A method to mitigate interference using assisting node in ISAC networks

Abstract

The invention is related to a method for an integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) network using network-assisting nodes to overcome the interference in the uplink (UL) or downlink (DL) operations in time division duplexing (TDD).

Description

[0001] A METHOD TO MITIGATE INTERFERENCE USING ASSISTING NODE IN ISAC NETWORKS

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention is related to a method for an integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) network using network-assisting nodes to overcome the interference in the uplink (UL) or downlink (DL) operations in time division duplexing (TDD).

[0004] Prior Art

[0005] As the utilization of integrated sensing and communication systems (ISAC) continues to expand rapidly, the deployment of numerous ISAC networks is anticipated in the near future. This deployment is likely to introduce novel forms of interference which is more complex than traditional base station interferences. These types of interference lead to mutual interference among ISAC base stations. This interference significantly degrades both sensing and communication performance, encompassing aspects related to communication, sensing, and the overall ISAC functionality.

[0006] The implementation of TDD (Time Division Duplex) systems involves multiple new issues causes communication related interferences one of which is known as cross-link interference. This happens when one base station transmits, and another receives in the same frequency band. Inter channel-interference also can happen between adjacent cells transmitting when two separate frequency bands (channel) are causing interference with each other.

[0007] The integrated communication and sensing capabilities are expected to enable numerous new applications with a wide coverage area for which existing sensing methods are either unsuitable or too expensive. In 3 GPP, Rel 19 the gNB (Next Generation Node B) has the capability to serve six modes for sensing (bi-static and mono-static) as mentioned in the 3 GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) standard. Also, 5G sensing wireless technologies have the ability to detect / track multiple targets in monostatic or bistatic.

[0008] Moreover, similar to communication-related interference, sensing-related interference includes multi-path interference and radar interference. Jiang teaches [1] that multi-path echo can result in incorrect targets for radar detection. In addition, it should take into account the interference to the sensing service result by the sensing operations between multiple sensing points or multipath echo interference of the base station itself [2],

[0009] In contrast to traditional TRP nodes, ISAC (Integrated Sensing and Communication) network encounters a more complex type of mutual ISAC interference. Mutual interference between ISAC nodes occurs, resulting in a decrease in both sensing and communication performance.

[0010] ISAC interference includes not only interference within communication users or sensing targets, but also interference between communication and sensing processes. The interference between monostatic sensing modes and the uplink (UL) communication signal, or monostatic and downlink, is a form of communication and sensing interference. The same applies to bistatic sensing modes and multistatic.

[0011] Most of the works consider having each BS individually responsible for the sensing and communication tasks within a cell. There are limited works studied that take into account the ISAC network. At present the following approaches are being used for mitigating interference in communication and sensing TDD system:

[0012] Siddiqui [4] teaches that one of the most common interferences associated with radio networks is cross-link interference. Two types were observed: Base station to base station and UE (User Equipment) to UE. This type of interference occurs when the strength of the interference power is in a wide range, and in some cases, it is much larger than the desired signal.

[0013] China Telecom company presented a scheme for gNB to gNB CLI handling in NR duplex [5] which proposes beam nulling by aggressor gNB at victim slots. First, the beam level of CLI measurement information and channel information exchange is measured. Then, the victim side which is the gNB that has UL configured at that time uses schemes such as slot AMC and IRC receiver are utilized to counter the interference. On the other hand, the aggressor base station side performs a beam nulling based on the high interfering transmitter beam based on the beam level CLI measurement information and channel information exchanged between the gNBs. This method mitigates the interference and needs to know the measurement information exchange for spatial domain coordination (beam nulling). In this approach, the CLI measurement information and channel information is collected and then exchange this information between the gNBs continuously. Shi [6] develop different frame structures for every three adjacent BSs to ensure that only one BS is in downlink (DL) mode at any one moment and the other two BSs are in UL mode. In this study, the effect of wrong echo on BS for sensing receiver and UE from a communication perspective is studied and the interference is mitigated by presenting a precoding code based on the model that they designed based on assumption

[0014] Jiang [1] propose a mutual interference model of two IS AC base stations which involves communication and radar sensing interference. The basic idea in this type of solution is that a collaborative precoding design algorithm is utilized to generate optimal precoding design by employing a joint optimization algorithm (JO A) to define a suitable tradeoff coefficient between sensing and communication performance. To establish the proper tradeoff coefficient between sensing and communication performance.

