating that the CED has the capability to support full duplex mode, obtaining, based on the operational mode capability, a first configuration associated with a first spatial filter; and transmitting, to the CED, the first configuration. Further, a network node comprising memory circuitry, processor circuitry, and a wireless interface is provided. The network node is configured to perform any of the methods performed in a network node as disclosed herein.

[0010] It is an advantage of the present disclosure that the disclosed method and network node enables remote sensing, such as remote sensing of an object. The disclosed method and network node enables the implementation of joint communication and sensing, especially when using a coverage enhancing device, CED. The present disclosure enables improved accuracy of sensing, such as accuracy of positioning of an object. It may be appreciated that the present disclosure enables the configuration of a CED which in turn allows joint communication and sensing via the CED. By using a CED for sensing an object the chances of having line of sight, LOS, channels toward the object are increased dramatically compared to sensing directly from the network node. It may be appreciated that CEDs are positioned such that they are in a LOS with respect to objects, such as wireless devices, of interest.

[0011] Furthermore, the present disclosure improves an angular resolution since the CED would be closer to the object than the NN. For example, if the object moves 5 meters, this may result in a 1 degree angle difference with respect to the NN, whereas it would result in a 15 degrees angle difference with respect to the CED. Therefore, the accuracy of remote sensing is improved with the use of a CED.

[0012] Additionally, the present disclosure reduces the costs of deploying infrastructure for remote sensing of objects and JCS. The use of CEDs for remote sensing of objects is cheaper than deploying a denser grid of NNs. The present disclosure may take advantage of favorable CED deployments and facilitate sensing on top of already existing wireless communications. In other words, the configuration of JCS on a CED may enable the use of CEDs, such as existing CEDs, to perform sensing of objects on top of already existing wireless communications.

[0013] Disclosed is a method, performed in a coverage enhancing device, CED, for enabling remote sensing, such as remote sensing of an object. The method comprises transmitting, to a network node, a capability message indicative of an operational mode capability of the CED, wherein the operational mode capability is indicative of information indicating whether the CED has a capability to support full duplex mode. The method comprises receiving, from the network node, a first configuration associated with a first spatial filter. Further, a coverage enhancing device, CED, is provided, the CED comprising memory circuitry, processor circuitry, and a wireless interface. The CED is configured to perform any of the methods disclosed herein relating to the CED.

[0014] It is an advantage of the present disclosure that the disclosed method and CED enables remote sensing, such as remote sensing of an object. The disclosed method and CED enables the implementation of joint communication and sensing, especially when using a coverage enhancing device. The present disclosure enables improved accuracy of sensing, such as accuracy of positioning of an object. It may be appreciated that the present disclosure enables the configuration of a CED which in turn allows joint communication and sensing via the CED.

[0015] By using a CED for sensing an object the chances of having line of sight, LOS, channels toward the object are increased dramatically compared to sensing directly from the network node. It may be appreciated that CEDs are positioned such that they are in a LOS with respect to objects, such as wireless devices, of interest.

[0016] Furthermore, the present disclosure improves an angular resolution since the CED would be closer to the object than the NN. For example, if the object moves 5 meters, this may result in a 1 degree angle difference with respect to the NN, whereas it would result in a 15 degrees angle difference with respect to the CED. Therefore, the accuracy of remote sensing is improved with the use of a CED.

[0017] Additionally, the present disclosure reduces the costs of deploying infrastructure for remote sensing of objects and JCS. The use of CEDs for remote sensing of objects is cheaper than deploying a denser grid of NNs. The present disclosure may take advantage of favorable CED deployments and facilitate sensing on top of already existing wireless communications. In other words, the configuration of JCS on a CED may enable the use of CEDs, such as existing CEDs, to perform sensing of objects on top of already existing wireless communications.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art by the following detailed description of examples thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0020] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example wireless communication system comprising an example network node, an example CED, and an example wireless device according to this disclosure,

[0021] Figs. 2A-2B show a flow-chart illustrating an example method, performed in a network node, for enabling remote sensing of an object according to this disclosure, Fig. 3 shows a flow-chart illustrating an example method, performed in a CED, for enabling remote sensing of an object according to this disclosure,

[0022] Fig. 4 illustrate an example scenario where an example technique as disclosed herein is applied,

[0023] Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example network node according to this disclosure, and Fig. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example CED according to this disclosure.

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Various examples and details are described hereinafter, with reference to the figures when relevant. It should be noted that the figures may or may not be drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are represented by like reference numerals throughout the figures. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the examples. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the disclosure or as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure. In addition, an illustrated example needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular example is not necessarily limited to that example and can be practiced in any other examples even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.

[0026] The figures are schematic and simplified for clarity, and they merely show details which aid understanding the disclosure, while other details have been left out. Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts.

[0027] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example wireless communication system 1 according to this disclosure. The wireless communication system 1 comprises a wireless device 300, a network node 400 and a core network (CN) node 600.

[0028] As discussed in detail herein, the present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system 1 comprising a cellular system, for example, a 3GPP wireless communication system.

[0029] A network node disclosed herein refers to a radio access network (RAN) node operating in the radio access network, such as a base station, an evolved Node B, eNBs, a global Node B, gNBs in NR, and / or a transmission and reception point (TRP). In one or more examples, the RAN node is a functional unit which may be distributed in several physical units.

[0030] A CN node disclosed herein refers to a network node operating in the core network, such as in the Evolved Packet Core Network, EPC, and / or a 5G Core Network, 5GC. Examples of CN nodes in EPC include a Mobility Management Entity, MME. In one or more examples, the CN node is a functional unit which may be distributed in several physical units.

[0031] The wireless communication system 1 described herein may comprise one or more wireless devices 300, and / or one or more network nodes 400, such as one or more of: a base station, an eNB, a global Node B, gNB, and / or an access point.

[0032] A wireless device may refer to as a mobile device and / or a user equipment, UE. A wireless device, such as the wireless device 300, may be seen as an object as referred to herein. The wireless device 300 may be configured to communication with the network node 400 via a wireless link (or radio access link) 10, 10A.

