System for providing sensor data

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (1) for providing sensor data. The system (1) comprises a first base station antenna (2), wherein the first base station antenna comprises a first LiDAR Sensor (3) that is at least partially mounted inside a housing of the first base station antenna and is con- figured to capture surroundings of the first base station antenna (2) and to provide first sensor data that represents the captured surroundings of the first base station antenna (2), and a server unit (4), wherein the server unit (4) is coupled to the first LiDAR Sensor (3) for receiving the first sensor data and is configured to provide output information that is based on the first sensor data to a wide area network, WAN (5).

Description

[0001] System for providing sensor data

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The invention relates to a system for providing sensor data.

[0004] Background

[0005] Base stations of mobile communication systems are commonly installed to provide the antennas that are required to provide a mobile communication to a user equipment that is connected to the mobile communication system.

[0006] LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors are capable to scan their environment. For example, LiDAR sensor are commonly used in the automotive industry to detect an environment of a vehicle to support functions like autonomous driving. LiDAR sensors can be designed to be smart sensors. In this case, they have a processing unit included, as the data rate is too high to be transmitted, even in the car network via automotive ethernet. Therefore, it is possible to integrate data processing in the LiDAR sensor and send only the relevant information.

[0007] It is also known in the art that a functionality of a base station can be improved by using sensor data of a LiDAR sensor. For example, the W02020 / 001761A1 discloses a wireless communication apparatus that uses a LIDAR assembly to scan for obstructions in predefined beam directions relative to a directional antenna and correspondingly classifies each direction as obstructed or unobstructed. Then, the apparatus configures beamforming at the directional antenna to prioritize beams corresponding to the unobstructed directions, or to avoid beams corresponding to the obstructed directions. In a further example, the IEEE Article titled “LiDAR-Aided Mobile Blockage Prediction in Real-World Millimeter Wave Systems” by Shunyao Wu et Al., which has been published at 2022 IEEE Wireless Communications and Networking Conference (WCNC), discloses that a LiDAR sensor can be used to support a proactive prediction of dynamic blockages in mmWave systems that allows a network to perform proactive management, e.g., hand-off, decisions.

[0008] A system for providing sensor data according to the invention comprises a first base station antenna, wherein the first base station antenna comprises a first LiDAR Sensor that is at least par- tially mounted in a housing of the first base station antenna and is configured to capture surroundings of the first base station antenna and to provide first sensor data that represents the captured surroundings of the first base station antenna; and a server unit, wherein the server unit is coupled to the first LiDAR Sensor for receiving the first sensor data and is configured to provide information that is based on the first sensor data to a wide area network (WAN).

[0009] The first base station antenna is an antenna of a base station of a mobile communications network. Base station antennas are widely spread and are arranged to provide radio access for a user equipment, UE, in large areas, which often implies that base station antennas are not covered by any objects. For this, the antennas are often mounted on poles, towers or buildings. This results in the fact that base station antennas are often mounted in positions that provide a good visual view over the area that is surrounding the base station antenna. Consequently, as the first LiDAR Sensor is comprised by the first base station antenna, it is likely to be mounted in a position that allows a wide scanning field and is in the position to efficiently collect information from the surroundings of the first base station antenna.

[0010] The first LiDAR sensor is at least partially mounted inside a housing of the first base station antenna, which is providing a protection of the first LiDAR sensor from environmental influences. In particular, the housing comprises a transparent viewing area and the LiDAR sensor is aligned to capture the surroundings of the first base station antenna through the viewing area. The housing is preferably a radome or comprises the radome of the first base station antenna. The combination of the first LiDAR sensor and the first base station antenna further allows the LiDAR sensor to use the infrastructure that is provided for the operation of the radiating elements of the first base station antenna. For example, first LiDAR sensor and some components of the first base station antenna are preferably sharing a common power supply. The first LiDAR Sensor is providing first sensor data. The first sensor data is in particular defining a point cloud that represents the surroundings of the first base station antenna. Optionally, a pre-processing has been applied to the first sensor data to extract information that is considered to be relevant from the raw output of the first LiDAR sensor.

