Proximity assessment

Abstract

It is possible to assess the proximity of an ambient IoT tag device by evaluating a received power level of a reflected (i.e. backscattered) carrier wave (CW) signal at a tag reader device and compari

Description

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD The present disclosure is related to but not limited to communication networks as defined by the 3GPP standard, such as the 6G standard. The disclosure particularly relates to a communication with so called tags, such as Ambient Internet of Things, AIoT, devices, and in particular configurations of such a communication. BACKGROUND The number of loT connections has been growing rapidly in recent years and is predicted to be hundreds of billions by 2030. With more and more devices expected to be interconnected for improving production efficiency and increasing comforts of life, it demands further reduction of size, cost, and power consumption for loT devices. A critical issue with existing 3GPP technologies for the target use cases is the capability of energy harvesting considering limited device size. Cellular devices usually consume tens or even hundreds of milliwatts power for transceiver processing. Taking NB-IoT module for example, the typical current consumption for receive processing is about 60mA with supply voltage higher than 3.1V, while 70mA for transmitting processing at OdBm transmit power. Furthermore, the output power provided by typical RF energy harvester is mostly below 1 milliwatt, considering the small size of a few square centimeters for practical devices. Since the available RF power is far less than the consumed power, it is impractical to power cellular devices directly by energy harvesting in most cases. In a new approach, so called tags in the form of Ambient loT devices are used. An AIoT device may harness energy from a wireless signal called carrier wave [CW] it receives. The AIoT device may be both charged by the carrier wave and may further be activated (e.g., in a charged state) in order to reflect a signal (e.g., the carrier wave) while encoding at least one piece of information into the carrier wave, for instance at least an ID of the AIoT device. A typical system architecture around an AIoT device may comprise: 1) The tag device (e.g., the AIoT tag apparatus) which harnesses energy (e.g., over a range of frequencies, e.g., from a carrier wave) and listens for activation signals. Once activated, it may reflect and / or modulate the carrier wave in a predefined way. 2) An activator, i.e. a user equipment or network entity, that provides the CW and sends an activation signal (e.g., reader to device, R2 D, signal) targeted at waking up the AIoT device. Once both the AIoT device is charged by the a CW (e.g., originating from an activator or originating from a different entity, e.g., from a carrier wave provider, e.g., a network node; activator and CW provider may or may not be collocated) and an activation signal is received from the activator, the AIoT device reflects the CW in a predefined way. 3) A reader, i.e. a user equipment or network device that listens and detects the reflected and / or modulated CW and for instance extracts information from it. The reader may or may not be collocated with the activator. A carrier wave (CW) signal thus has the main purpose of carrying a tag (e.g., A10T) transmission for those tag (e.g., AIOT) devices which cannot actively and independently generate a signal of their own. In other words, the CW is being transformed by the tag device, to contain the tag payload (e.g., AIoT payload; e.g. ID, data and / or other control info) and reflected i.e., backscattered. Such reflection may be performed immediately and / or with a delay, e.g., pre-configured by an activator, e.g., via a reader to tag device, R2D, signal configuration. SUMMARY OF SOME EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS It has been recognized that a tag signal generation and / or transmission based on a carrier wave may, while enabling the tag (e.g., AIOT) device to transmit a tag signal (e.g., tag device to reader, D2R, signal), additionally create interferences at a reader device. The reader (e.g., reader device) may receive both the CW and the response from the tag device (e.g., tag signal; e.g., AIOT D2R reply). The reader may be required to cancel corresponding CW signal interference in order to detect the tag signal. Such difficulties may play a role in a task of proximity determination. Proximity determination refers to the process of determining, by a reader device, whether a given tag device (e.g., AIoT device) is close i.e„ in proximity to the reader device. For instance, proximity of a tag device may be assessed based on whether or not the tag device is successfully detected by the reader device, e.g., a tag device may be considered to be within proximity if a tag signal is received from it Another approach may be to assess proximity of the tag device, by evaluating a received power level i.e., a received power (e.g., signal strength) at the reader device, e.g., by comparing it to a threshold, e.g., wherein the power being above the threshold may indicate a proximity of the tag device to the reader device. It has been recognized that such approaches of assessing proximity of a tag device do not take into account the influence of the carrier wave. Such influences may in particular relate to at least one of CW interference (e.g., at the reader device) or an (non-)availability of a CW at the tag device (e.g., proximity of a CW provider (e.g., CW node) to the tag device), e.g., a signal strength of the CW at the tag device. Specifically at least one of the following failure scenarios may arise: Firstly, if a CW provider is distanced by too far from a tag device, the tag device may not be able to reply to an activation (e.g., as the tag device does not receive the CW signal at a sufficient signal strength). In this case, even though the tag device is close to the reader (e.g., true proximity may be high), the reader device does not receive the tag signal. As a consequence, the reader device may wrongly conclude that the tag (e.g., AIOT) device is not within proximity. It has thus in particular been recognized that a received signal strength (e.g., at the reader device) of the tag signal (e.g., AIOT reply) may be a (e.g., direct) consequence of both (1) a distance between the reader device and the tag device (e.g., AIOT device) - i.e., the quantity of interest when assessing proximity - and also (2) a distance between the CW provider and the tag device (e.g., AIOT device). As a consequence, if the CW provider is positioned far away from the tag device, a subsequent tag signal (e.g., AIOT reply) may be received with low power at the reader (despite proximity between tag device and reader device). The reader device may thus wrongly conclude that the tag device is not within proximity. Secondly, if a CW signal is received with (e.g., much) higher power than the tag signal (e.g., AIOT reply) at the reader device, the reader device may fail to detect the tag signal due to interference of the CW signal. The reader device may wrongly conclude that the tag device (e.g., AIOT device) is not within proximity. It is thus, inter alia, one of the objects of the present disclosure, to improve proximity detection of tag devices, in particular in view of the above difficulties caused by the carrier wave signal. According to a first example aspect, a method is disclosed (e.g., performed and / or controlled by a first apparatus, e.g. network node or UE) comprising: obtaining (e.g., receiving from a network node (e.g., coordinating node) or retrieving from a memory of the apparatus) a threshold indication indicative of at least one signal strength threshold for evaluating a signal strength, wherein the at least one signal strength threshold comprises a first (e.g., reader-received) carrier wave, CW, signal strength threshold (e.g., of a communication link within an ambient internet of things, AIoT, session); receiving at least one signal, wherein the at least one signal comprises a CW signal (e.g., from a CW signal provider); determining (e.g., measuring; e.g., receiving an indication of) at least one signal strength, wherein the at least one signal strength comprises a first (e.g., reader-received) CW signal strength (e.g., a signal strength as received at the apparatus) of the received CW signal (e.g., and comprising at least one further signal strength, e.g., a reader-received AIoT tag signal strength and / or a tag-received CW signal strength); determining a tag proximity assessment indicative of a (e.g., spatial) proximity between the apparatus and a tag device, wherein the determining comprises applying the first CW signal strength threshold to the first CW signal strength. This method may for instance be performed and / or controlled by an apparatus, for instance a server. Alternatively, this method may be performed and / or controlled by more than one apparatus, for instance a server cloud comprising at least two servers. Alternatively, the method may for instance be performed and / or controlled by an electronic device, e.g. a node in a communication system and / or by a terminal device, e.g., a user equipment (UE). For instance, the method may be performed and / or controlled by using at least one processor of the electronic device. According to a further example aspect, a computer program is disclosed, the computer program when executed by a processor causing an apparatus, for instance a server, a network node or a terminal device, e.g., a UE, to perform and / or control the actions of the method according to the first example aspect. The computer program may be stored on computer-readable storage medium, in particular a tangible and / or non-transitory medium. The computer readable storage medium could for example be a disk or a memory or the like. The computer program could be stored in the computer readable storage medium in the form of instructions encoding the computer-readable storage medium. The computer readable storage medium may be intended for taking part in the operation of a device, like an internal or external memory, for instance a Read-(e.g., Only] Memory [ROM] or hard disk of a computer, or be intended for distribution of the program, like an optical disc. According to a further example aspect, an apparatus is disclosed, configured to perform and / or control or comprising respective means for performing and / or controlling the method according to the first example aspect. The means of the apparatus can be implemented in hardware and / or software. They may comprise for instance at least one processor for executing instructions for performing the required functions, at least one memory storing the instructions, or both. Alternatively, they could comprise for instance circuitry that is designed to implement the required functions, for instance implemented in a chipset or a chip, like an integrated circuit. In general, the means may comprise for instance one or more processing means or processors. The above-disclosed apparatus according to any aspect may be a module or a component for a device, for example a chip. Alternatively, the disclosed apparatus according to any aspect may be a device, for instance a server or server cloud. The disclosed apparatus according to any aspect may comprise (e.g., only] the disclosed components, for instance means, processor, memory, or may further comprise one or more additional components. A terminal device, e.g., a