[0033] The wireless communication system 1 may comprise a coverage enhancing device (CED) 800, such as a CED as disclosed herein. The CED 800 may be one or more of a smart repeater, a reflective intelligent surface (RIS), a network controlled repeater (NCR), and / or another wireless device (WD). The CED 800 may provide coverage enhancement for devices using 5G and beyond. The CED 800 may be configurable by the network node 400 and / or the CN node 600, and may be used to improve signal coverage in the wireless communication system 1 . The CED 800 may be used to retransmit, such as forward, signals, such as data and / or control signals, between the network node 400 and the WD 300. The retransmission can be advantageous when the WD 300 is located at hard-to-reach locations, such as at a border of a coverage area of the network node 400 and / or when a direct link between the network node 400 and the WD 300 is obstructed. It may be appreciated that the CED 800 can also be used to increase the multiple components and / or channel rank to support MIMO communication between the network node 400 and the WD 300, even in a well-covered area. The present disclosure may take advantage of favorable CED deployments and facilitate sensing on top of already existing wireless communications. In other words, the configuration of JCS on a CED may enable the use of CEDs, such as existing CEDs, to perform sensing of objects on top of already existing wireless communications. The CED 800 may comprise a plurality of antenna elements that can be configured with a respective phase shift. By controlling the phase shifts, such as jointly controlling the phase shifts, an incoming and / or outgoing angle of a signal received and / or transmitted by the CED 800 can be controlled and / or adapted. In one or more examples or embodiments, the CED 800 receives signals at a plurality of antenna elements, such as a plurality of first antenna elements. The signals are then phase shifted and then retransmitted from the CED 800. The signals may be retransmitted by the same plurality of first antenna elements and alternatively or additionally, the signals may be retransmitted by a different plurality of antenna elements, such as a plurality of second antenna elements. For example, a CED of the type NCR may have to be enabled for full duplex. An NCR may have two separate antenna arrays, one array toward an access side (such as toward an object) and another array toward a backhaul side (such as toward a NN). In one or more example methods, the angle of incoming and outgoing signals can be controlled by controlling the relative phase between antenna elements of the CED 800. The phase shift may be a capacitor-based phase shift and / or a true time delay line, such as a time domain shift, between antenna elements of the CED 800. The WD 300 may be configured to communicate with the network node 400 directly via the wireless link (or radio access link) 10 and / or via the CED 800 via wireless link 10A. The wireless link 10A may herein be referred to as a reflected, such as retransmitted, wireless link. The CED 800 may be controlled by one or more network nodes, such as the network node 400, or one or more wireless devices, such as the WD 300. In one or more example embodiments or examples, the network node 400 may be seen as the CED controlling node, such as CED controlling node 700. The one or more network nodes or wireless devices controlling the CED 800 may herein be referred to as coverage enhancing device controlling nodes. In one or more example methods, the coverage enhancing device controlling node can be a CN node, such as the CN node 600 in Fig 1 . In one or more example methods, the coverage enhancing device controlling node can be a node in an external network that can access the CED 800, for example through the internet via a gateway function.

[0034] According to the current disclosure, the CED 800 can be configured, for example by a CED controlling node, to perform and / or participate in remote sensing of an object, such as remote sensing of a wireless device, such as a remote sensing between the network node 400 and the WD 300.

[0035] Figs. 2A-2B show a flow diagram of an example method 100, performed by a network node according to the disclosure, for enabling remote sensing of an object. In other words, the method 100 may be a method for enabling remote sensing of a wireless device, such as wireless device 300. The method 100 may be a method for enabling determination of a position of an object, such as enabling the determination of a direction towards an object and / or a velocity of an object. The method 100 may be for enabling remote probing of a spatial direction, and when an object is present within the spatial direction, sensing the object. The method may be a method enabling remote sensing and / or probing of an object using a CED. The method 100 may be a method for controlling a CED. The network node is the network node disclosed herein, such as network node 400 of Fig. 1 , Fig. 4, and Fig. 5. The method 100 comprises obtaining S102 information indicative of an operational mode capability of a coverage enhancing device, CED. Information indicative of an operational mode capability may be seen as information relating to a capability of the CED to operate in certain operational mode(s). For example, information indicative of an operational mode capability may be seen as information relating to operational parameters or characteristics of the CED. Information indicative of an operational mode capability may indicate which type of CED it is. The network node may then be configured to obtain further information indicative of an operational mode capability of the CED based on the type of CED. For example, a RIS CED may support full duplex mode by default. However, for other types of CEDs it may be more challenging. For example, for an NCR CED and / or a relay station, a different type of configuration of the CED may be required to enable full duplex mode. One way to enable an NCR to operate in FD mode may be to implement different antennas for Rx and Tx at both back-haul and access side. This may be enabled by a configuration as disclosed herein, such as a first configuration. The operational mode capability is indicative of information indicating whether the CED has a capability to support full duplex, FD, mode. In other words, the information is indicative of whether the CED has a capability to support full duplex mode. The operational mode capability may for example indicate whether the CED has a capability of enabling and disabling the full duplex mode. The operational mode capability may indicate whether the CED has the full duplex mode enabled by default or if it has to be activated. In one or more examples or embodiments, the operational mode capability may be associated with a spatial filter configuration of the CED. In one or more examples or embodiments, the operational mode capability may be indicative of a capability of transmission and / or reception (e.g., a capability of conveying) of a probing signal, such as a probing signal from the NN and / or a reflection of a probing signal from the object.

[0036] A capability to support full duplex mode may indicate whether the CED is capable of transmitting and receiving on both a back-haul link (toward the NN) and toward an access side (e.g., the target for the beam sweep, such as the object). In other words, a capability to support full duplex mode may indicate whether the CED is capable of transmitting and receiving on both a back-haul link and toward an access side simultaneously. In general, FD mode operation may be challenging as there needs to be high isolation between the receiving (Rx) and transmitting (Tx) ports. Today, FD mode is being standardized for the NN side only. For the NN side it may be possible to allow FD mode with port isolation achieved with physical separation of the Rx and Tx antennas. It may also be possible for the wireless device and the CED to allow FD mode with port isolation achieved with physical separation of the Rx and Tx antennas.

[0037] The method 100 comprises, in accordance with the information indicating that the CED has the capability to support full duplex mode, obtaining S104, based on the operational mode capability, a first configuration associated with a first spatial filter. Obtaining a first configuration associated with a first spatial filter may be seen as retrieving a first configuration, e.g., from a database, receiving a first configuration, such as from the CN node, and / or determining a first configuration based on the operational mode capability. The first configuration may be configured to configure the CED with a first spatial filter. In other words, the first configuration may comprise one or more configuration parameters for configuring the CED with the first spatial filter. The first configuration may be associated with a full duplex mode capability. A spatial filter, such as the first spatial filter, may be configured to focus transmitted and / or received signals at the CED in specific directions or regions while minimizing signals coming from other directions. This may be achieved through signal processing techniques, such as beamforming and antenna array configurations. The first configuration may comprise one or more beamforming parameters and / or one or more antenna array configurations associated with the first spatial filter to be applied at the CED. For example, the first configuration may configure the CED with a certain angle with respect to the CED in order to focus transmitted and / or received signals in a certain direction or direction range.