[0011] The server unit is coupled to the first LiDAR Sensor for receiving the first sensor data and is configured to provide information that is based on the first sensor data to a WAN. Preferably, the server unit is an internet server. Preferably, the server unit is mounted inside a housing together with other components that are required to operate the radiating elements of the first base station antenna. Thus, information that is based on the first sensor data is made available for access from an external entity that is not part of the base station. The external entity is optionally not a part of the core network of the mobile communications network. The system according to the invention allows the external entity to collect information about the surroundings of the first base station antenna that is based on the first sensor data and therefore allows the external entity to provide various functionalities. For example, it is possible to detect effects of natural disasters in an effected area in which the first base station antenna is mounted. In another example, it is possible to detect a traffic situation on roads that are close to the first base station antenna and to provide traffic reports. As can be understood from these examples, the system according to the invention allows to collect information that can be used for various purposes that might not be related to the functionalities of the mobile communications network, that is providing mobile communication to UEs, as such. Therefore, the system according to the invention allows to establish a sensor network that can be used to detect various kinds of scenarios and information over large areas.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, the infrastructure of a base station of a mobile communications network can be used to collect data about any objects in the surroundings of the first base station antenna. This information is provided to a WAN.

[0013] The dependent claims define preferably embodiments of the invention.

[0014] In particular, the first base station antenna is a macro cell antenna. Macro cell antennas are designed to cover large areas and are therefore mounted in positions that allow a radio communication between a base station antenna and a UE over large distances. Thus, a LiDAR Sensor that is mounted together with the first base station antenna is likely able to capture a wide area.

[0015] In particular, the first LiDAR Sensor is coupled to a first communication port of a remote electrical downtilt (RET) system of the first base station antenna and the server unit is coupled to a second communication port of the RET system, wherein the first LiDAR Sensor is configured to provide the first sensor data to the RET system via the first communication port, and wherein the RET system is configured to provide the first sensor data to the server unit via the second communication port. In particular, the RET system is controlled via the second communication port. In particular, the RET system is sharing a common data communication interface with the first LiDAR Sensor, for example by using a multiplexing technique. As RET systems are often necessary components of a base station antenna, the first LiDAR Sensor can be integrated with a requirement of only few additional components. In particular, the server unit is coupled to the first LiDAR Sensor via an Antenna Interface Standards Group (AISG), connection and / or a Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI), connection. Optionally, the server unit is directly connected to the first LiDAR Sensor via an AISG connection and / or a CPRI connection. Optionally, the first LiDAR Sensor is connected to the RET system and the server unit is directly connected to the RET system via the AISG connection and / or CPRI connection. In case that both of the AISG connection and / or a CPRI connection are used, the AISG connection and the CPRI connection are serially or in parallelly transmitting the first sensor data.

[0016] In particular, the server unit is coupled to the first LiDAR Sensor via a wireless connection. This allows an easy connection that does not require any additional cabling and therefore does not require any outlet for a data cable in the antenna housing of the first base station antenna.

[0017] In particular, the output information that is provided by the server unit is a representation of the surroundings of the first base station antenna. In the alternative, the output information that is provided by the server unit is a information that is derived from the surroundings of the first base station antenna as captured by the LiDAR Sensor.

[0018] In particular, the system further comprises a second base station antenna, wherein the second base station antenna comprises a second LiDAR Sensor that is configured to capture surroundings of the second base station antenna and to provide second sensor data that represents the captured surroundings of the second base station antenna; wherein the server unit is coupled to the second LiDAR Sensor for receiving the second sensor data and is configured to provide information that is based on the first sensor data and the second sensor data to the WAN. The first base station and the second base station are preferably antennas of the same base station, wherein the first base station and the second base station are aligned to provide radio coverage for different areas. Thus, multiple LiDAR Sensors are able to share the server unit and additional information can be provided by the server unit.

[0019] In particular, the first LiDAR sensor and the second LiDAR sensor are coupled to the server unit via a daisy chain connection. Therefore, cabling efforts can be minimized. Often, base station antennas are mounted on poles or towers, wherein the daisy chain connection allows that only one connection is required to communicate the first and second sensor data to the server unit, which can then be located at a bottom of the pole or tower.

[0020] In particular, the server unit is configured to merge the first senor data and the second data to generate a representation of the captured surroundings of the first base station antenna and the second base station antenna. Preferably, the output information is based on the merged first senor data and the second data.

[0021] In particular, the first LiDAR sensor is aligned in an end-cap of an antenna radome of the first base station antenna. The end caps of a base station antenna are advantageous for mounting the first LiDAR sensor, as the end-caps are less impacted by effects that can be caused by environmental influences. For example, the end-caps tend to carry less vibrations when compared to the walls of the antenna housing that extend between the end-caps. Also, there are typically no radiating elements of the base station antenna located behind the end-caps, which leaves space available for the first LiDAR sensor, leading to an overall more compact design of the first base station antenna.

