Devices and methods for integrated sensing and communication in a mobile network

Abstract

A wireless repeater device (110a) for integrated sensing and communication, ISAC, in a mobile network (100) is disclosed. The wireless repeater device (110a) comprises a receiver unit (111a) configured to receive sensing control information from an ISAC control device (150) of the mobile network (100). Moreover, the wireless repeater device (110a) comprises a repeater unit (112a) configured to receive a sensing signal with a first frequency range from a base station (130a,b) of the mobile network (100). Moreover, the repeater unit (112a) is configured to up-convert the sensing signal with the first frequency range to a second frequency range based on the sensing control information, wherein the second frequency range covers higher frequencies than the first frequency range, and to transmit the up-converted sensing signal with the second frequency range for sensing.

Description

[0001] DEVICES AND METHODS FOR INTEGRATED SENSING AND COMMUNICATION IN A MOBILE NETWORK

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to wireless communications. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to devices and methods for integrated sensing and communication in a mobile network, in particular a 3GPP network.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Existing wireless communication networks have been designed for reliable data transmission by using, for instance, optimized waveforms, modulation and coding, MIMO processing, or power and pilot signal allocation schemes. Radio signals may also be used to determine certain physical parameters related to the environment, such as localization of a transmitting or receiving device, detecting the presence of a passive object, classifying a passive object based on characteristic features of the reflected signal, or estimating the range and velocity based on a delay and Doppler shift. Each of these sensing tasks usually requires a different structure of the transmit signal for achieving the best performance. Future wireless communication systems are envisioned to provide also sensing functionalities in order to provide new services, which is known as integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) or joint sensing and communication (JSC).

[0006] Generally, the accuracy of sensing or ranging application depends on the used bandwidth (BW). For a high accuracy a large bandwidth is desired. It is known to use techniques like Frequency Hopping or Stepped Carrier Frequency for increasing the BW to satisfy the sensing requirements, while re-using an existing mobile network architecture. However, there is still a need for improved devices and methods for integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) in a mobile network, in particular a 3GPP network.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] It is an objective of the present disclosure to provide improved devices and methods for integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) in a mobile network, in particular a 3 GPP network.

[0009] The foregoing and other objectives are achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further implementation forms are apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the figures. In the following some or more of the following abbreviations and acronyms will be used:

[0010] According to a first aspect a low complexity wireless repeater device is provided for integrated sensing and communication, ISAC, in a mobile network. The wireless repeater device comprises a low complexity receiver unit configured to receive sensing control information from an analog ISAC control device of the mobile network. Moreover, the wireless repeater device comprises an analog repeater unit configured to receive an ISAC sensing signal with a first low frequency range from a base station of the mobile network and to up-convert the ISAC sensing signal with the first low frequency range to a second high frequency range based on the sensing control information, wherein the second high frequency range covers higher frequencies than the first low frequency range. Moreover, the analog repeater unit is configured to transmit the up-converted ISAC sensing signal with the second high frequency range for sensing, for instance, one or more passive objects in the vicinity of the wireless repeater device. Thus, the low complexity wireless repeater device according to the first aspect allows implementing adaptive and very high bandwidth sensing by using low BW signals, to satisfy the sensing requirements while re-using the same an existing mobile network architecture configured for low BW communication. In a further possible implementation form, the low complexity receiver unit is a low complexity user equipment, UE, unit of the wireless repeater device.

[0011] In a further possible implementation form, the low complexity receiver unit is configured to receive the sensing control information from the analog ISAC control device via a base station of the mobile network in the first low frequency range.

[0012] In a further possible implementation form, the analog repeater unit is further configured to amplify the up-converted ISAC sensing signal and to transmit the amplified up-converted ISAC sensing signal with the second high frequency range for sensing, for instance, one or more passive objects in the vicinity of the wireless repeater device.

[0013] In a further possible implementation form, the sensing control information may indicate one or more of the following: a carrier frequency of the second high frequency range; one or more boundaries of the second high frequency range; a transmission power for transmitting the up-converted ISAC sensing signal with the second high frequency range; and / or one or more transmission beams of the wireless repeater device for transmitting the up-converted ISAC sensing signal with the second high frequency range.