[0038] The method 100 comprises, in accordance with the information indicating that the CED has the capability to support full duplex mode, transmitting S106, to the CED, the first configuration. By transmitting the first configuration to the CED, the NN may configure the CED to enable remote sensing of an object, e.g., using or via the CED.

[0039] In one or more example methods, obtaining S102 information indicative of an operational mode capability of the CED comprises receiving S102A, from the CED, a capability message indicative of an operational mode capability of the CED, wherein the operational mode capability is indicative of information indicating whether the CED has a capability to support full duplex mode. In other words, the capability message is indicative of information indicating whether the CED has a capability to support full duplex mode. It may be appreciated that the capability message may be seen as a general capability message from the CED, e.g., comprising information on the capabilities of the CED, and among other capabilities, information on a capability to support full duplex mode. It may be appreciated that when the CED includes baseband and / or is of regenerative type, the CED may impose a delay to a signal. This may e.g., be signaled by the CED in the capability message. In one or more example embodiments, the operational mode capability of the CED may be pre-stored in the memory of the network node.

[0040] In one or more example methods, obtaining S102 information indicative of an operational mode capability of the CED comprises transmitting S102B, to the CED, a capability request. The capability request may be seen as a request for capabilities of the CED. In other words, the capability request may be seen as a general request for capabilities of the CED. It may be appreciated that the capability request may be a request for all the capabilities of the CED. The capability request may comprise a request for an operational mode capability of the CED. In one or more example methods, obtaining S102 information indicative of an operational mode capability of the CED comprises receiving S102C, from the CED, a capability message indicative of an operational mode capability of the CED in response to the capability request, wherein the operational mode capability is indicative of information indicating whether the CED has a capability to support full duplex mode.

[0041] In one or more example methods, the first configuration is configured to enable a full duplex mode on the CED. To enable a full duplex mode may be seen as activating a full duplex mode, e.g., with a dedicated activating signal. To enable a full duplex mode may be seen as enabling transmission and reception on both a back-haul link (toward the NN) and toward an access side (e.g., the target for the beam sweep, such as the object) on the CED. For example, the first configuration may be configured to implement different antennas for Rx and Tx at both back- haul and access side on the CED in order to enable full duplex mode. The NN, may enable full duplex mode on the CED when the operational mode capability of the CED indicates that the full duplex mode is not enabled by default on the CED, e.g., when the CED is not a RIS. In one or more example embodiments, the full duplex mode may be enabled by default. In other words, the NN, may enable simultaneous transmission and reception on both a back-haul link and toward an access side when the operational mode capability of the CED indicates that simultaneous transmission and reception on both a back-haul link and toward an access side is not enabled by default on the CED. Full duplex mode on the CED may be seen as the CED being capable of supporting uplink, UL, and downlink, DL, traffic simultaneously.

[0042] In one or more examples or embodiments, the method comprises transmitting a second configuration, separate from the first configuration, configured to enable a full duplex mode on the CED.

[0043] In one or more example methods, the method 100 comprises configuring S130 the CED to disable a full duplex mode. To disable a full duplex mode may be seen as deactivating a full duplex mode. To disable a full duplex mode may be seen as disabling transmission and reception on both a back-haul link (toward the NN) and toward an access side (e.g., the target for the beam sweep, such as the object) on the CED.

[0044] In one or more examples or embodiments, the method comprises transmitting a third configuration, separate from the first configuration, configured to disable a full duplex mode on the CED. It may be appreciated that a full duplex mode may be disabled when not needed anymore, e.g., in order to save power and / or bandwidth. Full duplex mode may not be needed anymore In one or more example methods, the configuration S130 of the CED to disable the full duplex mode is after a remote sensing procedure. It may be appreciated that a full duplex mode may be disabled when not needed anymore, e.g., in order to save power and / or bandwidth. Full duplex mode may not be needed anymore after a remote sensing procedure.

[0045] In one or more example methods, the method 100 comprises transmitting S108, to the CED, a message indicating to the CED to initiate a retro reflection mode. In one or more examples or embodiments, the method 100 comprises transmitting, to the CED, a fourth configuration configured to enable a retro reflection mode of the CED. A retro reflection mode may be seen as a mode of the CED where the CED can reflect back energy of a signal from the NN towards the NN. In other words, it may enable the NN to sense the CED by receiving a reflected signal from the CED in response to a signal from the NN, such as in response to a probing signal.

[0046] In one or more example methods, the method 100 comprises receiving S110, from the CED, a reflected signal. In one or more examples or embodiments, the CED may be configured to reflect signals from the NN by default. The reflected signal may be a reflection of the first probing signal. In other words, receiving S110 a reflected signal from the CED may be seen as receiving reflected energy in response to a signal transmitted by the NN to the CED.

[0047] In one or more examples or embodiments, the method comprises transmitting a dedicated probing signal towards the CED in order to determine the position of the CED. The reflected signal may be a reflection of the probing signal. In one or more examples or embodiments, the method 100 comprises receiving S110 a reflected signal from the CED after the retro reflection mode has been initiated. It may be appreciated that the retro reflection mode may be seen as a reflected beam of the CED being configured to reflect back signals toward the NN. Retro reflection mode may not necessarily be a retro-reflection mode for any angle. When a CED beam toward the NN is not known, a retro-reflection configuration sweep can be used, e.g., where each CED beam is tried out consecutively. A retro reflection mode may be seen as a retro-reflection configuration.

[0048] In one or more example methods, the method 100 comprises determining S112 a position of the CED based on the reflected signal. For example, when the position of the CED, such as relative position of the CED with respect to the NN, is not known by the NN, the NN may be configured to determine a position of the CED based on a reflected signal. The position of the CED may be seen as a relative position between the CED and the NN. The position of the CED may be determined by measuring a time of flight, TOF, of the reflected signal in order to determine the distance between the NN and the CED. Further, the angle between the NN and the CED may be determined based on a beam direction toward the CED. By having the distance to the CED and the angle toward the CED it may be possible to derive the position of the CED. It may be appreciated that the NN may be configured to perform a probing, such as a Radar probing of the CED to determine the position of the CED. In one or more examples or embodiments, the NN already knows the position of the CED, such as the NN has the position of the CED stored, such as stored in a memory of the NN (such as memory 401). Determining S112 a position of the CED may comprise determining a relative position of the CED with respect to the NN based on the reflected signal. It may be appreciated that the NN may need an array antenna to determine an angle toward the CED and in turn the position of the CED.

[0049] In one or more example methods, the method 100 comprises transmitting S114, via the CED and using the first spatial filter, a first probing signal for probing a first spatial direction. A probing signal, such as the first probing signal, may be seen as a RADAR probing signal. In other words, a probing signal may be part of a RADAR probing performed by the NN.