[0022] In particular, the first LiDAR sensor is aligned at a bottom side of a lower end-cap of the first base station antenna, at a top side of a upper end-cap of the first base station antenna, at a circumferential wall of the end-cap, to cover an edge between a circumferential wall and a bottom side of a lower end-cap, or to cover an edge between a circumferential wall and a top side of an upper end-cap. The mounting of the first LiDAR sensor at the bottom side of a lower end-cap of the first base station antenna or at the top side of a upper end-cap of the first base station antenna allows a mounting of the first LiDAR sensor in a position in which circumferential visibility can be achieved for the first LiDAR sensor. Mounting the first LiDAR sensor at the circumferential wall of the end-cap allows to mount the first LiDAR sensor in a position that allows a straight view towards the horizon. Mounting the first LiDAR sensor to cover the edge between the circumferential wall and the bottom side of the lower end-cap, or to cover the edge between the circumferential wall and the top side of the upper end-cap allows to set a viewing angle for the first LiDAR sensor that ranges from a vertical to a horizontal direction.

[0023] In particular, the first LiDAR sensor is mechanically coupled to an actuator of a remote electrical downtilt, RET, system of the first base station antenna such that a viewing direction of the first LiDAR sensor is adjustable by the actuator of the RET system. Thus, an already available RET system can be additionally used for adjusting the first LiDAR sensor. In the alternative, the first LiDAR sensor is configured to adjust a viewing direction in response to receiving a control signal for adjusting the viewing direction. In particular, the control signal is a signal for the RET or is a signal that is derived from a control signal for the RET. In particular, the first LiDAR sensor comprises phased arrays, which allows a pure electric tilting of the viewing direction, wherein the viewing direction is adjusted according to the control signal. In particular, the system further comprises a control unit, wherein the control unit is a base band unit or a base transceiver station, wherein the control unit comprises the server unit. This allows to use to share components that are required for controlling the base station and components of the server unit.

[0024] In particular, the system comprises a joint communication and sensing (JCAS) system that is configured to determine JCAS sensor data, and wherein the server unit is configured to generate the output information based on the first sensor data and the JCAS sensor data. For example, information that is determined by the JCAS system is enhanced by the first sensor data. For example, a calibration of verification of the JCAS system is performed based on the first sensor data, for example by comparing information that is determined by the JCAS system with comparing information that is determined by the first LiDAR sensor. For communication and sensing (JCAS) it is envisioned to do a deep integration of the sensing functionality into the mobile communication network system. This shall be realized by utilizing the existing radiated RF spectrum. It is envisioned to inject a radar pulse into the OFDM stream and do a sensing of objects (with and without an active transmitter).

[0025] In particular, the system is a base station for a macro cell of a mobile communications network.

[0026] It is noted that many LiDAR sensors, especially in the automotive industry, are designed to be smart sensors. I.e. they have a processing unit on the LiDAR, as the data rate is way to high to be transmitted even in the car network via automotive ethernet. Therefore, it could be possible to integrate data processing in the LiDAR and send only the relevant information as first sensor data.

[0027] It is further noted that the second LiDAR sensor according to this disclosure can be aligned in the second base station antenna according to the first LiDAR sensor according to this disclosure.

[0028] A network according to the disclosure comprises the system and a network entity, wherein the network entity is configured to download the output information that is provided by the system via the WAN. In particular, the network comprises multiple of the systems and the network entity is configured to download the output information that is provided by the systems via the WAN and to combine the output information into a common information that is based on the LiDAR sensor data that is provided by the LiDAR Sensors of the systems. For example, the network entity is configured to calculate a 3D-model that comprises the surroundings that are captured by the LiDAR scanners of the base station antennas of the systems. A first base station antenna for a system according to the disclosure is advantageous. Such a base station comprises a first LiDAR Sensor that is at least partially mounted inside a housing of the first base station antenna and is configured to capture surroundings of the first base station antenna and to provide first sensor data that represents the captured surroundings of the first base station antenna.

[0029] Brief description of the drawings

[0030] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary system according to the disclosure, fig. 2 shows an exemplary base station antenna, fig. 3 shows a first exemplary mounting of a first LiDAR sensor to an end-cap of a base station antenna, fig. 4 shows a second exemplary mounting of a first LiDAR sensor to an end-cap of a base station antenna, fig. 5 shows a third exemplary mounting of a first LiDAR sensor to an end-cap of a base station antenna, fig. 6 shows an adjustable first LiDAR sensor that is adjusted for a first viewing direction, fig. 7 shows the adjustable first LiDAR sensor that is adjusted for a second viewing direction, and

[0031] Fig. 8 shows a further exemplary system according to the disclosure, fig. 9 shows a server unit that is connected to a JCAS system, and fig. 10 shows a network according to the disclosure.

[0032] Detailed

[0033] Fig. 1 discloses a system 1 for providing sensor data according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The system 1 is a base station for a mobile communications network. The system 1 comprises a first base station antenna 2 and a server unit 4.