user equipment [UE] may for instance correspond to a mobile device such as for example a mobile phone, tablet, smartwatch, a laptop, a Personal Digital Assistant [PDA] device, a wearable, an Intemet-of-Things (I0T] device, an HOT (Industrial I0T) device, a vehicle and / or combinations thereof. Such a user equipment may also be referred to as user device. A network node may correspond to a component of a communication network such as for instance a Base Transceiver Station (BTS], a nodeB, an evolved node B (eNB], a Next Generation NodeB (gNB], a distributed unit (DU], a central unit (CU] and / or combinations thereof. An apparatus performing and / or controlling the method according to the first example aspect may be a reader device. The reader device may be configured to receive at least one tag signal from at least one tag apparatus. For instance, the reader device may be configured to also activate a tag device, e.g., the tag device from which it receives a tag signal. Yet, an activation of the tag device may also be performed by an activator device separate from the reader device. The method according to the first example aspect comprises obtaining a threshold indication indicative of at least one signal strength threshold. The at least one signal strength threshold may be configured to be applied and / or be suitable for evaluating a signal strength. For instance, the at least one signal strength threshold may be predefined based on (e.g., and / or correspond to, be indicated with and / or indicated for) an according signal strength metric, such as, for instance, a Received Signal Strength Indicator, RSS1, a Receiver Side Call Power, RSCP, a Signal to Noise Ratio, SNR; a Signal to Interference and Noise Ratio, SINR, a Reference Signal Received Power, RSRP, or a combination thereof. Signal strength may for instance be quantified according to a predefined unit, for instance in a logarithmic scale, e.g., decibel, dBm. The threshold indication may for instance be received via a communication link within a communication network, in particular from another entity of the communication network, for instance from a network node. The network node may in particular correspond to a coordinating node which may be configured to manage at least one communication session involving a tag device and / or a CW provider, e.g., an AIoT session. Additionally or alternatively, the threshold indication may be retrieved from a memory of an apparatus performing and / or controlling the method according to the first example aspect. For instance, the threshold indication may be obtained first and subsequently stored in a memory from which it may be retrieved at a later stage. The at least one signal strength threshold comprises a first carrier wave, CW, signal strength threshold. The CW signal strength threshold may for instance be defined for and / or be configured to be applied to a signal strength of a carrier wave signal, for instance a CW signal received at the apparatus performing and / or controlling the method according to the first example aspect, e.g., by a reader-device. A CW signal (strength) received at a reader-device may be termed reader-received CW signal (strength). The signal strength thresholds may be defined for and / or applicable to respective signal strengths of communication links within a communication session involving a tag device and / or a CW provider, e.g., within an AIoT session. The method according to the first example aspect further comprises receiving at least one signal. The at least one signal may be received from another network entity, for instance the at least one signal may comprise multiple signals which may respectively originate from mutually different network entities. The at least one received signal comprises a CW signal. The CW signal may be provided by and / or transmitted by and / or received from a CW signal provider. The CW signal provider may for instance be a network node, e.g., the same as and / or a different from the network node from which the threshold indication is obtained. The method according to the first example aspect further comprises determining at least one signal strength. The at least one signal strength (e.g., at least one of the at least one signal strength] may for instance be measured by the apparatus performing and / or controlling the method according to the first example aspect. Additionally or alternatively, a respective of the at least one signal strength may be obtained by receiving an indication of the signal strength. The at least one signal strength comprises a first CW signal strength of the received CW signal. For instance, the first CW signal indicates a signal strength of a CW signal as received by and / or at the apparatus performing and / or controlling the method according to the first example aspect (e.g., reader-received CW signal strength]. The at least one signal strength may for instance comprise at least one further signal strength, for instance a (e.g., reader-received] tag signal strength and / or a second CW signal strength as received at a tag device (e.g., termed tag-received]. The method according to the first example aspect further comprises determining a tag proximity assessment. The tag proximity assessment is indicative of a proximity, e.g., a spatial proximity, between the apparatus performing and / or controlling the method according to the first example aspect and a tag device. The tag proximity assessment may for instance indicate whether at least one of a respective tag-device is within proximity of the apparatus performing and / or controlling the method according to the first example aspect or not. The tag proximity assessment may further indicate that a proximity of a respective tag may be unknown and / or may not (e.g., at least not faithfully] be assessed (e.g., a tag proximity assessment of "N / A"], e.g., according to at least one of the at least one determined signal strength and / or according to at least one of the at least one threshold. The determining of the tag proximity assessment at least comprises applying the first CW signal strength threshold to the first CW signal strength. When a signal strength threshold is applied to a signal strength, this may for instance mean that a comparison is carried out between the signal strength and the signal strength threshold. For instance, by applying the signal strength threshold to the signal strength, a binary output may be obtained indicating whether the signal strength is higher than (or equal to] the signal strength threshold of lower than (or equal to] the signal strength threshold. According to an embodiment of the first example aspect, the method further comprises: receiving (e.g., from a network node] a tag proximity assessment condition definition, wherein the tag proximity assessment condition definition specifies at least one rule for associating the at least one signal strength to a tag proximity assessment condition, based on the at least one signal strength threshold. The method according to the first example aspect may further comprise receiving a tag proximity assessment condition definition. The tag proximity assessment condition definition may for instance be received from a network node, for instance from the network node from which the signal strength threshold indication is received, e.g., together (e.g., in a single signaling, e.g., a single message] with the signal strength threshold indication. According to an embodiment of the first example aspect, the method further comprises: determining a tag proximity assessment condition, wherein determining the tag proximity assessment condition comprises applying the first CW signal strength threshold to the first CW signal strength (e.g., based on the received tag proximity assessment condition definition]. The tag proximity assessment condition definition may for instance specify at least one rule for associating the at least one signal strength to a tag proximity assessment condition, e.g., based on the at least one signal strength threshold. The tag proximity assessment condition definition may thus for instance specify how at least one tag proximity assessment condition is to be determined, e.g., based on at least one of the at least one signal strength and on at least one of the at least one signal strength threshold. For instance, the tag proximity assessment condition definition may specify what threshold of the at least one threshold is to be applied (e.g., whether or not it should be applied for determining a tag proximity assessment condition, e.g., for a given and / or any tag device]. Additionally or alternatively, the tag proximity assessment condition definition may specify to which signal strength a given signal strength threshold is to be applied. For instance, additionally or alternatively, the tag proximity assessment condition definition may specify an order according to which at least two thresholds are to be applied and / or a hierarchy according to which at least two signal strengths are to be evaluated. For instance, the tag proximity assessment condition definition may specify that a CW signal strength is to be evaluated first and only subsequently, a tag signal strength is to be evaluated. For instance, additionally or alternatively, the tag proximity assessment condition definition may specify at least one combination of signal strengths (e.g., at least two different signal strengths, e.g., at least two of first CW signal strength, second CW signal strength and tag signal strength] are to be evaluated (e.g., and by means of which thresholds] to determine a given tag proximity assessment condition. A tag proximity assessment condition may for instance be indicative of and / or characterize a radio environment of a tag device and / or the apparatus performing and / or controlling the method according to the first example aspect, in particular with respect to communication session involving a tag device and / or a CW provider, e.g., an AIoT session. For instance, a tag proximity assessment condition may indicate whether or not a first CW signal received by the apparatus performing and / or controlling the method according to the first example aspect causes and / or is expected to cause interference that may negatively affect a reception of a tag signal (e.g., by applying a first CW signal strength threshold to the CW signal strength]. Additionally or alternatively, a tag proximity assessment condition may indicate whether a tag signal is received (e.g., at all] and / or is received with a tag signal strength above a tag signal strength threshold or below a tag signal strength. Additionally or alternatively, a tag proximity assessment condition may indicate whether or not a CW signal received a tag device and / or is received with a CW signal strength above a second CW signal strength threshold or below a second CW signal strength threshold. The tag proximity assessment condition may for instance indicate a combination of at least two evaluations of two mutually different signals (e.g., signal strengths), e.g., a tag proximity assessment condition may be fulfilled if a tag signal strength is below corresponding threshold and at the same time a second CW signal strength at a tag device is below a corresponding threshold. E.g., such a condition may lead to a conclusion that even though a tag signal is only weakly received, the tag device may (e.g., or may not) be within proximity of the apparatus performing and / or controlling the method according to the first example