[0050] A probing signal may also be denoted a RADAR probe or RADAR pulse. A probing signal may comprise a short burst of electromagnetic radiation that is transmitted by a RADAR system to gather information about its surrounding environment, such as an object to be sensed. A probing signal may be seen as a radio frequency electromagnetic signal. A probing signal may be used to detect and locate objects, as well as to measure their properties such as distance, speed, direction, shape, and / or composition.

[0051] A spatial direction, such as the first spatial direction, may be seen as a spatial range, such as span or extent of angles within which a probing is performed in a given space. The first spatial direction may be seen as an angular range, such as an angular probing range that the first probing signal is probing. The first spatial direction may be seen from the perspective of the CED. In other words, the first spatial filter may configure the CED to convey the first probing signal in the first spatial direction. The first spatial direction may be seen as a first spatial direction range (such as the CED being used to perform a sweep in the first spatial direction range).

[0052] It may be appreciated that the NN uses the CED to convey the first probing signal for probing a first spatial direction and perform remote sensing of an object.

[0053] In one or more example methods, the method 100 comprises receiving S116, via the CED, a first response signal associated with the first probing signal and the first spatial direction. When the probing signal, such as the first probing signal, encounters an object in its path, a portion of the probing signal gets reflected back to a RADAR receiver of the NN. The portion of the first probing signal reflected back may be seen as the first response signal.

[0054] In one or more example methods, the method 100 comprises determining S118 a first delay and / or a first Doppler shift based on the first probing signal and the first response signal. A delay, such as the first delay, may be seen as a time delay, such as first time delay. The first delay may be a time delay between the first probing signal and the first response signal. A Doppler shift, such as the first Doppler shift, may be seen as a shift in frequency between the first probing signal and the first response signal. Determining S118 a first delay and / or a first Doppler shift based on the first probing signal and the first response signal may comprise measuring a first delay and / or a first Doppler shift based on the first probing signal and the first response signal.

[0055] In one or more example methods, the method 100 comprises determining S120 a position and / or a velocity of an object based on the first delay and / or the first Doppler shift, a position of the CED, and the first spatial filter. By analyzing a time delay between the first probing signal and the first response signal (such as the “echo”), the NN may determine a distance to the object and / or a position of the object. In one or more examples or embodiments, determining S120 a position of the object may comprise determining a position of the object based on the first delay, a position of the CED, and the first spatial filter. By determining a distance to an object, a direction towards the object, and knowing a position of the CED and an angle that the CED is conveying the first probing signal with (such as an angle of reflection), it may be possible to determine a position of the object. Additionally, properties of the first response signal, such as changes in frequency compared to the first probing signal due to the Doppler effect, can provide information about the object’s velocity. It may be appreciated that a Doppler shift measurement may enable, the determination of the velocity of an object but limited to the component along the beam. In one or more examples or embodiments, the method 100 comprises determining an acceleration of an object based on the first delay and / or the first Doppler shift, a position of the CED, and the first spatial filter. In one or more examples or embodiments, the CED is configured with beam-splitting allowing one beam to be directed back toward the NN and another beam directed towards the object simultaneously. This may allow to measure both a CED position and sense the object with a single probing signal.

[0056] In one or more example methods, the method 100 comprises transmitting S122, toward a second spatial direction, a second probing signal. The second probing signal may be seen as a direct transmission from the NN without being conveyed via the CED. In other words, the second probing signal may be transmitted as a direct line of sight, LOS, transmission from the NN toward the second spatial direction. The second spatial direction may be seen as a direction or direction range (e.g., a sweep) as seen from the NN, such as seen from the perspective of the NN.

[0057] The second spatial direction may in some cases be the same as the first spatial direction, e.g., when the CED and the object both are in a LOS as seen from the NN. In other words, the first spatial direction and the second spatial direction may be substantially or completely overlapping. It may be appreciated that the transmission of the second probing signal in a direct line of sight, LOS, transmission from the NN toward the second spatial direction may be possible when the NN is equipped with an array antenna capable of spatially directing radiated energy, i.e., that it is equipped with an array antenna capable of spatially directing energy. In some embodiments, the second spatial direction, such as the LOS between the NN and a probing direction or object is blocked. Thereby it may not always be possible to probe an object in a LOS from the NN.

[0058] In one or more examples or embodiments, to determine a position and / or true velocity of the object from a single measurement location (e.g., only via the CED if the LOS is blocked) the object needs to be measured with repeated measurements (i.e. tracking of a trajectory as the object moves over time).

[0059] In one or more example methods, the method 100 comprises receiving S124 a second response signal associated with the second probing signal. When the second probing signal, encounters an object in its path, a portion of the second probing signal gets reflected back to a RADAR receiver of the NN. The portion of the second probing signal reflected back may be seen as the second response signal.

[0060] In one or more example methods, the method 100 comprises determining S126 a second delay and / or a second Doppler shift based on the second probing signal and the second response signal. The second delay may be a time delay between the second probing signal and the second response signal. The second Doppler shift may be seen as a shift in frequency between the second probing signal and the second response signal. Determining S126 a second delay and / or a second Doppler shift based on the second probing signal and the second response signal may comprise measuring a second delay and / or a second Doppler shift based on the second probing signal and the second response signal. In one or more example methods, the method 100 comprises determining S128 a position and / or a velocity of an object based on the first delay and / or the first Doppler shift, and the second delay and / or the second Doppler shift.

[0061] By analyzing a time delay between the second probing signal and the second response signal (such as the “echo”), the NN may determine a distance to the object and / or a position of the object. In one or more examples or embodiments, determining S128 a position of the object may comprise determining a position of the object based on the second delay and the second spatial filter.

[0062] By combining the two measurements, e.g., the first delay and / or the first Doppler shift, and the second delay and / or the second Doppler shift, it may be possible to determine the position and true velocity of an object. Two measurements, e.g., LOS measurement and NN-CED-object path measurement combined, improve the accuracy of both the position and the velocity beyond what is possible with one measurement in either the LOS path or the NN-CED-object path. With both signals (i.e. , the first probing signal, the first response signal, the second probing signal, and the second response signal) it may be possible to measure a position and the velocity of the object in a more precise manner.

[0063] In case the CED position is known, then the two measurements as mentioned above may be used improve the performance of the positioning and / or velocity determination.

[0064] In one or more examples or embodiments, the method 100 comprises transmitting the first delay and / or the first Doppler shift, and the second delay and / or the second Doppler shift to a location server, LS, which is configured to perform the determination of a position and / or velocity of an object based on the received first delay and / or the first Doppler shift, and the second delay and / or the second Doppler shift.

[0065] In one or more example methods, the first probing signal and / or the second probing signal are RADAR signals for performing RADAR sensing of the object.