[0034] The first base station antenna 2 is a macro cell antenna and is configured to cover a sector of a macro cell of the mobile communications network to provide radio access for a user equipment (UE) of the mobile communications network. In this example, the first base station antenna 2 is mounted on a pole 30. The first base station antenna 2 comprises a first LiDAR Sensor 3 that is at least partially mounted inside a housing of the first base station antenna 2 and is configured to capture surroundings of the first base station antenna 2. The first LiDAR Sensor 3 are sharing the housing and further components of the first base station antenna 2, for example a power supply or data connection. The first LiDAR Sensor 3 is providing first sensor data on an output side of the first LiDAR Sensor 3, wherein the first sensor data comprises information that represents the captured surroundings of the first base station antenna 2. The first LiDAR Sensor 3 is connected to the server unit 4 via a data connection 6. The server unit 4 is therefore coupled to the first LiDAR Sensor 3 for receiving the first sensor data.

[0035] The server unit 4 is configured to provide output information that is based on the first sensor data to a wide area network 5 (WAN). In particular, the server unit 4 is an internet server and is configured to make the output information accessible via internet.

[0036] The output information that is provided by the server unit 4 to the WAN is a representation of the surroundings of the first base station antenna 2, for example in the format of a point cloud that describes a 3D dimensional model of the surroundings of the first base station antenna 2.

[0037] The data connection 6 can be of various types. In one example, the data connection 6 is a wireless connection. In this case, the server unit 4 is coupled to the first LiDAR Sensor 3 via the wireless connection for transmitting the first sensor data from the first LiDAR Sensor 3 to the server unit 4. In another example, the data connection 6 is a wired connection. In this case, the server unit 4 is coupled to the first LiDAR Sensor 3 via the wired connection for transmitting the first sensor data from the first LiDAR Sensor 3 to the server unit 4. In particular, the wired connection is a LAN connection. In the alternative, the wired connection is an ASIG connection and / or a CPRI connection.

[0038] Fig.2 shows the first base station antenna 2, wherein a housing of the base first base station antenna 2 can be seen. The housing of the first base station antenna 2 comprises a lower end-cap 12, an upper end-cap 13 and a tubular antenna radome 14. The tubular antenna radome 14 is closed on a lower end side by the lower end-cap 12. The tubular antenna radome 14 is closed on an upper end side by the upper end-cap 13. The lower end-cap 12 comprises a set of connectors 15 for providing high frequency signals (HF signals) and control signals to the first base station antenna 2. Preferably, the first LiDAR sensor 3 is aligned in one of the end-caps 12, 13 of an antenna radome 14 of the first base station antenna 2. Preferable alignments of the first LiDAR sensor 3 in the lower end-cap 12 are depicted in Figs. 3 to 5. It is noted that the first LiDAR sensor 3 can be aligned in the upper end-cap 13 accordingly.

[0039] Fig.3 shows an alignment of the first LiDAR sensor 3 at a circumferential wall of the lower endcap 12. That is, the lower end-cap 12 has a bowl shape, wherein the circumferential wall is a sidewall of the bowl. The circumferential wall comprises a recess, wherein a transparent viewing window 18 is aligned in the recess. The first LiDAR sensor 3 is aligned behind the viewing window inside the housing of the first base station antenna 2. Thus, the first LiDAR sensor 3 is aligned at the circumferential wall and inside the lower end-cap 12. The viewing window is aligned on a side that is a front side of the first base station antenna 2. Therefore, the first LiDAR sensor 3 has a viewing direction 16 that is pointing forward from a perspective of the first base station antenna 2. The front side of the first base station antenna 2 is the side that corresponds to a primary radiation direction of the first base station antenna 2. It is noted that the viewing window 18 can be a part of the first LiDAR sensor 3. In the alternative, the first LiDAR sensor 3 is aligned at a circumferential wall of the upper end-cap 13 accordingly.