aspect - a corresponding proximity assessment may be set to N / A. According to an embodiment of the first example aspect, determining at least one of the tag proximity assessment or the tag proximity assessment condition comprises at least one of: providing (e.g., transmitting) a tag activation signal (e.g., (targeted) to an tag device); or determining whether a tag signal is received (e.g., in response to providing a tag activation signal, e.g., by the apparatus or a different apparatus) (e.g., within a pre-defined time span after providing the tag activation signal) from a tag device. The determining the tag proximity assessment and / or the tag proximity assessment may further comprise providing a tag activation signal. The tag activation signal may for instance be transmitted to a tag device. The activation signal may for instance be different from a carrier wave transmission. For instance, the activation signal may carry at least one information, for instance an identifier of a tag apparatus and / or a command directed to a tag apparatus and / or combinations thereof. The activation signal may target (e.g., only) one or more than one (e.g., at least 2, 3, 4, 5,10, 20, 50,100) tag devices. The activation signal may be configured to cause a backscatter response from the (e.g., at least one or more) tag apparatus. The backscatter response may be at least partially based on a provided CW transmission. The tag apparatus may for instance backscatter the CW transmission on the condition of obtaining an activation signal. For instance, the tag apparatus may receive the activation signal while a CW transmission (e.g., the CW transmission requested by the CW support request) is active and may backscatter the CW transmission after (e.g., in response to) obtaining the activation signal. The backscatter response may for instance be received by the first apparatus (e.g., requesting entity and / or performing the method according to the first example aspect), by the second apparatus (e.g., CW provider and / or CW coordinating node) and / or by a third apparatus (e.g., a reader apparatus) which may for instance be different from the first and / or from the second apparatus. The activation signal may be specific to a (e.g., targeted) tag apparatus, in particular the tag apparatus to which the activation signal is sent. For instance, the activation signal may, to this end, be transmitted in a specific spectrum (e.g., UL or DL and / or a specific frequency range), in a specific area and / or may contain an indication or identity of the tag apparatus. The activation signal may be sent during a (e.g., ongoing) CW transmission, for instance a (e.g., previously) requested CW transmission, e.g., by means of a (e.g., the sent) CW support request. As the tag apparatus may be passive, a currently active CW transmission is required for it to generate a backscatter response to at least one other (e.g., reader) apparatus. The activation signal may for instance indicate a (e.g., pre-defined) delay (e.g., a waiting time, e.g., for the tag apparatus) between a reception of the activation signal and an activation, or a time at which CW transmission shall be activated. The determining the tag proximity assessment and / or the tag proximity assessment may further comprise detecting whether another apparatus, different from the apparatus performing and / or controlling the method according to the first example aspect, provides and / or provided an activation signal. The determining the tag proximity assessment and / or the tag proximity assessment may further comprise determining whether a tag signal is received by the reader device (e.g., apparatus performing and / or controlling the method according to the first example aspect)(e.g„ o is not received). For instance, such determining whether a tag signal is received may be performed in response to providing a tag activation signal (e.g., by the apparatus performing and / or controlling the method according to the first example aspect) and / or to detecting an activation signal provided by another apparatus. For instance, it may be determined whether a tag signal is received (e.g., of not) from a tag device within a pre-defined time span after providing (e.g., and / or detecting) the tag activation signal. For instance, the pre-defined time span maybe at least or at most lOOps, 1ms, 10ms, 100ms, Is, 2s, 5s, 10s, 15s or 20s. According to an embodiment of the first example aspect, the method further comprises: providing a tag proximity report to at least one network node (e.g., a network node from which the indication of at least one signal strength threshold is obtained), wherein the tag proximity report comprises an indication of the tag proximity assessment condition and an indication of the tag proximity assessment. The method according to the first example aspect may further comprise providing a tag proximity report to at least one network node. For instance, the tag proximity report may be provided to the network node from which the indication of at least one signal strength threshold is obtained. The tag proximity report comprises an indication of the tag proximity assessment condition (e.g., according to the obtained tag proximity assessment condition) and an indication of the tag proximity assessment (e.g., proximity may be one of false, true or N / A) According to an embodiment of the first example aspect, the at least one received signal further comprises a tag signal. The tag signal may have been obtained from a tag device, for instance an AIoT device, for instance in response to anactivation, e.g., by the apparatus performing and / or controlling the method according to the first example aspect and / or another apparatus. The tag signal may for instance comprise a backscattered CW signal (backscatter response) that has for instance been modulated by the respective tag device. The backscatter response may for instance be at least partially based on a provided CW transmission. The tag device may for instance backscatter the CW transmission on the condition of obtaining an activation signal. For instance, the tag device may receive the activation signal while a CW transmission (e.g., the CW transmission requested by the CW support request) is active and may backscatter the CW transmission after (e.g., in response to) obtaining the activation signal. The backscatter response may for instance be received by the apparatus performing and / or controlling the method according to the first example aspect (e.g., a reader apparatus). According to an embodiment of the first example aspect, the at least one determined signal strength further comprises at least one of: a (e.g., reader-received) tag signal strength (e.g., determined based on the received tag signal), or a second (e.g., tag-received) CW signal strength (e.g., wherein the tag-received CW signal strength is received from a respective tag device; e.g., wherein the tag-received CW signal strength is determined based on receiving a respective indication from the tag device). According to an embodiment of the first example aspect, the second CW signal strength is at least one of indicated by an indication comprised by the tag signal, determined based on an indication comprised by the tag signal, or measured by the tag device. The at least one determined signal strength may further comprise a tag signal strength, e.g., a tag signal strength as received by the apparatus performing and / or controlling the method according to the first example aspect. The tag signal strength may thus be based on a tag signal received by the apparatus performing and / or controlling the method according to the first example aspect. The at least one determined signal strength may further comprise a second CW signal strength. The second CW signal strength may be a CW signal strength of a CW signal received by a tag device. The second CW signal strength may be determined at least based on receiving, from a respective tag device, an indication of the second CW signal strength. The indication may be sent as part of the backscattered response of the tag device, e.g., in a Physical Device-to-Reader Channel, PDRCH. The second CW signal strength may in particular be referred to as a tag-received CW signal strength or CWA signal strength. The second CW signal strength is indicative of how strong a backscattered response from the tag device can (e.g., theoretically, given the second CW signal strength) be. For instance, a weak second CW signal strength may indicate that it may be difficult to assess a proximity of the tag device, e.g., because regardless of how close the tag device is to the apparatus performing and / or controlling the method according to the first example aspect, the tag signal strength will be low. According to an embodiment of the first example aspect, the at least one signal strength threshold further comprises at least one of: a (e.g., reader-received) tag signal strength threshold, or a second (e.g,, tag-received) CW signal strength threshold. Corresponding thresholds for the tag signal and / or the second CW signal may be indicated by the indication of at least one signal strength threshold. The tag signal strength threshold may for instance correspond to an expected tag signal strength at a given (e.g., average, maximum and / or minimum) second CW signal strength at the tag device for a given (e.g., acceptable) distance (e.g., approximately, at most or at least lm, 2m, 5m, 10m, 20m, 50m or 100m). According to an embodiment of the first example aspect, determining at least one of the tag proximity assessment or the tag proximity assessment condition further comprises at least one of: applying the tag signal strength threshold to the tag signal strength; or applying the second CW signal strength threshold to the second CW signal strength. Determining at least one of the tag proximity assessment or the tag proximity assessment condition may further comprise applying at least some of the thresholds to the corresponding signal strengths. For instance, at least the tag signal strength threshold may be applied to the tag signal strength (in addition to applying the CW signal strength threshold to the CW signal strength). In this way, a distance to the tag device may be estimated based on the determined tag signal strength and the tag signal strength threshold. According to an embodiment of the first example aspect, the tag proximity assessment is determined: based on the tag proximity assessment condition, or as a ternary proximity state, or as a ternary proximity state, comprising one of a binary true state (e.g., tag is within proximity), a binary false state (e.g., tag is not within proximity) or an unknown state (e.g., proximity may be N / A; e.g., because the condition does not allow a determination of tag proximity). The tag proximity assessment may be determined based on the tag proximity assessment condition. For instance, the tag proximity assessment condition may indicate that an assessment of proximity is not possible. In this case, the tag proximity assessment may be set to N / A. Additionally or alternatively, the tag proximity assessment condition may indicate that in principle (e.g., taking into account the radio environment of the tag device and / or the apparatus performing and / or controlling the method according to the first example aspect) a tag proximity assessment may be meaningfully determined. In particular in this case, a tag proximity assessment may either be false (e.g., 0; i.e., tag device is within proximity) or true (e.g., 1; i.e., tag device is not within proximity). According to an embodiment of the first example aspect: the first apparatus is a terminal device (e.g., UE), or the first apparatus is a network node (e.g., gNB). According to an embodiment of the first example aspect: at least one of the threshold indication or the tag proximity assessment condition definition is obtained via (e.g., reader = gNB) at least one of: an Xn interface signaling, an Fl signaling, or a fronthaul link, at least one of the threshold indication or the tag proximity assessment condition definition is obtained as (e.g., reader = UE) a downlink, DL, signal, wherein the DL signal is at least one of: a (e.g., specific) downlink control information, DCI, a Medium Access Control Control Element, MAC CE, an Radio Resource Control, RRC, signaling, or a Non-Access Stratum, NAS, signaling. For instance, both the first apparatus performing the method according to the first example aspect and the network node from which the threshold indication and / or the tag proximity assessment condition definition is obtained may correspond to a respective (e.g., mutually different) network node, e.g., a gNB or a network node hosting a CN function. For instance in this constellation of apparatus types, but not only then, at least one of the threshold indication or thetag proximity assessment condition definition may be obtained as one or combinations of the following types, at least one of the threshold indication or thetag proximity assessment condition definition may be provided by means of an Xn signaling. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the threshold indication or the tag proximity assessment condition definition may be provided by means of an Fl signaling. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the threshold indication or thetag proximity assessment condition definition may be provided by means of a signaling over a fronthaul link. For instance, the first apparatus performing the method according to the first example aspect, may correspond to a terminal device, e.g., a UE, and / or the network node from which the threshold indication and / or the tag proximity assessment condition definition is obtained may correspond to a network node, e.g., a gNB or a network node hosting a CN function. For instance in this constellation of apparatus types, but not only then, the threshold indication and / or the tag proximity assessment condition definition may be obtained as a downlink, DL, signal, in particular an DL signal of one or combinations of the following types. The DL signal may for instance correspond to a Downlink Control Information, DCI. Additionally or alternatively, the DL signal may for instance correspond to a MAC CE. Additionally or alternatively, the DL signal may for instance correspond to an RRC signaling. Additionally or alternatively, the DL signal may for instance correspond to a NAS signaling. According to an embodiment of the first example aspect: the proximity report is provided via (e.g., reader = gNB] at least one of: an Xn interface signaling, an Fl signaling, or a fronthaul link, the proximity report is provided (e.g., reader = UE] as an uplink, UL, signal, wherein the UL signal is at least one of: a uplink scheduling request, UL SR, an uplink control information, UCI, a MAC CE, or an RRC signaling. According to a second example aspect, a method is disclosed (e.g., performed and / or controlled by a second apparatus, e.g. network node] comprising: providing (e.g., transmitting] a threshold indication indicative of at least one signal strength threshold for evaluating a signal strength, wherein the at least one signal strength threshold comprises a first (e.g., reader-received] carrier wave, CW, signal strength threshold (e.g., of a communication link within an ambient internet of things, AIoT, session]. This method may for instance be performed and / or controlled by an apparatus, for instance a server. Alternatively, this method may be performed and / or controlled by more than one apparatus, for instance a server cloud comprising at least two servers. Alternatively, the method may for instance be performed and / or controlled by an electronic device, e.g. a node in a communication system and / or by a terminal device, e.g., a user equipment (UE], For instance, the method may be performed and / or controlled by using at least one processor of the electronic device. According to a further example aspect, a computer program is disclosed, the computer program when executed by a processor causing an apparatus, for instance a server, a network node or a terminal device, e.g., a UE, to perform and / or control the actions of the method according to the second example aspect. The computer program may be stored on computer-readable storage medium, in particular a tangible and / or non-transitory medium. The computer readable storage medium could for example be a disk or a memory or the like. The computer program could be stored in the computer readable storage medium in the form of instructions encoding the computer-readable storage medium. The computer readable storage medium may be intended for taking part in the operation of a device, like an internal or external memory, for instance a Read-(e.g., Only) Memory (ROM) or hard disk of a computer, or be intended for distribution of the program, like an optical disc. According to a further example aspect, an apparatus is disclosed, configured to perform and / or control or comprising respective means for performing and / or controlling the method according to the second example aspect. The means of the apparatus can be implemented in hardware and / or software. They may comprise for instance at least one processor for executing instructions for performing the required functions, at least one memory storing the instructions, or both. Alternatively, they could comprise for instance circuitry that is designed to implement the required functions, for instance implemented in a chipset or a chip, like an integrated circuit. In general, the means may comprise for instance one or more processing means or processors. The above-disclosed apparatus according to any aspect may be a module or a component for a device, for example a chip. Alternatively, the disclosed apparatus according to any aspect may be a device, for instance a server or server cloud. The disclosed apparatus according to any aspect may comprise (e.g., only) the disclosed components, for instance means, processor, memory, or may further comprise one or more additional components. According to an embodiment of the second example aspect, the method further comprises: providing (e.g., transmitting, e.g., to a mobile terminal, e.g., reader device) a tag proximity assessment condition definition, wherein the tag proximity assessment condition definition specifies at least one rule for associating the at least one signal strength to a tag proximity assessment condition, based on the at least one signal strength threshold. According to an embodiment of the second example aspect, the method further comprises: obtaining (e.g., receiving) a tag proximity report (e.g., from a reader device), wherein the tag proximity report comprises an indication of a tag proximity assessment condition and an indication of a tag proximity assessment. According to an embodiment of the second example aspect, the at least one signal strength threshold further comprises at least one of: a (e.g., reader-received) tag signal strength threshold, or a second (e.g., tag-received) CW signal strength threshold. According to an embodiment of the second example aspect, the second apparatus is a network node (e.g., gNB). According to an embodiment of the second example aspect: at least one of the threshold indication or the tag proximity assessment condition definition is provided via (e.g., reader = gNB) at least one of: an Xn interface signaling, an Fl signaling, or a fronthaul link, at least one of the threshold indication or the tag proximity assessment condition definition is provided as (e.g., reader = UE) a downlink, DL, signal, wherein the DL signal is at least one of: a (e.g., specific) downlink control information, DCI, a Medium Access Control Control Element, MAC CE, a Radio Resource Control, RRC, signaling, or a Non-Access Stratum, NAS, signaling. According to an embodiment of the second example aspect: the proximity report is obtained via (e.g., reader = gNB) at least one of: an Xn interface signaling, an Fl signaling, or a fronthaul link, the proximity report is obtained (e.g., reader = UE) as an uplink, UL, signal, wherein the UL signal is at least one of: a uplink scheduling request, UL SR, a MAC CE, or an RRC signaling. According to a third example aspect, a method is disclosed comprising: by a first apparatus (e.g., a mobile device, e.g. a reader device) obtaining (e.g., receiving from a network node (e.g., coordinating node) or retrieving from a memory of the apparatus) a threshold indication indicative of at least one signal strength threshold for evaluating a signal strength, wherein the at least one signal strength threshold comprises a first (e.g., reader-received) carrier wave, CW, signal strength threshold (e.g., of a communication link within an ambient internet of things, AIoT, session); receiving at least one signal, wherein the at least one signal comprises a CW signal (e.g., from a CW signal provider); determining (e.g., measuring; e.g., receiving an indication of) at least one signal strength, wherein the at least one signal strength comprises a first (e.g., reader-received) CW signal strength (e.g., a signal strength as received at the apparatus) of the received CW signal (e.g., and comprising at least one further signal strength, e.g., a reader-received AIoT tag signal strength and / or a tag-received CW signal strength); determining a tag proximity assessment indicative of a (e.g., spatial) proximity between the apparatus and a tag device, wherein the determining comprises applying the first CW signal strength threshold to the first CW signal strength, and by a second apparatus (e.g., network node) providing (e.g., transmitting) the threshold indication indicative of at least one signal strength threshold for evaluating a signal strength (e.g., to the first apparatus), wherein the at least one signal strength threshold comprises a first (e.g., reader-received) carrier wave, CW, signal strength threshold (e.g., of a communication link within an ambient internet of things, AIoT, session). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Fig. la,b show schematic diagrams illustrating example radio environments in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be performed; Fig. 2a,b shows schematic diagram illustrating a example radio environments in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be performed; Fig. 3 shows a signaling diagram in which example aspects of the disclosure are illustrated; Fig. 4 shows a decision tree according to embodiments according to all example aspects of the disclosure; Fig. 5 shows a flow chart illustrating an embodiment according to the first example aspect of the disclosure; Fig. 6 shows a flow chart illustrating an embodiment according to the second example aspect of the disclosure; Fig. 7 shows a block diagram illustrating an embodiment according to the first example aspect of the disclosure; Fig. 8 shows a block diagram illustrating an embodiment according to the second example aspect of the disclosure; Fig. 9 shows a schematic illustration of examples of tangible and non-transitory computer- readable storage media. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The following description serves to deepen the understanding of the present disclosure and shall be understood to complement and be read together with the description of example embodiments of the present disclosure as provided in the above SUMMARY section of this specification. Fig. la, b illustrate relevant topologies for an ambient loT (AIoT) structure, for instance according to 3GPP Rei. 19 AIoT approaches. In a topology (AIoT topology), an ambient loT device may be provided with a carrier wave (CW) from other node(s) either inside the topology (e.g., by an entity involved in the communication interaction with the AIoT device, in particular activator and / or reader, e.g. a reader device according to the first example aspect) or outside the topology (e.g., by an entity not involved in communication interaction with the AIoT device, neither activator nor reader). The links in a topology may be bidirectional or unidirectional. A network node and / or a UE, an assisting node, and / or an intermediate node could comprise multiple BSs or UEs, respectively. Indoor and outdoor placement of any node may be done. Fig. la illustrates a first topology. In the first topology, an Ambient loT device directly and bidirectionally communicates with a network node, base station BS. A communication between the base station and the ambient loT device includes Ambient loT data and / or signaling. This topology includes the possibility that the BS transmitting to the Ambient loT device is a different from the BS receiving from the Ambient loT device. Fig. lb illustrates a second topology. In the second topology, an Ambient loT device communicates bidirectionally with an intermediate node between the device and base station. In this topology, the intermediate node can be a relay, an Integrated Access / Backhaul, IAB, node, a UE, a repeater, etc. The intermediate node may be capable of Ambient loT. The intermediate node may transfer at least some information between the BS and the Ambient loT device. Activator and reader may be identical to one another or different from one another. The tag device (AIoT device] may in particular belong to at least one of the categories 1 or 2a but not 2b. Such categories may, e.g., in accordance with 3GPP RANI, be defined as follows. In a category 1, a tag device may have ~1 pW peak power consumption, has an energy storage, has an initial sampling frequency offset (SFO] up to 10X ppm, does not have either DL or UL amplification in the device. The device’s UL transmission is backscattered on a carrier wave provided externally. A tag device of category 2a may be characterized as follows: <a few hundred pW peak power consumption, has energy storage, initial sampling frequency offset [SFO] up to 10X ppm, both DL and / or UL amplification in the device. The device’s UL transmission is backscattered on a carrier wave provided externally. A device of category 2b may be characterized as follows: £ a few hundred pW peak power consumption, has energy storage, initial sampling frequency offset (SFO] up to 10X ppm, both DL and / or UL amplification in the device. The device’s UL transmission is generated internally by the device. Fig. 2a,b illustrates a further AIoT topology. A carrier wave [CW] may be a wave / carrier used by the AIOT device 400 to modulate and backscatter the AIOT reply (e.g., response signal]. The CW signal is different from the activation signal and has the main purpose of carrying the AIOT response signal for those AIOT devices 400 which cannot actively and independently generate a signal of their own i.e., device category 1 and 2a. In other words, the CW is being transformed by the AIOT device 400 to contain at least the AIOT ID and is reflected i.e., backscattered either immediately or with a delay pre-configured by the activator. The backscattered response of the AIoT device 400 is obtained (e.g., received] by a reader device 100, e.g., according to the first example aspect. In Fig. 2a, the activator 500 provides the activation signal and also provides the CW signal (i.e., CW transmission]. Fig, 2b demonstrates a different topology in which, a CW provider 300 may instead provide a CW transmission as a third-party entity. The CW provider 300 may for instance correspond to a network node and / or to a UE. The CW provider is, in this configuration, different from the activator 500. The configuration shown in Fig. 2b may be referred to as a CW provision from outside topology, whereas Fig. 2 a shows a CW provision from inside topology. According to the present disclosure, it is proposed to implement a proximity determination procedure that may inter alia identify at least one or more conditions (e.g., tag proximity assessment conditions) which affect a proximity assessment at a reader 100. The condition may comprise one of the following: a) Condition a): A lack of a tag response caused by the tag device being out of a range of a CW node. I.e., due to a very large distance between CW node and AIOT device and / or due to a lack of activation, i.e., an activation signal (e.g., from activator and / or from receiver to a tag device, R2D) is of insufficient strength. b) Condition b): Failure to detect a tag response due to high levels of CW interference (e.g., at the reader device). c) Condition c): Receiving a low power tag response due an insufficient strength of a CW signal as observed by the tag device (e.g., due to a large distance between CW node and AIOT device). It is inter alia proposed to introduce information elements, IE, corresponding to tag proximity assessment conditions. A new IE is proposed for reporting a tag proximity assessment condition, e.g. by a condition index, e.g, corresponding at least to conditions a / b / c above. The condition index may be reported by the reader device to the network, e.g., to a network node, e.g., to a coordinating node. A new IE for defining at least one or multiple thresholds for assessing a signal strength, e.g., of the CW signal and / or the tag signal (e.g., AIOT reply) as seen (e.g., received and / or measured) at the reader: (CW_thr, AIOT_thr), and signal strength threshold to be applied to the second CW strength CWA as seen by the tag device (e.g,, AIOT device) (CWA_thr). The thresholds may be set by the network (e.g., coordinating network node) and communicated to the reader device. A new measurement of a CW signal strength CWA at the tag device (e.g., AIOT device) and / or an information element for reporting and / or transmitting (e.g., an indication of) CWA, e.g., to a reader device, is proposed. CWA may be defined as an averaged received CW power, e.g. over a predefined time span. CWA may be a new IE carried in the PDRCH (PDRCH is the channel between the AIOT device and the reader). Thus, instead of (e.g., only) reporting whether a tag device is in a reader proximity or not (i.e. via a YES / NO report), it is proposed to provide a proximity report that additionally identifies at least one condition (tag proximity assessment condition) which influences whether a proximity determination is possible or impossible. In Fig. 3, a signaling chart illustrates how the different entities involved in an AIoT session interact in order to assess proximity according to the present disclosure. A reader device 100 (e.g., according to the first example aspect), a tag device 400 (e.g., AloT device), a network node 200 (e.g., according to the second example aspect) and a CW node 300 (e.g., CW provider) interact. In the signaling chart of Fig. 3, the proximity determination comprises at least some of the following actions. In a step S101, the reader device 100 and the network node 200 agree on at least one tag proximity assessment condition, e.g., at least one of conditions a / b / c as outlined above. The conditions may be standardized, e.g., via a set of corresponding measurements and / or thresholds. For instance, condition a) and b) may require a (e.g., total) CW power measurement (at the reader device). Conditions a) and b) may further require a comparison of the CW power measurement with a signal strength threshold CWjhr. Similarly, condition c) may require a (e.g., total) CW power measurement at the reader, CWjhr, a (e.g., total) CW power measurement CWA at the AIOT device, a CWA_thr and an AIOT total power measurement at the reader and the corresponding threshold A10T_thr. Fig. 4 illustrates an example of how the respective conditions may be evaluated, e.g., using at least one of the above measurements. At least one measurement of a signal strength may be defined in TS 38.215 section 5.1 (e.g., if the reader device 100 is a UE, or section 5.2 (if the reader device 100) is a NW node. In step S102, the network node 200 may transfer, e.g., via a newly introduced RRC IE, at least one or more signal strength thresholds, in particular the signal strength thresholds CW_thr, CWA_thr, AIOT_thr. The network node 200 may further trigger the reader device 100 to assess at least one or all of the conditions a / b / c and / or a proximity of the tag device to the reader. In step S103 and S104, the CW node 300 may generate a CW signal. Step S103 and S105 shows that the tag device 100 uses the CW signal (S104) to transmit a tag signal (S105) (e.g., AIoT response), e.g., via PDRCH. A payload of the tag signal may comprise a newly introduced (e.g., indication of; e.g., information element indicating at least a) measurement of a CW (e.g., total) power CWA. CWA may in particular correspond to the second CW signal strength disclosed above. CWA corresponds to a CW signal strength as received at (e.g., by) the tag device 100. Step S105 illustrates reception, by the reader device 100, of the PDRCH transmitted by the tag device 400, as well as the CW signal transmitted by the CW node 300 (S104). The reader device 100 may be configured to determine a received CW signal strength (e.g., power), an AIOT (e.g., tag signal) signal strength (e.g., power). The reader device 100 may further decode CWA, e.g., from the PDRCH received. The reader device 100 then continues, in step S106, to use at least one of the thresholds signaled by the network node at step S102, e.g., to assess a signal strength (e.g., power) of the CW (e.g., first CW signal strength) and / or respectively a signal strength of the tag signal. Reader device 100 may consequently concludes whether at least one or multiple of conditions a / b / c apply. The reader device 100 may further conclude whether the tag device 400 is in proximity to the reader device 100 or not. It is noted that, e.g., in the absence of a report from the tag (e.g., AIoT) device 400 regarding CWA, the reader device 100 may estimate CWA, e.g., based on its own measurement of the CW signal strength. The reader device 100 may then apply a (e.g., pre-defined) threshold to the estimated CWA, wherein the threshold may for instance be the same as CWA thr (intended for a CWA measured by the tag device 400) or may be adjusted, e.g., based on a pre-configured offset. Step S107 shows how, in a new signaling, the reader device 100 reports a condition index (e.g., using 2 bits) and / or a proximity flag (e.g., 1 bit - e.g., 0: proximity no and 1: proximity yes; or 2 bits e.g., 00: proximity no, 01: proximity yes, 10 and / or 11: proximity N / A). The reader device 100 may indicate that proximity cannot be evaluated via a new report and / or by the proximity flag and / or by the condition index. Fig. 4 illustrates how