[0066] Fig. 3 shows a flow diagram of an example method 200, performed by a coverage enhancing device, CED, according to the disclosure, for enabling remote sensing of an object. In other words, the method 200 may be a method for enabling remote sensing of a wireless device, such as wireless device 300. The method 200 may be a method for enabling determination of a position of an object, such as enabling the determination of a direction towards an object and / or a velocity of an object. The method 200 may be for enabling remote probing of a spatial direction, and when an object is present within the spatial direction, sensing the object. The method may be a method enabling remote sensing and / or probing of an object using a CED. The coverage enhancing device, CED, is the CED as disclosed herein, such as coverage enhancing device, CED, 300 of Fig. 1 , Fig. 4, and Fig. 6. The method 200 comprises transmitting S202, to a network node, a capability message indicative of an operational mode capability of the CED, wherein the operational mode capability is indicative of information indicating whether the CED has a capability to support full duplex mode.

[0067] The method 200 comprises receiving S204, from the network node, a first configuration associated with a first spatial filter.

[0068] In one or more example methods, the method 200 comprises receiving S201 , from a network node, a request for an operational mode capability of the CED.

[0069] In one or more example methods, the method 200 comprises transmitting S202A, to the network node, a capability message indicative of an operational mode capability of the CED in response to the request, wherein the operational mode capability is indicative of information indicating whether the CED has a capability to support full duplex mode.

[0070] In one or more example methods, the first configuration is configured to enable a full duplex mode on the CED.

[0071] In one or more example methods, the method 200 comprises receiving S214, from the network node, a second configuration configured to disable a full duplex mode.

[0072] In one or more example methods, the method 200 comprises disabling S216 a full duplex mode according to the second configuration.

[0073] In one or more example methods, the second configuration is configured to disable the full duplex mode after a remote sensing procedure.

[0074] In one or more example methods, the method 200 comprises receiving S206, from the network node, a message indicating to the CED to initiate a retro reflection mode.

[0075] In one or more example methods, the method 200 comprises reflecting S208 a signal from the network node back at the network node.

[0076] In one or more example methods, the method 200 comprises conveying S210, using the first spatial filter, a first probing signal from the network node for probing a first spatial direction. In one or more example methods, the method 200 comprises conveying S212, to the network node, a first response signal associated with the first probing signal and the first spatial direction.

[0077] It may be appreciated that any of the definitions and terms used in the description of Figs. 2A- 2B may also apply to the description of Fig. 3. For example, any definitions and terms associated with the method performed by the NN disclosed herein may apply to the definitions and terms relating to the method performed by the CED as disclosed herein.

[0078] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example scenario where one or more example methods according to this disclosure are applied. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example scenario where one or more example techniques as disclosed herein are applied. Fig. 4 shows a network node, NN, 400, such as a network node as disclosed herein, a coverage enhancing device, CED, 800, such as a CED as disclosed herein, and an object 300, such as an object as disclosed herein. It may be appreciated that the object 300 is a wireless device in the example of Fig. 4. Fig. 4 shows a NN 400 and a CED 800 configured to enable remote sensing of an object, such as object 300. The NN 400 obtains information indicative of an operational mode capability of the CED 800. The operational mode capability is indicative of information indicating whether the CED 800 has a capability to support full duplex mode. In accordance with the information indicating that the CED 800 has the capability to support full duplex mode, the NN 400 obtains, based on the operational mode capability, a first configuration associated with a first spatial filter, and transmits, to the CED 800, the first configuration. The CED 800 transmits, to the network node 400, a capability message indicative of an operational mode capability of the CED 800. The operational mode capability is indicative of information indicating whether the CED 800 has a capability to support full duplex mode. The CED 800 receives, from the network node 400, a first configuration associated with a first spatial filter.

[0079] In one or more examples or embodiments, the NN 400 transmits, via the CED 800 and using the first spatial filter, a first probing signal 12 for probing a first spatial direction. In one or more examples or embodiments, the NN 400 receives, via the CED 800, a first response signal 12A associated with the first probing signal 12 and the first spatial direction. In one or more examples or embodiments, the NN 400 determines a first delay and / or a first Doppler shift based on the first probing signal 12 and the first response signal 12A.

[0080] In one or more examples or embodiments, the CED 800 conveys, using the first spatial filter, a first probing signal 12 from the network node 400 for probing a first spatial direction. It may be appreciated that the first probing signal 12 conveyed by the CED 800 may be a first conveyed probing signal 16. In one or more examples or embodiments, the CED 800 conveys, to the network node 400, a first response signal 12A associated with the first probing signal 12 and the first spatial direction. It may be appreciated that the first response signal 12A conveyed by the CED 800 may be a first conveyed response signal 16A. The first conveyed response signal 16A may be in response to the first conveyed probing signal 16. The first response signal 12A may be conveyed by the CED from the object 300. When the first probing signal 12, encounters an object in its path, such as the object 300, a portion of the first probing signal 12 gets reflected back to the NN 400. The portion of the first probing signal 12 reflected back may be seen as the first response signal 12A.

[0081] In one or more examples or embodiments, the NN 400 may configure the CED 800 to perform a sweep in a first spatial direction, such as a sweep in a first spatial direction range. In other words, the CED 800 may be configured to change a direction of the beam that the probing signals are transmitted along. This is shown in Fig. 4, where the CED 800 conveys different probing signals in different directions, e.g., toward different spatial directions. For example, the CED 800 conveys a third probing signal 14 and conveys to the NN 400 a third response signal 14A associated with the third probing signal 14 and a third spatial direction. For example, the CED 800 conveys a fourth probing signal 18 and conveys to the NN 400 a fourth response signal 18A associated with the fourth probing signal 18 and a fourth spatial direction. For example, the CED 800 conveys a fifth probing signal 20 and conveys to the NN 400 a fifth response signal 20A associated with the fifth probing signal 20 and a fifth spatial direction. For example, the CED 800 conveys a sixth probing signal 22 and conveys to the NN 400 a sixth response signal 22A associated with the sixth probing signal 22 and a sixth spatial direction. As may be observed in Fig. 4, the first probing signal 12, 16, and the fourth probing signal 18 have encountered the object 300, and the first response signal 12A, 16A and the fourth response signal 18A are thereby reflections from the object 300. In other words, the first response signal 12A, 16A and the fourth response signal 18A are associated with the object 300. The third probing signal 14, the fifth probing signal 20, and the sixth probing signal 22 did however not encounter the object 300. Thereby, the third response signal 14A, the fifth response signal 20A, and the sixth response signal 22A are not reflections from the object 300. It may be appreciated that the third probing signal 14, the fifth probing signal 20, and the sixth probing signal 22 may have encountered another object or no object at all.