[0040] Fig.4 shows an alignment of the first LiDAR sensor 3 at a bottom side of the lower end-cap 12 of the first base station antenna 2. That is, the lower end-cap 12 has a bowl shape, wherein the first LiDAR sensor 3 is mounted to a bottom side of the bowl. The bottom side of the lower endcap 12 comprises an opening and the first LiDAR sensor 3 is mounting in the opening such that optical components of the first LiDAR sensor 3, for example a rotating mirror, are aligned outside of the housing of the first base station antenna 2 but within an extension of the lower endcap 12 that comprises a viewing window 18 for the first LiDAR sensor 3. The viewing window 18 is preferably a 360° window. Preferably, the first LiDAR sensor 3 has a 360° viewing field that allows a viewing direction 16 that is pointing forward from a perspective of the first base station antenna 2 at one point of time during a scan process of the first LiDAR sensor 3 and is also pointing sidewards and backwards forward from the perspective of the first base station antenna 2 at further points of time during a scan process of the first LiDAR sensor 3. This allows the first LiDAR sensor 3 to capture cables that are connected to the set of connectors 15 when capturing the surroundings of the first base station antenna 2, which can be provided to the WAN 5 with the output information. Thus, a cabling of the first base station antenna 2 can be checked remotely by analysing the output information. At the same time, information about the surroundings of the first base station antenna 2 in front of the first base station antenna 2 can be captured. In the alternative, the first LiDAR sensor 3 is aligned at atop side of the upper end-cap 13 accordingly, even though there is no set of connectors 15. Fig.5 shows and alignment of the first LiDAR sensor 3 to cover an edge between a circumferential wall and a bottom side of a lower end-cap 12. That is, the lower end-cap 12 has a bowl shape, wherein the first LiDAR sensor 3 is mounted in a section that connects a bottom of the bowl with a sidewall of the bowl. An opening is aligned at the edge between a circumferential wall and a bottom side of a lower end-cap 12 and a viewing window 18 is aligned in the opening. The first LiDAR sensor 3 is aligned behind the viewing window such that the first LiDAR sensor 3 has a viewing direction 16 that is pointing forward and downward from a perspective of the first base station antenna 2. That is, in case the first base station antenna 2 is mounted in a raised position, the first LiDAR sensor 3 is able to capture the ground level in front of the first base station antenna 2. In the alternative, the first LiDAR sensor 3 is aligned to cover an edge between a circumferential wall and a top side of the upper end-cap 13.

[0041] It is noted that the viewing direction 16 is in particular a primary viewing direction, as the first LiDAR sensor 3 is typically capable to scan an entire filed within a viewing angle. For example, the viewing direction is a bisectional direction between the directions that are limiting the field of view of the first LiDAR sensor 3. For example, if vertical or horizontal viewing angle is from +x° to -x°, then the primary viewing direction is at 0°.

[0042] In some scenarios, it is advantageous when the viewing direction of the first LiDAR Sensor 3 can be adjusted. A preferable technique for adjusting the viewing direction 16 is using the mechanics of a remote electrical downtilt (RET) system 7 of the first base station antenna 2 to adjust the viewing direction of the first LiDAR Sensor 3. This is depicted by example in Figs. 6 and 7. In the depicted example, the viewing window 18 is aligned as described in Fig. 5. However, an adjustable first LiDAR Sensor 3 is advantageous in combination with any alignment of the first LiDAR Sensor 3.

[0043] The first LiDAR Sensor 3 is mounted rotatable behind the viewing window 18, which is preferably in a fixed position in relation to the housing of the first base station antenna 2. The RET system 7 comprises an actuator 17. The actuator 17 is optionally the same actuator that is used for adjusting a beam direction of the first base station antenna 2. This allows that the viewing direction 16 of the first LiDAR Sensor 3 is adjusted together with a beam direction of the first base station antenna 2. As the beam direction of the first base station antenna 2 is commonly adjusted to point into a direction in which a highest load of UEs can be expected, the viewing direction 16 can be adjusted to point into the same direction, which allows to collect information for the area in which the UEs and therefore the corresponding users are located. In the alternative, the actuator 17 of the RET system 7 is not used for adjusting a beam direction of the first base station antenna 2 but is dedicated to the adjustment of the first LiDAR Sensor 3.

[0044] A mechanic coupling 19 is connecting the first LiDAR Sensor 3 to the actuator 17 of the RET system 7 such that the first LiDAR Sensor 3 is rotated with a movement of the actuator 17 of the RET system 7 around a first axis. Figs. 6 and 7 both show a section of the same first base station antenna 2, wherein the first LiDAR Sensor 3 is rotated by the actuator 17 to point to two different viewing directions 16. Thus, the first LiDAR sensor 3 is mechanically coupled to the actuator 17 of the RET system 7 of the base station antenna 2 such that the viewing direction 16 of the first LiDAR sensor 3 is adjustable by the actuator 17 of the RET system 7.

[0045] Optionally, the first LiDAR Sensor 3 is further coupled to a further actuator of the RET system 7 via a further mechanic coupling 19, wherein the first LiDAR Sensor 3 is rotated with a movement of the further actuator of the RET system 7 around a second axis, wherein the second axis is a different axis when compared with the first axis. In the alternative, the mechanic coupling 19 is configured to be switched between being set up to rotate the LiDAR Sensor 3 around the first axis and around the second axis.