[0015] Zhang [8] tries to improve the target detection probability, which is directly determined by the SINR of the received echo signals. The authors design sensing interference models in ISAC dense cell networks. To manage the interference, an altemating-optimization-based algorithm for joint sub-band allocation, user association, and transmission power control is presented.

[0016] Most of the solutions proposed in the previous studies are mainly focused on solving the interference problems for communication systems such as mitigating cross link interference (CLI) and cell edge interference. The approaches such as beam nulling based on steering vector or base station-base station channel measurement and the uplink muting have high complexity due to collection of the CLI measurement information and channel information and then exchanging this information between the gNBs (5G Next Generation base stations) continuously. Most solutions for cross-link interference mainly consider the communication perspective without giving due attention to ISAC interference issues that are going to emerge in the ISAC networks.

[0017] As there are limited works [1][6][7] study the mutual interference sensing and communication between adjacent base stations such as [1], [6], [7], However, most of the existing solutions solve the problems through optimization-based and machine-learning-based schemes means adding a high complexity to the receiver / system.

[0018] As a result, all of the problem mentioned above has made it necessary to provide a novelty in the related field. Brief Description and Objects of the Invention

[0019] The main object of the present invention is to establish a computer-implement method for overcoming or minimizing or managing interferences occurs in ISAC network transmissions between sensing to communication, sensing to sensing and communication to sensing without adding any complexity to the system.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is enhancing the overall performance of ISAC systems.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is coordinating assisting nodes for the signal ISAC transmission and maintaining the synchronization in both downlink and uplink transmissions with the network.

[0022] To achieve such aims, the method of the present invention presents a technical solution with low complexity and high performance without the need to trade between sensing and communication service by exploiting the assisting node such as NCR, repeater, RIS by techniques such as beamforming and C-link control link and this approach can provide compatibility with the ISAC network functionalities for sensing and communication to minimize the interference between ISAC nodes while considering both sensing and communication performance. Furthermore, the invention discloses the methods to overcome cross-link interference from both communication and sensing perspectives.

[0023] By utilizing the capability of network-assisting nodes to coordinate the sensing and generate beamforming for sensing service, it offers a low-complexity solution for the mutual sensing and communication interference spatially for cross link interference, inter cell interference and cell edge issues, making it suitable for future ISAC networks.

[0024] In summary, this invention tries to solve the technical problems related to ISAC network, which is the best candidate for 5G and beyond, and 6G networks. These problems such as mutual interference of sensing and communication, Inter-cell interference mitigation for cell edge users, multipath echo interference of base station, clutter interference, the selfinterference signal transmitted from the ISAC transmitter to sensing receiver, the scarce frequency band resources problem and the hardware cost can be reduced.

[0025] Furthermore, the proposed invention provides a unique approach with low complexity to manage the interference, where the existing network-assisting node is not only utilized to improve the link quality of its desired device but also to utilize the beamforming capability for sensing service. As the transmission / reception points (TRPs) can dynamically configure network-assisting node based on real-time network conditions. Moreover, the densification of networks allows the use of coordinated networks. The proposed method also addresses the UL / DL operation for network-assisting node of network scenarios and design an intelligent TDD UL / DL configuration technique based on the controlled power and direction of the network-assisting node beam control via TRPs.

[0026] In terms of mutual interference mitigation, the proposed approach is designed for a coordinated adjacent node with the assisting node. Enabling the assisting -node to forward a signal with a controllable beam via the indication of the gNB (5G Next Generation base station) is beneficial for transmission power concentration to the desired devices and less interference to neighboring devices. As a result, we can get a higher SINR for sensing purposes.

[0027] In terms of cross-link interference caused by mono-static sensing signal and UL operator in a neighboring base station, we propose utilizing the control link to tackle the interference management issue between sensing and communication by adding sensing capability to mobile networks at the cell edge. Furthermore, we can manage the inter-cell interference that occurred because of transmitting a sensing signal while the neighbor base station is in DL mode.