[0082] By performing a sweep, the NN 400 may be able to sense the object 300. For example, the NN 400 may compare the response signals and identify the response signals reflected from the same object. In one or more examples or embodiments, the NN 400 transmits toward a second spatial direction, a second probing signal 24. In one or more examples or embodiments, the NN 400 receives a second response signal 24A associated with the second probing signal 24. In one or more examples or embodiments, the NN 400 determines a second delay and / or a second Doppler shift based on the second probing signal 24 and the second response signal 24A.

[0083] The second probing signal 24 may be seen as a direct transmission from the NN 400 without being conveyed via the CED 800. In other words, the second probing signal 24 may be transmitted as a direct line of sight, LOS, transmission from the NN 400 toward the second spatial direction. The second spatial direction may be seen as a direction or direction range (e.g., a sweep) as seen from the NN 400, such as seen from the perspective of the NN 400. It may be appreciated that the transmission of the second probing signal 24 in a direct line of sight, LOS, transmission from the NN 400 toward the second spatial direction may be possible when the NN 400 is equipped with an array antenna capable of spatially directing radiated energy, i.e., that it is equipped with an array antenna capable of spatially directing energy. In some embodiments, the second spatial direction, such as the LOS between the NN 400 and a probing direction or object is blocked. Thereby it may not always be possible to probe an object in a LOS from the NN.

[0084] The first distance D_1 may be seen as a distance between the NN 400 and the CED 800. In one or more examples or embodiments, the NN 400 knows the first distance D_1 , e.g., the first distance D_1 is stored in a memory of the NN 400. In one or more examples or embodiments, the NN 400 is configured to determine a position of the CED 800. For example, the NN 400 may receive a reflected a signal from the CED 800, and may determine the position of the CED 800 based on the reflected signal. It may be appreciated that the NN 400 may be configured to perform a probing, such as a Radar probing of the CED 800 to determine the position of the CED 800. In one or more examples or embodiments, the reflected signal is a reflection of the first probing signal 12. In one or more examples or embodiments, the reflected signal is a reflection of a dedicated probing signal for determining the position of the CED 800.

[0085] The second distance D_2 may be seen as a distance between the CED 800 and the object 300. The second distance D_2 may be determined by the NN 400 based on the first probing signal 12 and the first response signal 12A, 16A. The distance D_2 may be used to determine a position of the object 300. By determining the distance D_2 to the object 300, a direction towards the object 300, and knowing a position of the CED 800 and an angle that the CED 800 is conveying the first probing signal with (such as an angle of reflection), it may be possible to determine a position of the object 300. The third distance D_3 may be seen as a distance between the NN 400 and the object 300. The third distance D_3 may be determined by the NN 400 based on the first probing signal 12, the first response signal 12A, 16A, the second probing signal 24, the second response signal 24A, the first distance D_1 , and / or the second distance D_2. The distance D_3 may be seen as a LOS distance between the NN 400 and the object 300.

[0086] Fig. 5 shows a block diagram of an example network node, NN, 400 according to the disclosure. The NN 400 comprises memory circuitry 401 , processor circuitry 402, and a wireless interface 403. The NN 400 may be configured to perform any of the methods disclosed in Figs. 2A-2B. In other words, the NN 400 may be configured for enabling remote sensing, such as remote sensing of an object.

[0087] The NN 400 is configured to communicate with a CED, such as the CED disclosed herein, using a wireless communication system.

[0088] The wireless interface 403 is configured for wireless communications via a wireless communication system, such as a 3GPP system, such as a 3GPP system supporting one or more of: New Radio, NR, Narrow-band loT, NB-loT, and Long Term Evolution - enhanced Machine Type Communication, LTE-M, millimeter-wave communications, such as millimeterwave communications in licensed bands, such as device-to-device millimeter-wave communications in licensed bands, such as NTN and / or sidelink communication.

[0089] The NN 400 is configured to obtain, such as via the wireless interface 403 and / or the memory circuitry 401 , information indicative of an operational mode capability of a CED, such as CED 800 as disclosed herein. The operational mode capability is indicative of information indicating whether the CED has a capability to support full duplex mode. In accordance with the information indicating that the CED has the capability to support full duplex mode, the NN 400 is configured to obtain, such as via the wireless interface 403 and / or the memory circuitry 401 , based on the operational mode capability, a first configuration associated with a first spatial filter, and to transmit, such as via the wireless interface 403 and / or using the processor circuitry 402, to the CED, the first configuration.

[0090] Processor circuitry 402 is optionally configured to perform any of the operations disclosed in Figs. 2A-2B (such as any one or more of S102, S102A, S102B, S102C, S104, S106, S108, S110, S112, S114, S116, S118, S120, S122, S124, S126, S128, S130). The operations of the NN 400 may be embodied in the form of executable logic routines (for example, lines of code, software programs, etc.) that are stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium (for example, memory circuitry 401) and are executed by processor circuitry 402.

[0091] Furthermore, the operations of the NN 400 may be considered a method that the NN 400 is configured to carry out and vice versa. Also, while the described functions and operations may be implemented in software, such functionality may also be carried out via dedicated hardware or firmware, or some combination of hardware, firmware and / or software.

[0092] Memory circuitry 401 may be one or more of a buffer, a flash memory, a hard drive, a removable media, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a random access memory (RAM), or other suitable device. In a typical arrangement, memory circuitry 401 may include a nonvolatile memory for long term data storage and a volatile memory that functions as system memory for processor circuitry 402. Memory circuitry 401 may exchange data with processor circuitry 402 over a data bus. Control lines and an address bus between memory circuitry 401 and processor circuitry 402 also may be present (not shown in Fig. 5). Memory circuitry 401 is considered a non-transitory computer readable medium.

[0093] Memory circuitry 401 may be configured to store measurements, configurations, measurement data, and capabilities of the CED in a part of the memory.

[0094] Fig. 6 shows a block diagram of an example CED 800 according to the disclosure. The CED 800 comprises memory circuitry 801 , processor circuitry 802, and a wireless interface 803. The CED 800 may be configured to perform any of the methods disclosed in Fig. 3.

[0095] The CED 800 is configured to communicate with a network node as disclosed herein, such as a CED controlling node, using a wireless communication system.

[0096] The wireless interface 803 is configured for wireless communications via a wireless communication system, such as a 3GPP system, such as a 3GPP system supporting one or more of: New Radio, NR, Narrow-band loT, NB-loT, and Long Term Evolution - enhanced Machine Type Communication, LTE-M, millimeter-wave communications, such as millimeterwave communications in licensed bands, such as device-to-device millimeter-wave communications in licensed bands, such as NTN and / or sidelink communication.