[0046] In the alternative, the first LiDAR sensor 3 is configured to adjust the viewing direction 16 in response to receiving a control signal for adjusting the viewing direction. Thus, the first LiDAR sensor 3 comprises means for adjusting the viewing direction 16. Preferably, the first LiDAR sensor 3 comprises phased arrays, which allows a pure electric tilting of the viewing direction. The phased arrays comprise light emitting elements and the viewing direction is changed by applying a phaseshift between the phases of adjacent light emitting elements. The control signal is a signal for adjusting a tilt of the RET system 7 or is a signal that is derived from a control signal for adjusting the tilt of the RET system 7. The viewing direction is adjusted according to the control signal.

[0047] Fig. 8 discloses a system 1 for providing sensor data according to an embodiment of the disclosure, wherein the system is essentially the same as the system 1 that is described with Figures 1 to 7. However, the system further comprises a second base station antenna 20. Macro base station often comprise more than one base station antenna to cover different sectors. It is advantageous that LiDAR Sensors are provided in different base station antennas to cover a larger area when capturing surroundings of the base station. This is achieved with the system that is depicted by example in Figure 8. The system 1 comprises the first base station antenna 2 and further comprises a second base station antenna 20. The second base station antenna 20 comprises a second LiDAR Sensor 23 that is configured to capture surroundings of the second base station antenna 20 and to provide second sensor data that represents the captured surroundings of the second base station antenna 20. The server unit 4 is coupled to both of the first and the second LiDAR Sensor 2, 23 for receiving the first second sensor data and the second sensor data and is configured to provide information that is based on the first sensor data and the second sensor data to the WAN 5. The server unit 4 is configured to merge the first senor data and the second sensor data to generate a representation of the captured surroundings of the first base station antenna 2 and the second base station antenna 20 and is providing output information that is based on the merged first senor data and second sensor data, for example by providing a point cloud that is representing the surroundings of the base station that is covered by a combination of the first LiDAR sensor 2 and the second LiDAR sensor 23. Points in the point cloud that are in areas in the surroundings of the base station that are covered by both of the first LiDAR sensor 2 and the second LiDAR sensor 23 are generated from a combination of the respective points that are provided by the first LiDAR sensor 2 and the second LiDAR sensor 23, for example by calculating an intermediate value.

[0048] Both of the first LiDAR sensor 2 and the second LiDAR sensor 23 can be connected to the server unit independently. To avoid additional cabling, it is advantageous when the first LiDAR sensor 3 and the second LiDAR sensor 23 are coupled to the server unit 4 via a daisy chain connection 6a, 6c. That is, the first LiDAR sensor 3 is connected to the server unit 4 via a first data cable 6a. In addition, the first LiDAR sensor 3 is connected to the second LiDAR sensor 23 via a second data cable 6c. This means that the second LiDAR sensor 23 is connected to the server unit via the first LiDAR sensor 3. The daisy chain connection can be extended, for example by connecting a third LiDAR sensor to the second LiDAR sensor 23.

[0049] Optionally, the first LiDAR Sensor 3 is sharing a data communication with a remote electrical downtilt (RET) system 7 of the first base station antenna 2. In this case, the first LiDAR Sensor 3 is coupled to a first communication port 10 of the RET system 7 of the first base station antenna 2 and the server unit 4 is coupled to a second communication port 11 of the RET system 7. The second communication port 11 of the RET system 7 is further configured to receive control information for adjusting a downtilt angle of a primary radiation direction of the first base station antenna 2. The first LiDAR Sensor 3 is configured to provide the first sensor data to the RET system 7 via the first communication port 10, and the RET system 7 is configured to provide the first sensor data to the server unit 4 via the second communication port 11. Optionally, the second communication port 11 of the RET system 7 is connected via an AISG connection, which is provided by the first data cable 6a, to an intermediate unit 8, which is a tower amplifier (TMA) or a remote radio unit (RRU). The intermediate unit 8 is connected to the server unit 4 via a third data cable 6b, which is providing an AISG connection or a CPRI connection.

[0050] Optionally, the second LiDAR Sensor 23 is sharing a data communication with a remote electrical downtilt (RET) system 24 of the second base station antenna 20. In this case, the second LiDAR Sensor 23 is coupled to a first communication port 21 of the RET system 24 of the second base station antenna 20 and a third communication port of the RET system 7 of the first base station antenna 2 is coupled to a second communication port 22 of the RET system 24 of the second base station antenna 20. The second communication port 22 of the RET system 24 of the second base station antenna 20 is further configured to receive control information for adjusting a downtilt angle of a primary radiation direction of the second base station antenna 20. The second LiDAR Sensor 23 is configured to provide the second sensor data to the RET system 24 of the second base station antenna 20 via the first communication port 21 of the RET system 24 of the second base station antenna 20 and this RET system 24 is configured to provide the second sensor data to the server unit 4 via the second communication port 11 , wherein the second sensor data is forwarded towards the server unit by the RET system 7 of the first base station antenna 2.