[0014] In a further possible implementation form, the sensing control information indicates a sensing bandwidth that is larger than the second high frequency range, wherein the analog repeater unit is further configured to transmit the up-converted ISAC sensing signal with the second high frequency range using frequency hopping for covering the sensing bandwidth with the second high frequency range.

[0015] In a further possible implementation form, for processing the ISAC sensing signal the analog repeater unit comprises an amplifier, a mixer and / or a local oscillator, LO.

[0016] In a further possible implementation form, the analog repeater unit is further configured to:

[0017] receive an up-converted ISAC sensing signal with the second high frequency range reflected by one or more passive objects in the vicinity of the wireless repeater device;

[0018] down-convert the received up-converted ISAC sensing signal with the second high frequency range to the first low frequency range; and

[0019] provide the down-converted received up-converted ISAC sensing signal to the analog ISAC control device.

[0020] According to a second aspect a method is provided for operating a low complexity wireless repeater device for integrated sensing and communication, ISAC, in a mobile network. The method according to the second aspect comprises the steps of:

[0021] receiving sensing control information from an analog ISAC control device of the mobile network;

[0022] receiving an ISAC sensing signal with a first low frequency range from a base station of the mobile network; up-converting the ISAC sensing signal with the first low frequency range to a second high frequency range based on the sensing control information, wherein the second high frequency range covers higher frequencies than the first low frequency range; and

[0023] transmitting the up-converted ISAC sensing signal with the second high frequency range for sensing, for instance, one or more passive objects in the vicinity of the wireless repeater device.

[0024] The method according to the second aspect can be performed by the wireless repeater device according to the first aspect. Thus, further features of the method according to the second aspect result directly from the functionality of the wireless repeater device according to the first aspect as well as its different implementation forms described above and below. According to a third aspect an integrated sensing and communication, ISAC, control device for ISAC in a mobile network is provided. The ISAC control device according to the third aspect is configured to generate sensing control information based on a position and / or orientation of a low complexity wireless repeater device for sensing, for instance, one or more passive objects in the vicinity of the wireless repeater device. Moreover, the ISAC control device according to the third aspect is configured to provide the control sensing control information to the low complexity wireless repeater device for allowing the low complexity wireless repeater device to up-convert an ISAC sensing signal with a first low frequency range to a second high frequency range based on the sensing control information. Thus, the analog ISAC control device according to the third aspect allows controlling the low complexity wireless repeater devices for implementing adaptive and very high bandwidth sensing by using low BW signals, to satisfy the sensing requirements while re-using the same an existing mobile network architecture configured for low BW communication.

[0025] In a further possible implementation form, the ISAC control device according to the third aspect is configured to receive an ISAC sensing signal with the first low frequency range from the wireless repeater device, wherein the ISAC sensing signal with the first low frequency range has been received by the wireless repeater device with the second high frequency range and down-converted from the second high frequency range to the first low frequency range.

[0026] In a further possible implementation form, the ISAC control device according to the third aspect is configured to generate the sensing control information further based on the ISAC sensing signal provided by the wireless repeater device.

[0027] In a further possible implementation form, the ISAC control device according to the third aspect is configured to determine one or more properties of one or more passive objects in the vicinity of the wireless repeater device based on the ISAC sensing signal provided by the wireless repeater device and to generate the sensing control information based on of the one or more properties of the one or more passive objects in the vicinity of the wireless repeater device.

[0028] In a further possible implementation form, the sensing control information indicates one or more of the following: a carrier frequency of the second high frequency range; one or more boundaries of the second high frequency range; a transmission power for transmitting the ISAC sensing signal with the second high frequency range; and / or one or more transmission beams of the wireless repeater device for transmitting the ISAC sensing signal with the second high frequency range.

[0029] In a further possible implementation form, the sensing control information indicates a sensing bandwidth that is larger than the second high frequency range for allowing the wireless repeater device to transmit the ISAC sensing signal with the second high frequency range using frequency hopping for covering the sensing bandwidth with the second high frequency range.

[0030] In a further possible implementation form, the mobile network is a 3GPP mobile network and the ISAC control device is located in the radio access network, RAN, or the core network, CN, of the mobile network.