the reader device (e.g., according to the first example aspect), may determine a tag proximity assessment condition. The reader device may measure a CW signal strength (e.g., CW (e.g., RX) power) as received by the reader device. If tire CW power is smaller than the configured CW*, (left branch of Fig. 4) then the reader device may attempt to detect the AIoT device, e.g., to detect at least one tag response from the AIoT device. Note that the reader device may additionally or firstly perform a CW suppression in order to reduce interference caused by the carrier wave. If tire detection of the tag device (e.g., AIoT device; e.g., tag signal) is successful, the tag signal strength may be evaluated. If tire received tag signal strength (AIOT power) is above a corresponding tag signal strength threshold AIOT*. the reader device may conclude that the tag device (e.g.. AIOT) is in its proximity. The reader device may report a proximity variable = 1 to the gNB, e.g., along with a condition indication a). If, on the other hand, the received tag signal strength (AIOT power) is below a corresponding tag signal strength threshold AIOT*, the reader device may conclude that the tag device (e.g., AIOT) is not within its proximity. The reader device may report a proximity variable = 0 to the gNB, e.g., along with a condition indication a). Additionally or alternatively, an additional evaluation step may be carried out when AIOT power is below the threshold AIOT*: a comparison between CWA and CWA* as shown in Fig. 4 in the right branch. The resulting condition (c) and proximity’ assessments may be the same as disclosed with respect for the right branch, see more details below. If an attempt to detect the tag device (e.g., a tag signal; e.g., an AIoT response) is unsuccessful, the reader device may conclude that a failure within the scenario of condition a) has occurred and that the reader device cannot assess the proximity of the tag device, e.g. because the tag device has not been successfully activated and / or because the CW signal as received by the tag device (e.g., and backscattered by the tag device) is too weak. The tag device may thus be close or distant. The latter (a distant tag device) may also cause a failure to detect the tag device, yet it may be impossible to determine that a high distance to the tag device is the root of not detecting it or whether other (actors such as the ones listed above cause a detection failure. The reader may subsequently report to the gNB that condition a) has occurred and that the tag proximity' assessment is N / A. Now turning to the right branch of Fig. 4: If the CW power is larger than CW*, the reader device may attempt to cancel the CW signal e.g. by iterative cancellation, suppression etc. The reader device may then proceed to attempt to detect the tag device, e.g., to detect at least one tag response. If detection is unsuccessful, then the reader reports back to the gNB that condition b) lias occurred, and proximity’ cannot be determined (e.g., because of CW interference) i.e. proximity assessment will be set to N / A. Conversely, if the detection of the tag device is successful (e.g., at least one tag signal is received), the tag signal strength is evaluated. If the received signal strength (e.g., AIOT power) is above the respective threshold AIOT*, the tag device (e.g., AIOT device) may be deemed to be positioned in proximity’ of the reader device. Consequently, a proximity’ variable may be set to 1 and reported to gNB, together with the index of the condition b. An information element reported by the reader device may thus comprise at least the elements condition b) index and proximity’ assessment = 1. If a detection of the target device and the received target signal strength (e.g., AIOT power) is below threshold AIOT*, the reader device may in a subsequent step assess the CW signal strength CWA reported by the tag device (e.g., AIOT device; e.g., in PDRCH), e.g., if a corresponding field in PDRCH exists. If the reported CWA is below CWA*. then the reader device may conclude that condition c) lias occurred and that AIOT device is in proximity to the reader device. I.e., in this case, the CW signal as received by the tag device is weak which is the reason for a weak received tag signal strength at the reader device. Note that a condition report indicating condition c) or in general indicating a weak CWA value may be, in combination with all other embodiments and aspects, an indication to the netw ork to find a new CW provider (e.g., CW node) which is closer to the tag device (e.g,. AIOT device), in particular in case of a mobility' environment. The reader device may in this case report to the gNB a newly introduced information element comprising at least the elements: condition c) index and proximity assessment = 1. If on the other hand, the CWA is above the threshold CW At, it may be concluded that a weakness of the tag signal strength as received by the reader device is actually not caused by a weak CW at the tag device but instead by a large distance between the tag device and the reader device. In this case, proximity assessment may be set of 0 and condition may be set to c). Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of an example embodiment according to the first example aspect, for instance performed by a first apparatus (e.g., reader). The method comprises (method step M100) obtaining a threshold indication of at least one threshold, e.g. from a network node, e.g. according to the second example aspect. The method further comprises (step M102) receiving at least one signal, in particular comprising a first CW signal and / or further signals such as for instance at least one tag signal. At least one signal strength is determined in step M104, in particular a first CW signal strength, e.g., additionally, at least one of a tag signal strength or a second CW signal strength (e.g., measured and / or obtained as an indication from another network entity, e.g., from the tag device, e.g., in a PDRCH). In step Ml06, a tag proximity assessment is determined based on the at least one signal strength and the at least one signal strength threshold. Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of an example embodiment according to the second example aspect, for instance performed by a second apparatus (e.g., network node; e.g., coordinating node). The method comprises (method step M2 00) providing a threshold indication of at least one threshold, e.g. to a first apparatus, e.g., reader device e.g. according to the first example aspect. Fig. 7 shows an example block diagram of an apparatus, e.g., a reader device 100. The apparatus 100 may perform a method according to the first example aspect. The apparatus comprises a user interface A160, a program memory A110, a main memory A120, and a data memory A140. Further, it comprises a processor A130. The apparatus 100 may further comprises functional units threshold indication obtainer A131, signal receiver A132, signal strength determiner A133, and tag proximity assessment determiner A134 which correspond to the actions as shown in the flowchart of figure 5. A functional unit may for instance correspond to a code block within a memory A110, A120, A140. The functional units threshold indication obtainer A131 and signal receiver A132 may for instance be connected to and / or control the communication interface Al 50. Fig. 8 shows an example block diagram of a network node 200, e.g., a coordinating node. The network node 200 may perform a method according to the second example aspect The network node 200 comprises a user interface A2 6 0, a program memory A210, a main memory A2 2 0, and a data memory A240. Further, it comprises a processor A230. The CW provider 200 may further comprise functional unit threshold indication provider A231 which corresponds, to the action as shown in the flowchart of figure 6. A functional unit may for instance correspond to a code block within a memory A210, A220, A240. The functional unit A231 may for instance be connected to and / or control the communication interface A250. Fig. 9 is a schematic illustration of examples of tangible and non-transitory computer-readable storage media according to the present invention that may for instance be used to implement program and / or main memory A110, A120, A140, A210, A220, A240 of the apparatus 100 and / or 200 of Fig. 7 and 8. Fig. 9 shows a flash memory 900, which may for instance be soldered or bonded to a printed circuit board, a solid-state drive 901 comprising a plurality of memory chips (e.g. Flash memory chips), a magnetic hard drive 902, a Secure Digital (SD) card 903, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory stick 904, an optical storage medium 905 (such as for instance a CD-ROM or DVD) and a magnetic storage medium 906. Some embodiments comprise: Embodiment 1: A first method comprising: obtaining a threshold indication indicative of at least one signal strength threshold for evaluating a signal strength, wherein the at least one signal strength threshold comprises a first carrier wave, CW, signal strength threshold; receiving at least one signal, wherein the at least one signal comprises a CW signal; determining at least one signal strength, wherein the at least one signal strength comprises a first CW signal strength of the received CW signal; determining a tag proximity assessment indicative of a proximity between the apparatus and a tag device, wherein the determining comprises applying the first CW signal strength threshold to the first CW signal strength. Embodiment 2: The first method according to embodiment 1, further comprising: receiving a tag proximity assessment condition definition, wherein the tag proximity assessment condition definition specifies at least one rule for associating the at least one signal strength to a tag proximity assessment condition, based on the at least one signal strength threshold. Embodiment 3: The first method according to embodiment 1 or 2, further comprising: determining a tag proximity assessment condition, wherein determining the tag proximity assessment condition comprises applying the first CW signal strength threshold to the first CW signal strength. Embodiment 4: The first method according to any of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein determining at least one of the tag proximity assessment or the tag proximity assessment condition comprises at least one of: providing a tag activation signal; or determining whether a tag signal is received from a tag device. Embodiment 5: The first method according to any of embodiments 1 to 4, further comprising: providing a tag proximity report to at least one network node, wherein the tag proximity report comprises an indication of the tag proximity assessment condition and an indication of the tag proximity assessment. Embodiment 6: The first method according to any of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the at least one received signal further comprises a tag signal. Embodiment 7: The first method according to any of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the at least one determined signal strength further comprises at least one of: a tag signal strength, or a second CW signal strength. Embodiment 8: The first method according to embodiment 7, wherein the second CW signal strength is at least one of indicated by an indication comprised by the tag signal, determined based on an indication comprised by the tag signal, or measured by the tag device. Embodiment 9: The first method