[0051] It is noted that the described advantageous connection between the first LiDAR Sensor 3 and the server unit 4 can also applied to a system 1 that comprises merely a single one of the base station antennas, for example only the first base station antenna 2.

[0052] The server unit 4 is preferably comprised by a control unit 9, wherein the control unit 9 is a base band unit or a base transceiver station.

[0053] In all embodiments, it is preferable that the system 1 comprises a joint communication and sensing (JCAS) system 30 that is configured to determine JCAS sensor data. In such systems, reflections of radio signals that are transmitted by radiating elements of the first and / or second base station antenna 2, 20 are received by the first and / or second base station antenna 2, 20 and are analysed to extract information that relates to the surroundings of the system 1. Thus, additional information that describes the surroundings of the system 1 is available, additionally to the first sensor data. This information can be used to improve the output information by adding further information. For this, the the server unit 4 is configured to generate the output information based on the first sensor data, the second senor data, and the JCAS sensor data. For example, a 3D shape of the surroundings of the system 1 can be described by using the first and / or second sensor data and a behaviour of objects in the surrounding that is covered by the LiDAR sensors or objects that are outside of a detection range of the LiDARA sensors is added to the output information based on the JCAS sensor data. As illustrated in Fig. 9, the JCAS system 30 and the first LiDAR sensor 3 are both connected to the server unit 2.

[0054] For communication and sensing in JCAS it is envisioned to do a deep integration of the sensing functionality into the mobile communication network system. This can be realized by utilizing the existing radiated RF spectrum. It is envisioned to inject a radar pulse into the OFDM stream and do a sensing of objects (with and without an active transmitter). A data fusion with other sensors, here the LiDAR sensors, is advantageous and is preferably done by the server unit 4.

[0055] JCAS systems perform a type of radar sensing and can be categorized into two main scenarios. These are sensing based on either mono static scenario, where the transmit and receive antennas are collocated or a bistatic scenario where the transmit and receive antennas are spatially separated. For both scenarios, the solutions are challenging. An antenna to support the monostatic sensing, a large isolation between the TX and the RX part is necessary; this can be realized if the platform is large but is still restricted to low power solutions. For the bistatic case, a dense deployment is needed to guarantee a sufficient sensing performance.

[0056] The disclosure of this document proposes to host a LiDAR device in the housing of a base station antenna. The system is optionally configured to provide updates of the near and far spatial environment of the base station antennas on demand. The JCAS system is optionally used to- support the sensing application by data fusion of LiDAR and gathered knowledge of the envisioned JCAS techniques. The LIDAR image can act as a ground truth for the JCAS system.

[0057] As the LiDAR sensor is incorporated into the housing of the base station antenna, it is protected from environmental condition, and due to the natural deployment of RAN antennas well elevated above ground for maximum coverage.

[0058] Fig. 10 is illustrating a network 40 that comprises the system 1 according to any embodiment. The network 40 comprises a network entity 41 , wherein the network entity 41 is configured to download the output information that is provided by the system 1 via the WAN 5. Therefore, the network entity 41 and the system 1 are both connected via the WAN5. In addition, a further system T, which is also a system according to any previously described embodiment, is also connected the network entity 41 via the WAN 5. Thus, the network entity 41 is receiving output in- formation of different base stations, wherein the corresponding LiDAR sensors are capturing different areas. The network entity 41 is configured to combine the output information into a common information that is based on the LiDAR sensor data that is provided by the LiDAR Sensors 3, 23 of the systems 1 , T. For example, the network entity 41 is generating or updating a 3D map of the area in which the systems 1 , T are located.

[0059] As the base station antennas of the systems 1 , T can be widely spread, the network entity 41 can be configured to provide different types of services. For example, the base station antennas 2 of the systems 1 , T can be located in a region with critical infrastructure and the output information is used to detect and follow intruders. In addition or in the alternative, the output information can be used to detect free parking spaces, or to support the digital airspace by tracking delivery drones or flight taxi services. Traffic surveillance and accident reporting can established. It can also serve as emergency trigger via infrastructure, e.g. to surveil regions prone to flooding or any others problems due to the climate change or simply traffic surveillance and accident reporting. Also, a detailed inspection of the site, in particular the hardware of the macro base station including parts of the base station antenna, is possible. An inspection of the site after severe naturally caused incidents like hailstorms, earthquakes or strong winds can be necessary. Changes of the site environment can be detected with the given solution.