[0031] In a further possible implementation form, the ISAC control device is co-located with a base station of the mobile network.

[0032] According to a fourth aspect a method is provided for operating an integrated sensing and communication, ISAC, control device for ISAC in a mobile network. The method according to the fourth aspect comprises the steps of:

[0033] generating sensing control information based on a position and / or orientation of a low complexity wireless repeater device for sensing, for instance, one or more passive objects in the vicinity of the wireless repeater device; and providing the control sensing control information to the low complexity wireless repeater device for allowing the low complexity wireless repeater device to up-convert an ISAC sensing signal with a first low frequency range to a second high frequency range based on the sensing control information. The method according to the fourth aspect can be performed by the ISAC control device according to the third aspect. Thus, further features of the method according to the fourth aspect result directly from the functionality of the ISAC control device according to the third aspect as well as its different implementation forms described above and below.

[0034] According to a fifth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer-readable storage medium for storing program code which causes a computer or a processor to perform the method according to the second aspect, or the method according to the fourth aspect, when the program code is executed by the computer or the processor.

[0035] Details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims.

[0036] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in more detail with reference to the attached figures and drawings, in which:

[0038] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram illustrating a mobile network including a wireless repeater device according to an embodiment and an ISAC control device according to an embodiment;

[0039] Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram illustrating a mobile network including a wireless repeater device according to a further embodiment and an ISAC control device according to a further embodiment;

[0040] Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram illustrating a frequency up-conversion implemented by a wireless repeater device according to an embodiment;

[0041] Fig. 4a shows a schematic diagram illustrating a first wireless repeater device according to an embodiment and a second wireless repeater device according to an embodiment in a first ISAC application scenario in a mobile network;

[0042] Fig. 4b shows a signalling diagram for the first ISAC application scenario of figure 4a;

[0043] Fig. 4c shows a table illustrating sensing data collected in the first ISAC application scenario of figure 4a;

[0044] Fig. 5a shows a schematic diagram illustrating a first wireless repeater device according to an embodiment and a second wireless repeater device according to an embodiment in a second ISAC application scenario in a mobile network;

[0045] Fig. 5b shows a signalling diagram for the second ISAC application scenario of figure 5a;

[0046] Fig. 5c shows a table illustrating sensing data collected in the second ISAC application scenario of figure 5a and adjusted ISAC control parameters;

[0047] Fig. 6a shows a schematic diagram illustrating a first wireless repeater device according to an embodiment and a second wireless repeater device according to an embodiment in a third ISAC application scenario in a mobile network;

[0048] Fig. 6b shows a signalling diagram for the third ISAC application scenario of figure 6a; Fig. 6c shows a table illustrating sensing data collected in the third ISAC application scenario of figure 6a and adjusted ISAC control parameters;

[0049] Fig. 7a shows a schematic diagram illustrating a first wireless repeater device according to an embodiment and a second wireless repeater device according to an embodiment in a fourth ISAC application scenario in a mobile network;

[0050] Fig. 7b shows a signalling diagram for the fourth ISAC application scenario of figure 7a;

[0051] Fig. 7c shows a table illustrating sensing data collected in the fourth ISAC application scenario of figure 7a and adjusted ISAC control parameters;

[0052] Fig. 8a shows a schematic diagram illustrating a first wireless repeater device according to an embodiment and a second wireless repeater device according to an embodiment in a fifth ISAC application scenario in a mobile network;

[0053] Fig. 8b shows a table illustrating sensing data collected in the fifth ISAC application scenario of figure 8a and adjusted ISAC control parameters;

[0054] Fig. 9 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method of operating a wireless repeater device according to an embodiment for ISAC in a mobile network; and

[0055] Fig. 10 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method of operating an ISAC control device according to an embodiment example for controlling ISAC in a mobile network.

[0056] In the following, identical reference signs refer to identical or at least functionally equivalent features.