[0097] The CED 800 is configured to transmit, for example, via the wireless interface 803, to the network node 400, a capability message indicative of an operational mode capability of the CED 800. The operational mode capability is indicative of information indicating whether the CED 800 has a capability to support full duplex mode. The CED 800 is configured to receive, for example, via the wireless interface 803, from the network node 400, a first configuration associated with a first spatial filter.

[0098] Processor circuitry 802 is optionally configured to perform any of the operations disclosed in Fig. 3. The operations of the CED 800 may be embodied in the form of executable logic routines (for example, lines of code, software programs, etc.) that are stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium (for example, memory circuitry 801 ) and are executed by processor circuitry 802.

[0099] Furthermore, the operations of the CED 800 may be considered a method that the CED 800 is configured to carry out and vice versa. Also, while the described functions and operations may be implemented in software, such functionality may also be carried out via dedicated hardware or firmware, or some combination of hardware, firmware and / or software.

[0100] Memory circuitry 801 may be one or more of a buffer, a flash memory, a hard drive, a removable media, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a random access memory (RAM), or other suitable device. In a typical arrangement, memory circuitry 801 may include a nonvolatile memory for long term data storage and a volatile memory that functions as system memory for processor circuitry 802. Memory circuitry 801 may exchange data with processor circuitry 802 over a data bus. Control lines and an address bus between memory circuitry 801 and processor circuitry 802 also may be present (not shown in Fig. 6). Memory circuitry 801 is considered a non-transitory computer readable medium.

[0101] Memory circuitry 801 may be configured to store measurements, configurations, measurement data, and capabilities of the CED in a part of the memory in a part of the memory.

[0102] Examples of methods and products (network node and coverage enhancing device) according to the disclosure are set out in the following items:

[0103] 1 . A method (100) performed in a network node for enabling remote sensing of an object, the method comprising: obtaining (S102) information indicative of an operational mode capability of a coverage enhancing device, CED, wherein the operational mode capability is indicative of information indicating whether the CED has a capability to support full duplex mode; in accordance with the information indicating that the CED has the capability to support full duplex mode: o obtaining (S104), based on the operational mode capability, a first configuration associated with a first spatial filter; and o transmitting (S106), to the CED, the first configuration.

[0104] 2. The method according to item 1 , wherein obtaining (S102) information indicative of an operational mode capability of the CED comprises: receiving (S102A), from the CED, a capability message indicative of an operational mode capability of the CED, wherein the operational mode capability is indicative of information indicating whether the CED has a capability to support full duplex mode.

[0105] 3. The method according to item 2, wherein obtaining (S102) information indicative of an operational mode capability of the CED comprises: transmitting (S102B), to the CED, a capability request; and receiving (S102C), from the CED, a capability message indicative of an operational mode capability of the CED in response to the capability request, wherein the operational mode capability is indicative of information indicating whether the CED has a capability to support full duplex mode.

[0106] 4. The method according to any of the previous items, wherein the first configuration is configured to enable a full duplex mode on the CED.

[0107] 5. The method according to any of the previous items, the method comprising: configuring (S130) the CED to disable a full duplex mode.

[0108] 6. The method according to item 5, wherein the configuration (S130) of the CED to disable the full duplex mode is after a remote sensing procedure.

[0109] 7. The method according to any of the previous items, the method comprising: transmitting (S108), to the CED, a message indicating to the CED to initiate a retro reflection mode. 8. The method according to any of the previous items, the method comprising: receiving (S110), from the CED, a reflected signal; and determining (S112) a position of the CED based on the reflected signal.

[0110] 9. The method according to any of the previous items, the method comprising: transmitting (S114), via the CED and using the first spatial filter, a first probing signal for probing a first spatial direction; receiving (S116), via the CED, a first response signal associated with the first probing signal and the first spatial direction; and determining (S118) a first delay and / or a first Doppler shift based on the first probing signal and the first response signal.

[0111] 10. The method according to item 9, the method comprising: determining (S120) a position and / or a velocity of an object based on the first delay and / or the first Doppler shift, a position of the CED, and the first spatial filter.

[0112] 11. The method according to any of the previous items, the method comprising: transmitting (S122), toward a second spatial direction, a second probing signal; receiving (S124) a second response signal associated with the second probing signal; and determining (S126) a second delay and / or a second Doppler shift based on the second probing signal and the second response signal.

[0113] 12. The method according to items 9 and 11 , the method comprising; determining (S128) a position and / or a velocity of an object based on the first delay and / or the first Doppler shift, and the second delay and / or the second Doppler shift.

[0114] 13. The method according to any of items 9-12, wherein the first probing signal and / or the second probing signal are RADAR signals for performing RADAR sensing of the object. 14. A method (200) performed in a coverage enhancing device, CED, for enabling remote sensing of an object, the method comprising: transmitting (S202), to a network node, a capability message indicative of an operational mode capability of the CED, wherein the operational mode capability is indicative of information indicating whether the CED has a capability to support full duplex mode; and receiving (S204), from the network node, a first configuration associated with a first spatial filter.

[0115] 15. The method according to item 14, the method comprising: receiving (S201 ), from a network node, a request for an operational mode capability of the CED; and transmitting (S202A), to the network node, a capability message indicative of an operational mode capability of the CED in response to the request, wherein the operational mode capability is indicative of information indicating whether the CED has a capability to support full duplex mode.

[0116] 16. The method according to any of items 14-15, wherein the first configuration is configured to enable a full duplex mode on the CED.

[0117] 17. The method according to any of items 14-16, the method comprising: receiving (S214), from the network node, a second configuration configured to disable a full duplex mode; and disabling (S216) a full duplex mode according to the second configuration.

[0118] 18. The method according to item 17, wherein the second configuration is configured to disable the full duplex mode after a remote sensing procedure.

[0119] 19. The method according to any of items 14-18, the method comprising: receiving (S206), from the network node, a message indicating to the CED to initiate a retro reflection mode. 20. The method according to any of items 14-19, the method comprising: reflecting (S208) a signal from the network node back at the network node.

[0120] 21. The method according to any of items 14-20, the method comprising: conveying (S210), using the first spatial filter, a first probing signal from the network node for probing a first spatial direction; and conveying (S212), to the network node, a first response signal associated with the first probing signal and the first spatial direction.

[0121] 22. A network node (400) comprising memory circuitry (401), processor circuitry (402), and a wireless interface (403), wherein the network node (400) is configured to perform any of the methods according to any of items 1-13.

[0122] 23. A coverage enhancing device, CED, (800) comprising memory circuitry (801), processor circuitry (802), and a wireless interface (303), wherein the CED (800) is configured to perform any of the methods according to any of items 14-21.