[0028] For example, NCR as an assisting node has the potential to improve network coverage and communication performance. This includes its ability to operate in both the FR1 and FR2 frequency bands, as well as analyzing the possibilities for cooperative transmission and interference mitigation. Utilizing this role in sensing can enhance network efficiency and sensing performance. It also may coordinate with other network elements, such as neighboring base stations or repeaters, to minimize interference.

[0029] In addition, the assisting node can support recovering the weak signal for communication due to the echo interference to communication or the sensing signal by improving the SINR.

[0030] Description of the Figures of the Invention

[0031] The figures and related descriptions necessary for the subject matter of the invention to be understood better are given below.

[0032] Figure 1. A flow chart shows an embodiment of the present method. Figure 2. An illustration of mutual interference between two ISAC TRP nodes, where both TRPs are in downlink (DL) operation. At the same time, TRP may serve with mono static sensing to target.

[0033] Figure 3. An illustration of mutual interference management between two ISAC TRP nodes, where TRP is in downlink (DL) operation while TRP is in uplink (UL) mode. At the same time, TRP may serve with mono static sensing to target.

[0034] Figure 4. A flow chart of exploiting two assisting node operations by certain aspects of the present approach. The flow chart described the sensing process of utilizing multi-assisting nodes for efficient interference management in the ISAC network.

[0035] Figure 5. An illustration of interference management between two ISAC TRP nodes, where both TRPs are in downlink (DL) operation. At the same time, TRPs may serve bi static sensing to target.

[0036] Figure 6. An illustration of interference management between two ISAC TRP nodes, where one of TRP is in downlink (DL) operation while other TRP is in uplink (UL) mode. At the same time, TRPs may serve bi static sensing to target.

[0037] Figure 7. A flow chart of exploiting two assisting node operations by certain aspects of the present approach. The flow chart described the sensing process of utilizing multi-assisting nodes for efficient interference management in the ISAC network with different sensing modes of the proposed approach, such as bi-static, and mono-static sensing operations.

[0038] Figure 8. An illustration of interference management as steps of Fig. 7 between two ISAC TRP nodes and two assisting nodes, where one of TRP is in downlink (DL) operation while other TRP may be in uplink (UL) or downlink mode. At the same time, TRP in downlink (DL) operation may serve mono-static or bi-static sensing to target

[0039] Figure 9. A flow chart of exploiting assisting node operations to do different sensing modes. The flow chart described the sensing process of utilizing assisting node for efficient interference management with device in the ISAC network.

[0040] Figure 10. An illustration of device generating sensing signal and utilizing the assisting to interference management between device and TRP with the assistance of assisting node directed the sensing signal with / without amplification following steps of Fig. 9 with different sensing modes. Figure 11. A flow chart of utilizing one assisting node operations to do different sensing modes (bi static). The flow chart described the sensing process of utilizing assisting node for efficient interference management with device in the ISAC network where device may perform sensing or sending data to TRP for extracting sensing parameters.

[0041] Figure 12. An illustration of device receiving the reflection of sensing signal and utilizing the assisting to mutual interference between two different sensing modes node following of Fig. 11 with different sensing modes.

[0042] Reference Numbers

[0043] The parts and components are given in the figures are referenced for the subject matter of the invention to be understood better.

[0044] 110a. First transmission / reception point

[0045] 110b. Second transmission / reception point

[0046] 120. Assisting node

[0047] 130. Target device

[0048] 140. Device

[0049] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0050] The invention is related to a method for an integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) network using network-assisting (120) to overcome the interference in the uplink (UL) or downlink (DL) operations in time division duplexing (TDD).

[0051] The present method is carried out by an ISAC system. The ISAC system has multiple transmission / reception points, for example a first transmission / reception point (110a) and a second transmission / reception point (110b) and the transmission / reception points is configured to carry out both the uplink (UL) or the downlink (DL) operations with other devices of the ISAC system such as assisting node (120) and devices (140). The transmission / reception points are configured work in ISAC system. The mentioned device (140) can be communication users, IOT devices, or any smart device that needs to communicate with TRP.

[0052] Furthermore, the transmission / reception points configured to generate a command signal which make other devices, which receives the command signal, generate the sensing signal to be directed to the target device (130) desired to be sensed. The device received command signal can be the assisting node (120) or the device (140) which can be communication users, IOT devices, or any smart device that needs to communicate with TRP.