according to any of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the at least one signal strength threshold further comprises at least one of: a tag signal strength threshold, or a second CW signal strength threshold. Embodiment 10: The first method according to any of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein determining at least one of the tag proximity assessment or the tag proximity assessment condition further comprises at least one of: applying the tag signal strength threshold to the tag signal strength; or applying the second CW signal strength threshold to the second CW signal strength. Embodiment 11: The first method according to any of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the tag proximity assessment is determined: based on the tag proximity assessment condition, or as a ternary proximity state, or as a ternary proximity state, comprising one of a binary true state, a binary false state or an unknown state. Embodiment 12: The first method according to any of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein: the apparatus is a terminal device, or the apparatus is a network node. Embodiment 13: The first method according to any of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein: at least one of the threshold indication or the tag proximity assessment condition definition is obtained via at least one of: an Xn interface signaling, an Fl signaling, or a fronthaul link, at least one of the threshold indication or the tag proximity assessment condition definition is obtained as a downlink, DL, signal, wherein the DL signal is at least one of: a downlink control information, DCI, a Medium Access Control Control Element, MAC CE, an Radio Resource Control, RRC, signaling, or a Non-Access Stratum, NAS, signaling. Embodiment 14: The first method according to any of embodiments 6 to 13, wherein: the proximity report is provided via at least one of: an Xn interface signaling, an Fl signaling, or a fronthaul link, the proximity report is provided as an uplink, UL, signal, wherein the UL signal is at least one of: a uplink scheduling request, UL SR, a MAC CE, or an RRC signaling. Embodiment 15: A second method comprising: providing a threshold indication indicative of at least one signal strength threshold for evaluating a signal strength, wherein the at least one signal strength threshold comprises a first carrier wave, CW, signal strength threshold. Embodiment 16: The second method according to embodiment 15, further comprising: providing a tag proximity assessment condition definition, wherein the tag proximity assessment condition definition specifies at least one rule for associating the at least one signal strength to a tag proximity assessment condition, based on the at least one signal strength threshold. Embodiment 17: The second method according to embodiment 15 or 16, further comprising: obtaining a tag proximity report, wherein the Tag proximity report comprises an indication of a tag proximity assessment condition and an indication of a tag proximity assessment. Embodiment 18: The second method according to any of embodiments 15 to 17, wherein the at least one signal strength threshold further comprises at least one of: a tag signal strength threshold, or a second CW signal strength threshold. Embodiment 19: The second method according to any of embodiments 15 to 18, wherein the apparatus is a network node. Embodiment 20: The second method according to any of embodiments 15 to 19, wherein: at least one of the threshold indication or the tag proximity assessment condition definition is provided via at least one of: an Xn interface signaling, an Fl signaling, or a fronthaul link, at least one of the threshold indication or the tag proximity assessment condition definition is provided as a downlink, DL, signal, wherein the DL signal is at least one of: a downlink control information, DCI, a Medium Access Control Control Element, MAC CE, a Radio Resource Control, RRC, signaling, or a Non-Access Stratum, NAS, signaling. Embodiment 21: The second method according to any of embodiments 17 to 20, wherein: the proximity report is obtained via at least one of: an Xn interface signaling, an Fl signaling, or a fronthaul link, the proximity report is obtained as an uplink, UL, signal, wherein the UL signal is at least one of: a uplink scheduling request, UL SR, an uplink control information, UCI, a MAC CE, or an RRC signaling. Embodiment 22: A first apparatus, e.g., a UE and / or a reader device, comprising respective means for performing the method of any of Embodiments 1 to 14. Embodiment 23: A first apparatus, e.g., a UE and / or a reader device, comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform and / or control the method according any of embodiments 1 to 14. Embodiment 24: A second apparatus, e.g., a network node and / or a coordinating node, comprising respective means for performing the method of any of Embodiments 15 to 21. Embodiment 25: A second apparatus, e.g., a network node and / or a coordinating node, comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform and / or control the method according any of embodiments 15 to 21. Embodiment 26: A computer program, the computer program when executed by a processor causing an apparatus, e.g. the apparatus according to embodiment 22 or 23, to perform and / or control the actions and / or steps of the method of any of embodiments 1 to 14. Embodiment 27: A computer program product comprising a computer program according to embodiment 26. Embodiment 28: A computer program, the computer program when executed by a processor causing an apparatus, e.g. the apparatus according to embodiment 24 or 25, to perform and / or control the actions and / or steps of the method of any of embodiments 15 to 21. Embodiment 29: A computer program product comprising a computer program according to embodiment 28. Embodiment 30: A system comprising: at least one first apparatus according to any of the embodiments 22 or 23; and at least one second apparatus according to any of the embodiments 24 or 25. Any presented connection in the described embodiments is to be understood in a way that the involved components are operationally coupled. Thus, the connections can be direct or indirect with any number or combination of intervening elements, and there may be merely a functional relationship between the components. Further, as used in this text, the term ‘circuitry’ refers to any of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry] [b] combinations of circuits and software (and / or firmware], such as: (i] to a combination of processor(s] or (ii] to sections ofprocessor(s] / software (including digital signal processor(s]], software, and memoryfies] that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone, to perform various functions] and (c] to circuits, such as a microprocessor^] or a section of a microprocessor (s], that re-quire software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of‘circuitry’ applies to all uses of this term in this text, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this text, the term ‘circuitry’ also covers an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors] or section of a processor and its (or their] accompanying software and / or firmware. The term ‘circuitry’ also covers, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone. Any of the processors mentioned in this text, in particular but not limited to processors 130, 230, 330 of Figs. 7 and 8, could be a processor of any suitable type. Any processor may comprise but is not limited to one or more microprocessors, one or more processor (s] with accompanying digital signal processor(s], one or more processor(s) without accompanying digital signal processor(s), one or more special-purpose computer chips, one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAS], one or more controllers, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICS], or one or more computerfs]. The relevant structure / hardware has been programmed in such a way to carry out the described function. Moreover, any of the actions or steps described or illustrated herein may be implemented using executable instructions in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor and stored on a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., disk, memory, or the like] to be executed by such a processor. References to ‘computer-readable storage medium’ should be understood to encompass specialized circuits such as FPGAs, ASICs, signal processing devices, and other devices. Moreover, any of the actions described or illustrated herein may be implemented using executable instructions in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor and stored on a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., disk, memory, or the like] to be executed by such a processor. References to ‘computer-readable storage medium’ should be understood to encompass specialized circuits such as FPGAs, ASICs, signal processing devices, and other devices. The wording "A, or B, or C, or a combination thereof’ or "at least one of A, B and C" may be understood to be not exhaustive and to include at least the following: (i] A, or (ii] B, or (iii] C, or (iv] A and B, or (v] A and C, or (vi] B and C, or (vii] A and B and C. It will be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are only exemplary, and that any feature presented for a particular exemplary embodiment may be used with any aspect of the present disclosure on its own or in combination with any feature presented for the same or another particular exemplary embodiment and / or in combination with any other feature not mentioned. It will further be understood 5 that any feature presented for an example embodiment in a particular category may also be used in a corresponding manner in an example embodiment of any other category.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:means for obtaining a threshold indication indicative of at least one signal strength threshold for evaluating a signal strength, wherein the at least one signal strength threshold comprises a first carrier wave, CW, signal strength threshold;means for receiving at least one signal, wherein the at least one signal comprises a CW signal;means for determining at least one signal strength, wherein the at least one signal strength comprises a first CW signal strength of the received CW signal; andmeans for determining a tag proximity assessment indicative of a proximity between the apparatus and a tag device, wherein the determining comprises applying the first CW signal strength threshold to the first CW signal strength.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:means for receiving a tag proximity assessment condition definition, wherein the tag proximity assessment condition definition specifies at least one rule for associating the at least one signal strength to a tag proximity assessment condition, based on the at least one signal strength threshold.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising:means for determining a tag proximity assessment condition, wherein determining the tag proximity assessment condition comprises applying the first CW signal strength threshold to the first CW signal strength4. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein determining at least one of the tag proximity assessment or the tag proximity assessment condition comprises at least one of: providing a tag activation signal; ordetermining whether a tag signal is received from a tag device.

5. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:means for providing a tag proximity report to at least one network node, wherein the tag proximity report comprises an indication of the tag proximity assessment condition and an indication of the tag proximity assessment.

6. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one received signal further comprises a tag signal.

7. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one determined signal strength further comprises at least one of:a tag signal strength, ora second CW signal strength.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second CW signal strength is at least one of indicated by an indication comprised by the tag signal, determined based on an indication comprised by the tag signal, or measured by the tag device.

9. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one signal strength threshold further comprises at least one of: a tag signal strength threshold, ora second CW signal strength threshold.

10. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein determining at least one of the tag proximity assessment or the tag proximity assessment condition further comprises at least one of: applying the tag signal strength threshold to the tag signal strength; or applying the second CW signal strength threshold to the second CW signal strength.

11. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the tag proximity assessment is determined:based on the tag proximity assessment condition, oras a ternary proximity state, oras a ternary proximity state, comprising one of a binary true state, a binary false state or an unknown state.

12. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein: the apparatus is a terminal device, or the apparatus is a network node.

13. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein:at least one of the threshold indication or the tag proximity assessment condition definition is obtained via at least one of:an Xn interface signaling,an Fl signaling, ora fronthaul link,at least one of the threshold indication or the tag proximity assessment condition definition is obtained as a downlink, DL, signal, wherein the DL signal is at least one of:a downlink control information, DCI,a Medium Access Control Control Element, MAC CE, an Radio Resource Control, RRC, signaling, or a Non-Access Stratum, NAS, signaling.

14. The apparatus of any of claims 6 to 13, wherein:the proximity report is provided via at least one of:an Xn interface signaling,an Fl signaling, ora fronthaul link,the proximity report is provided as an uplink, UL, signal, wherein the UL signal is at least one of:a uplink scheduling request, UL SR,a MAC CE, oran RRC signaling.

15. An apparatus comprising:means for providing a threshold indication indicative of at least one signal strength threshold for evaluating a signal strength, wherein the at least one signal strength threshold comprises a first carrier wave, CW, signal strength threshold.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising:means for providing a tag proximity assessment condition definition, wherein the tag proximity assessment condition definition specifies at least one rule for associating the at least one signal strength to a tag proximity assessment condition, based on the at least one signal strength threshold.

17. The apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising:means for obtaining a tag proximity report, wherein the Tag proximity report comprises an indication of a tag proximity assessment condition and an indication of a tag proximity assessment18. The apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the at least one signal strength threshold further comprises at least one of:a tag signal strength threshold, ora second CW signal strength threshold.

19. The apparatus of any of claims 15 to 18, wherein the apparatus is a network node.

20. The apparatus of any of claims 15 to 19, wherein:at least one of the threshold indication or the tag proximity assessment condition definition is provided via at least one of:an Xn interface signaling,an Fl signaling, ora fronthaul link,at least one of the threshold indication or the tag proximity assessment condition definition is provided as a downlink, DL, signal, wherein the DL signal is at least one of:a downlink control information, DCI,a Medium Access Control Control Element, MAC CE,a Radio Resource Control, RRC, signaling, ora Non-Access Stratum, NAS, signaling.

21. The apparatus of any of claims 17 to 20, wherein:the proximity report is obtained via at least one of:an Xn interface signaling,an Fl signaling, ora fronthaul link,the proximity reportis obtained as an uplink, UL, signal, wherein the UL signal is at least one of:a uplink scheduling request, UL SR,an uplink control information, UCI,a MAC CE, oran RRC signaling.

22. A system comprisinga first apparatus comprisingmeans for obtaining a threshold indication indicative of at least one signal strength threshold for evaluating a signal strength, wherein the at least one signal strength threshold comprises a first carrier wave, CW, signal strength threshold;means for receiving at least one signal, wherein the at least one signal comprises a CW signal;means for determining at least one signal strength, wherein the at least one signal strengthcomprises a first CW signal strength of the received CW signal;means for determining a tag proximity assessment indicative of a proximity between the apparatus and a tag device, wherein the determining comprises applying the first CW signal strength threshold to the first CW signal strength, anda second apparatus comprisingmeans for providing the threshold indication indicative of at least one signal strength threshold for evaluating a signal strength, wherein the at least one signal strength threshold comprises a first carrier wave, CW, signal strength threshold.

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