[0123] The use of the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. does not imply any particular order, but are included to identify individual elements. Moreover, the use of the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. does not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Note that the words “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. are used here and elsewhere for labelling purposes only and are not intended to denote any specific spatial or temporal ordering. Furthermore, the labelling of a first element does not imply the presence of a second element and vice versa.

[0124] It may be appreciated that the figures comprise some circuitries or operations which are illustrated with a solid line and some circuitries, components, features, or operations which are illustrated with a dashed line. Circuitries or operations which are comprised in a solid line are circuitries, components, features, or operations which are comprised in the broadest example. Circuitries, components, features, or operations which are comprised in a dashed line are examples which may be comprised in, or a part of, or are further circuitries, components, features, or operations which may be taken in addition to circuitries, components, features, or operations of the solid line examples. It should be appreciated that these operations need not be performed in order presented. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that not all of the operations need to be performed. The example operations may be performed in any order and in any combination. It should be appreciated that these operations need not be performed in order presented. Circuitries, components, features, or operations which are comprised in a dashed line may be considered optional.

[0125] Other operations that are not described herein can be incorporated in the example operations. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations.

[0126] Certain features discussed above as separate implementations can also be implemented in combination as a single implementation. Conversely, features described as a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as any sub-combination or variation of any sub-combination

[0127] It is to be noted that the word "comprising" does not necessarily exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed. It is to be noted that the words "a" or "an" preceding an element do not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0128] It should further be noted that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the claims, that the examples may be implemented at least in part by means of both hardware and software, and that several "means", "units" or "devices" may be represented by the same item of hardware.

[0129] The various example methods, devices, nodes, and systems described herein are described in the general context of method steps or processes, which may be implemented in one aspect by a computer program product, embodied in a computer-readable medium, including computerexecutable instructions, such as program code, executed by computers in networked environments. A computer-readable medium may include removable and non-removable storage devices including, but not limited to, Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVD), etc. Generally, program circuitries may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specified tasks or implement specific abstract data types. Computer-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program circuitries represent examples of program code for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps or processes.

[0130] Although features have been shown and described, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed disclosure, and it will be made obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed disclosure. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. The claimed disclosure is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A method (100) performed in a network node for enabling remote sensing of an object, the method comprising: obtaining (S102) information indicative of an operational mode capability of a coverage enhancing device, CED, wherein the operational mode capability is indicative of information indicating whether the CED has a capability to support full duplex mode; in accordance with the information indicating that the CED has the capability to support full duplex mode: o obtaining (S104), based on the operational mode capability, a first configuration associated with a first spatial filter; and o transmitting (S106), to the CED, the first configuration.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein obtaining (S102) information indicative of an operational mode capability of the CED comprises: receiving (S102A), from the CED, a capability message indicative of an operational mode capability of the CED, wherein the operational mode capability is indicative of information indicating whether the CED has a capability to support full duplex mode.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein obtaining (S102) information indicative of an operational mode capability of the CED comprises: transmitting (S102B), to the CED, a capability request; and receiving (S102C), from the CED, a capability message indicative of an operational mode capability of the CED in response to the capability request, wherein the operational mode capability is indicative of information indicating whether the CED has a capability to support full duplex mode.

4. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the first configuration is configured to enable a full duplex mode on the CED.

5. The method according to any of the previous claims, the method comprising:configuring (S130) the CED to disable a full duplex mode.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the configuration (S130) of the CED to disable the full duplex mode is after a remote sensing procedure.

7. The method according to any of the previous claims, the method comprising: transmitting (S108), to the CED, a message indicating to the CED to initiate a retro reflection mode.

8. The method according to any of the previous claims, the method comprising: receiving (S110), from the CED, a reflected signal; and determining (S112) a position of the CED based on the reflected signal.

9. The method according to any of the previous claims, the method comprising: transmitting (S114), via the CED and using the first spatial filter, a first probing signal for probing a first spatial direction; receiving (S116), via the CED, a first response signal associated with the first probing signal and the first spatial direction; and determining (S118) a first delay and / or a first Doppler shift based on the first probing signal and the first response signal.

10. The method according to claim 9, the method comprising: determining (S120) a position and / or a velocity of an object based on the first delay and / or the first Doppler shift, a position of the CED, and the first spatial filter.11 . The method according to any of the previous claims, the method comprising: transmitting (S122), toward a second spatial direction, a second probing signal; receiving (S124) a second response signal associated with the second probing signal; anddetermining (S126) a second delay and / or a second Doppler shift based on the second probing signal and the second response signal.

12. The method according to claims 9 and 11 , the method comprising; determining (S128) a position and / or a velocity of an object based on the first delay and / or the first Doppler shift, and the second delay and / or the second Doppler shift.

13. The method according to any of claims 9-12, wherein the first probing signal and / or the second probing signal are RADAR signals for performing RADAR sensing of the object.

14. A method (200) performed in a coverage enhancing device, CED, for enabling remote sensing of an object, the method comprising: transmitting (S202), to a network node, a capability message indicative of an operational mode capability of the CED, wherein the operational mode capability is indicative of information indicating whether the CED has a capability to support full duplex mode; and receiving (S204), from the network node, a first configuration associated with a first spatial filter.

15. The method according to claim 14, the method comprising: receiving (S201 ), from a network node, a request for an operational mode capability of the CED; and transmitting (S202A), to the network node, a capability message indicative of an operational mode capability of the CED in response to the request, wherein the operational mode capability is indicative of information indicating whether the CED has a capability to support full duplex mode.

16. The method according to any of claims 14-15, wherein the first configuration is configured to enable a full duplex mode on the CED.

17. The method according to any of claims 14-16, the method comprising:receiving (S214), from the network node, a second configuration configured to disable a full duplex mode; and disabling (S216) a full duplex mode according to the second configuration.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the second configuration is configured to disable the full duplex mode after a remote sensing procedure.

19. The method according to any of claims 14-18, the method comprising: receiving (S206), from the network node, a message indicating to the CED to initiate a retro reflection mode.

20. The method according to any of claims 14-19, the method comprising: reflecting (S208) a signal from the network node back at the network node.

21. The method according to any of claims 14-20, the method comprising: conveying (S210), using the first spatial filter, a first probing signal from the network node for probing a first spatial direction; and conveying (S212), to the network node, a first response signal associated with the first probing signal and the first spatial direction.

22. A network node (400) comprising memory circuitry (401 ), processor circuitry (402), and a wireless interface (403), wherein the network node (400) is configured to perform any of the methods according to any of claims 1-13.

23. A coverage enhancing device, CED, (800) comprising memory circuitry (801 ), processor circuitry (802), and a wireless interface (303), wherein the CED (800) is configured to perform any of the methods according to any of claims 14-21.

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