[0053] The assisting nodes (120) may capable of direct the received signal from another device or the signal that is generated by itself based on the command signal to a specific direction. To direct signal, the assisting nodes (120) may be configured to use method such as beamforming. The assisting nodes (120) may be selected between network control repeater, smart repeater, Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces, Intelligent Reflecting Surface and relay. This selection given is not limited and any device able to carry out functionalities given above can be used in this ISAC system.

[0054] The ISAC system also comprises a device (140). The device (140) is configured to communicate with the transmission / reception points (110) in both the uplink (UL) or the downlink (DL) operations. Furthermore, the device (140) may also be configured to direct the signal that is generated by itself based on the command signal to a specific direction.

[0055] The sensing signal is generated for sensing a target device (130) of ISAC system. The target device (30) can be any electronic device. The sensing signal may transmit from the assisting node (120) or the device (140) based on the received command signal from the transmission / reception point to the target device (130). The assisting node (120) or the device (140) transmits the sensing signal in such a way that the sensing signal is reflected from the target device (130) (from its surface) to a device which is capable of carrying out a sensing process based on the reflected signal by the target device (130).

[0056] The assisting node (120) or the device (140) are configured to generate the sensing signal based on the command signal which may comprise at least one of beamforming information, a timing information, a TDD UL / DL configuration and an ON-OFF information. Preferably, the command signal comprises plurality of, specifically all of the beamforming information, the timing information, the TDD UL / DL configuration and the ON-OFF information.

[0057] Preferably, the assisting node (120) or the device (140) are configured to generate bidirectional the sensing signal. Alternatively, omnidirectional signal can be used.

[0058] Preferably, the assisting node (120) may have the capability to beamform and / or amplify the signal received or generated by itself. The assisting node (120) or the assisting nodes (120) are synchronized with the transmission / reception points in the method.

[0059] The sensing process preferably carried out by the transmission / reception points which is configured to perform such a processing. The transmission / reception point perform the sensing preferably is the same transmission / reception point that generates the command signal. Alternatively, the reflected signal is reflected in such a way that another transmission / reception point other than one generates command signal directly or via the assisting node (120).

[0060] In another alternative embodiment, a device, which can be the assisting node (140) or the device (140) which can be communication users, IOT devices, or any smart device that needs to communicate with TRP, performs sensing process is the device (140).

[0061] The device performs sensing process to extract sensing parameters, more clearly the target device (130) information, from the reflected signal which received directly or via the assisting node (140).

[0062] The sensing process is performed in different sensing modes such as mono-static or bi-static sensing.

[0063] Referring to Figure 1 and 2; In this embodiment, there is multiple the transmission / reception points, such as the first transmission / reception point (110a) and the second transmission / reception point (110b) and both are in downlink mode. As alternative for this embodiment, the one of transmission / reception points may be in uplink mode, as can be seen in Figure 3. For example, the first transmission / reception point (110a) in downlink mode and the second transmission / reception point (110b) in uplink mode or vice-versa.

[0064] The first transmission / reception point (110a) communicates the device (140) via an assisting node (120) and other one communicated directly with another device (140). The first transmission / reception points (110a) carry out sensing method with the communication, preferably simultaneously. For this, the first transmission / reception points (110a) generate a command signal to transmit to the assisting node (120). The command signal may be generated based on the network information or independently. The assisting node (120) receives the command signal and generate and transmits a sensing signal based on the received command signal which includes parameters like the beamforming information, the timing information, the TDD UL / DL configuration and the ON-OFF information. The assisting node (120) capable of transmit the sensing signal to direction of the target device (130). The sensing signal transmitted goes to the target device (140) and reflected from it. The reflected sensing signal is received from the first transmission / reception point (110a) that generated the command signal and the first transmission / reception point (110a) carries out sensing process to extract extracts the target information from the reflected signal based on the information of generated sensing signal at the assisting node (120), the receiver may manage the cross-link interference and other interference types that occur from sensing signal generation at the transmission / reception point. The assisting node (120) may also be utilized to manage the interference from communication signal to sensing to achieve accurate sensing.