[0060] In case that a high number of base station antennas on different sites comprise a LiDAR sensor, a high-resolution map of the environment, for example of a city, cam be created by stitching the captured environments of different systems in the cloud, for example in the network entity 41. This allows a creation of a digital twin of whole cities with the potential of regular, real-time updates. Operators can use these created maps for their network planning and to improve the service.

Claims

Claims1. System (1) for providing sensor data, the system comprising: a first base station antenna (2), wherein the first base station antenna comprises a first LiDAR Sensor (3) that is at least partially mounted inside a housing of the first base station antenna and is configured to capture surroundings of the first base station antenna (2) and to provide first sensor data that represents the captured surroundings of the first base station antenna (2); a server unit (4), wherein the server unit (4) is coupled to the first LiDAR Sensor (3) for receiving the first sensor data and is configured to provide output information that is based on the first sensor data to a wide area network, WAN (5).

2. The system (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the first base station antenna (2) is a macro cell antenna.

3. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first LiDAR Sensor (3) is coupled to a first communication port (10) of a remote electrical downtilt, RET, system (7) of the first base station antenna (2) and the server unit (4) is coupled to a second communication port (11) of the RET system (7), wherein the first LiDAR Sensor (3) is configured to provide the first sensor data to the RET system (7) via the first communication port (10), and wherein the RET system (7) is configured to provide the first sensor data to the server unit (4) via the second communication port (11).

4. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the server unit (4) is coupled to the first LiDAR Sensor (3) via an AISG connection (6a) and / or a CPRI connection (6b).

5. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the server unit (4) is coupled to the first LiDAR Sensor (3) via a wireless connection.

6. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the output information that is provided by the server unit (4) is a representation of the surroundings of the first base station antenna (2).

7. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the system (1) further comprising,a second base station antenna (20), wherein the second base station antenna (20) comprises a second LiDAR Sensor (23) that is configured to capture surroundings of the second base station antenna (20) and to provide second sensor data that represents the captured surroundings of the second base station antenna (20); wherein the server unit (4) is coupled to the second LiDAR Sensor (23) for receiving the second sensor data and is configured to provide information that is based on the first sensor data and the second sensor data to the WAN (5).

8. The system (1) according to claim 7, wherein the first LiDAR sensor (3) and the second LiDAR sensor (24) are coupled to the server unit (4) via a daisy chain connection (6a, 6c).

9. The system (1) according to any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the server unit (4) is configured to merge the first senor data and the second sensor data to generate a representation of the captured surroundings of the first base station antenna (2) and the second base station antenna (20).

10. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first LiDAR sensor (3) is aligned in an end-cap (12, 13) of an antenna radome of the first base station antenna (2).

11. The system (1) according to claim 10, wherein the first LiDAR sensor is aligned: at a bottom side of a lower end-cap (12) of the first base station antenna, at a top side of a upper end-cap (12) of the first base station antenna, at a circumferential wall of the end-cap (12, 13), to cover an edge between a circumferential wall and a bottom side of a lower end-cap (12), or to cover an edge between a circumferential wall and a top side of an upper end-cap (13).

12. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first LiDAR sensor (3) is mechanically coupled to an actuator (17) of a remote electrical downtilt, RET, system (7) of the base station antenna such that a viewing direction of the first LiDAR sensor (3) is adjustable by the actuator (17) of the RET system (7), or wherein the first LiDAR sensor (3) is configured to adjust a viewing direction of the first LiDAR sensor (3) in response to receiving a control signal for adjusting the viewing direction.

13. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the system (1) further comprising a control unit, wherein the control unit (9) is a base band unit (9a) or a base transceiver station (9b), wherein the control unit (9) comprises the server unit (4).

14. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises a joint communication and sensing, JCAS, system (30) that is configured to determine JCAS sensor data, and wherein the server unit (4) is configured to generate the output information based on the first sensor data and the JCAS sensor data.

15. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system (1) is a base station for a macro cell of a mobile communications network.

16. A network (40) comprising the system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and a network entity (41), wherein the network entity is configured to download the output information that is provided by the system (1) via the WAN (5).

17. The network (40) according to claim 16, wherein the network comprises multiple of the systems (1 , T) and the network entity (41) is configured to download the output information that is provided by the systems (1 , T) via the WAN (5) and to combine the output information into a common information that is based on the LiDAR sensor data that is provided by the LiDAR Sensors (3, 23) of the systems (1, T).

18. A first base station antenna (2), wherein the first base station antenna comprises a first LiDAR Sensor (3) that is at least partially mounted inside a housing of the first base station antenna and is configured to capture surroundings of the first base station antenna (2) and to provide first sensor data that represents the captured surroundings of the first base station antenna (2).

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