[0065] Referring to the Fig. 4 and 5; The multiple transmission / reception points can be used for the sensing method. In this embodiment, there is multiple the transmission / reception points and both in downlink mode. As alternative for this embodiment, the one of transmission / reception points may be in uplink mode, as can be seen in Figure 6.

[0066] The first transmission / reception point (110a) communicates the device (140) via an assisting node (120) and the second transmission / reception point (110b) communicated directly with another device (140). Both of first transmission / reception point (110a) and the second transmission / reception point (110b) carry out sensing method with the communication, preferably simultaneously. For this, the first transmission / reception point (110a) generate a command signal to transmit to the assisting node (140). Preferably, both of Both of first transmission / reception point (110a) and the second transmission / reception point (110b) sent the command signal to the assisting node (140) to provide synchronization. The command signal may be generated based on the network information or independently. The assisting node (120) receives the command signal and generate and transmits a sensing signal based on the received command signal to another assisting node (120) which is configured to direct the reflected signal to the second transmission / reception points (110b). The second transmission / reception point (110b) received the reflected signal carries out sensing process in similar manner above embodiments.

[0067] Note that the target device (130) may require a sensing or IS AC signal, and then, based on the information that comes from the transmission / reception points (110), the assisting nodes (120) may manage each other to satisfy the communication and sensing purposes Based on the ability of the assisting node (120) to synchronize with transmission / reception point carries the sensing, it may not interfere with the UL signal as in FIG. 5 or the DL communication signal as in FIG. 6.

[0068] Referring to the Fig 7 and 8; a flow chart of exploiting two assisting node (120) operations by certain aspects of the present approach. The flow chart described the sensing process of utilizing multi-assisting nodes (120) for efficient interference management in the ISAC network with different sensing modes of the proposed approach, such as bi-static, and monostatic sensing operations.

[0069] This embodiment mainly differs from the embodiments shown in Fig. 4 to 6 is the reflected signal is directed back to the first transmission / reception points (110a) which generated the command signal. This embodiment of method is especially very effective in reducing the interference between the transmission / reception points, especially if the network suffers from cross-link interference (CLI) or inter-channel interference.

[0070] Referring to the Fig 9 and 10; Fig 9 shows a flow chart of utilizing assisting nodes (120) operations by different bi-static sensing aspects of the present approach. FIG. 10 presents the illustrations of utilizing the assisting nodes (120) to generate sensing signals with the capabilities of directed (beamforming) the reflection signals to devices (140) that may do the sensing process or sending data to the first transmission / reception points (110a) to do the process of extracting sensing data.

[0071] The first transmission / reception point (110a) generate and transmit the command signal to the device (140) which is able to generate and transmit to the sensing signal based on the command signal received. The transmitted sensing signal is reflected to the assisting node (120) and the assisting node (120) transmit it to the first transmission / reception point (110), which generated the command signal, to the sensing process with or without amplification. The first transmission / reception point (110) extracts the target information from the reflected signal based on the information of generated signal at the device (140), the receiver may manage the cross-link interference and other interference types that occur from sensing signal generation at the first transmission / reception point (110a), which generated the command signal, or communication signal from the second transmission / reception point (110b). The assisting node (120) may also be utilized to manage the interference from communication signal to sensing to achieve accurate sensing. Referring to the Fig 11 and 12; The first transmission / reception point (110a) transmits the command signal to the assisting node (120). The command may be based on the network information or independently. The assisting node (120) generate and transmit sensing signal based on the command signal. Preferably, the assisting node (120) may have the capability to beamform and amplify the signal both the device (140) and the assisting signal overcome the interference to get high performance.

[0072] The sensing signal is reflected by the target device (130) to the device (140) which is capable of perform sensing process. Alternatively, the device (140) may direct the signal to the first transmission / reception point (110a) for performing sensing process.

[0073] The device (140) may be selected between IS AC device, sensing device, or communication device and assisting nodes (120) may also perform some basic sensing exploiting the UL / DL signals.

[0074] This disclosed invention may be used in any wireless communication technology that can utilize this invention to manage interference issues. However, standards like 3GPP -based cellular and IEEE 802.11 based Wi-Fi networks are particularly relevant to the invention due to the support of multipoint coordination provided in both standards. Furthermore, the described method in this invention can be implemented on any device, system or network capable of supporting any of the aforementioned standards, code division multiple access (CMDA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), GSM / General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), Wideband-CDMA (W-CDMA), Evolution Data Optimized (EVDO), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), 5G New Radio (NR), or other known signals that are used to communicate within a wireless, cellular or internet of things (loT) network.

[0075] This invention may be used in many areas such as channel estimation and detection, enhanced throughput and reliability mechanisms, MAC layer management and specifications, Multi-cell MIMO including coordinated multi-point (CoMP), cloud-radio access network (C-RAN), and fog-radio access network (F-RAN), Cooperative user relaying networks, Efficient precoding design aspects, Joint Radar and communication (JRC) applications, Massive MIMO Networks, Ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC), millimeter-wave (mmWave) communication, Unmanned aerial vehicles-aided communications (UAV), Join communication and sensing(JCAS), perceptive mobile network PMN, Massive machine-type communication (mMTC).

[0076] REFERENCES

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[0078] [2] 3GPP TR 22.837 V19.1.0 (2023-09).

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[0080] [4], Maraj Uddin Ahmed Siddiqui, Faizan Qamar, Faisal Ahmed, Quang Ngoc Nguyen, and Rosilah Hassan. Interference management in 5g and beyond network: Requirements, challenges and future direc-tions. IEEE Access, 9:68932-68965, 2021.

[0081] [5], 3GPP TSG RAN #101 Bangalore, India, September 11-15, 2023, Agenda Item: 8A.2.3 RP-232267.

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Claims

CLAIMS1. A computer-implemented sensing method for sensing a target device (130) of an integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) network having plurality of ISAC transmission / reception points and devices (140) and at least one assisting node (120) to overcome the interference in the uplink or downlink operations in time division duplexing characterized byGenerating a command signal by one of the transmission / reception points and transmitting to a device which is able to generate and transmit a sensing signal to the target device (130) in such a way that the sensing signal is reflected from the target device (130) to a device which is capable of carrying out a sensing process based on the reflected signal by the target device (130) wherein the sensing signal generated or the reflected signal from the target device (130) is received and is transmitted to the device which is capable of carrying out a sensing process by the assisting node (120) andPerforming the sensing process for the target device (130).

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the device receives the command signal is the assisting node (120).

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the device receives the command signal is the device (140) which is loT or smart devices that communicate with transmission / reception point.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the reflected signal from the target device (130) is received and is reflected to the device which is capable of carrying out a sensing process by the assisting node (120).

5. A method according to any of preceding claims, wherein the device carries out the sensing process is the transmission / reception point generates the command signal.

6. A method according to claim 1,2 or 4, wherein the device carries out the sensing process is a transmission / reception point other than is the transmission / reception point generates the command signal.

7. A method according to claim 5, wherein the reflected signal is directed to a assisting node (120) which direct reflected signal to the device carries out the sensing process.

8. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device carries out the sensing process is a device (140).

9. A method according to any of preceding claims, wherein the sensing signal generated is beamformed.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the beamformed signal is omnidirectional or directional.

11. A method according to claim 1, wherein the sensing signal is generated in downlink and / or uplink operations based on the information from the transmission / reception point (110).

12. A method according to any of preceding claims, wherein the assisting node (120) is synchronized with the transmission / reception point.

13. A method according to claim 1, wherein the sensing process is monostatic or bistatic sensing.

14. A method according to claim 1, wherein a channel estimation is performed before after the sensing process.

15. A method according to claim 1, wherein the assisting node (120) is network control repeater, smart repeater, Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces, Intelligent Reflecting Surface or relay.

16. A method according to claim 1, wherein the sensing signal is generated based on at least one of a beamforming information, a timing information, a TDD UL / DL configuration and an ON-OFF information of the command signal.

17. An integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) network having plurality of ISAC transmission / reception points and devices (140) and at least one assisting node (120) and means adapted to execute the steps of the method of any of preceding claims.

18. A computer program comprising instructions to cause the device of claim 17 to execute the steps of the method of any of claim 1-16.

19. A computer-readable medium having stored thereon the computer program of claim 18.

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