[0057] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0058] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying figures, which form part of the disclosure, and which show, by way of illustration, specific aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure or specific aspects in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be used. It is understood that embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in other aspects and comprise structural or logical changes not depicted in the figures. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

[0059] For instance, it is to be understood that a disclosure in connection with a described method may also hold true for a corresponding device or system configured to perform the method and vice versa. For example, if one or a plurality of specific method steps are described, a corresponding device may include one or a plurality of units, e.g. functional units, to perform the described one or plurality of method steps (e.g. one unit performing the one or plurality of steps, or a plurality of units each performing one or more of the plurality of steps), even if such one or more units are not explicitly described or illustrated in the figures. On the other hand, for example, if a specific apparatus is described based on one or a plurality of units, e.g. functional units, a corresponding method may include one step to perform the functionality of the one or plurality of units (e.g. one step performing the functionality of the one or plurality of units, or a plurality of steps each performing the functionality of one or more of the plurality of units), even if such one or plurality of steps are not explicitly described or illustrated in the figures. Further, it is understood that the features of the various exemplary embodiments and / or aspects described herein may be combined with each other, unless specifically noted otherwise. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram illustrating a mobile network 100 configured to provide mobile communication services. In an embodiment, the mobile network 100 may be a current or future 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) mobile network 100, for instance, a 5G network or a communication network in the future. As illustrated in figure 1, the mobile network 100 may comprise a core network, CN, 101 and a radio access network, RAN, 102. Moreover, as will be described in more detail below, the mobile network 100 comprises a plurality of low complexity wireless repeater devices 110a, b (in figure 1 referred to as “wCAM’, which stands for wireless camera) according to an embodiment for integrated sensing and communication, ISAC, e.g. for ranging or sensing of one or more passive objects 120. In the embodiment of figure 1, the plurality of low complexity wireless repeater devices 110a, b are configured to communicate with the core network 101 of the mobile network 100 via one or more radio resource units, RRUs, 130a, b, a baseband unit, BBU, 140 and an ISAC post processing unit 160. Moreover, theplurality of low complexity wireless repeater devices 110a, b are configured to communicate with an analog ISAC control device (referred to as Analog-ISAC Control, AIC) 150 according to an embodiment, for instance, for receiving one or more ISAC control signals from the analog ISAC control device 150.

[0060] More specifically, each wireless repeater device 110a, b comprises a low complexity receiver unit I l la (for the sake of clarity only illustrated for the wireless repeater device 110a in figure 1) configured to receive sensing control information from the analog ISAC control device 150. In an embodiment, the low complexity receiver unit I l la may be a low complexity user equipment, UE, unit I lla configured for communication with the base stations, e.g. RRUs 130a, b. Moreover, each wireless repeater device 110a, b comprises an analog repeater unit 112a configured to receive an ISAC sensing signal with a first low frequency range 310 (indicated in figure 3 and described in more detail further below) from one of the RRUs, i.e. base stations 130a, b and to up-convert the ISAC sensing signal with the first low frequency range 310 to a second high frequency range 320 (also indicated in figure 3 and described in more detail below) based on the sensing control information received from the analog ISAC control device 150. Due to the frequency up-conversion the second high frequency range 320 covers higher frequencies than the first low frequency range 310. The analog repeater unit 112a of each wireless repeater device 110a, b is further configured to transmit the up-converted ISAC sensing signal with the second high frequency range 320 for sensing, for instance, to one or more passive objects 120 in the vicinity of the wireless repeater device 110a, b.

[0061] In an embodiment, the analog repeater unit 112a of each wireless repeater device 1 lOa.b is further configured to receive an up-converted ISAC sensing signal with the second high frequency range 320 reflected by the one or more passive objects 120 in the vicinity of the respective wireless repeater device 110a, b. Moreover, the analog repeater unit 112a of each wireless repeater device 110a, b is configured to down-convert the received up-converted ISAC sensing signal with the second high frequency range 320 to the first low frequency range 310 and to provide the down-converted received up-converted ISAC sensing signal to the analog ISAC control device 150, for instance, via the one or more RRUs 130a,b and the BBU 140.

[0062] As will be described in more detail below, the analog ISAC control device 150 is configured to generate sensing control information based on a position and / or orientation of one or more of the low complexity wireless repeater devices 110a, b for sensing, for instance, the one or more passive objects 120 in the vicinity of the wireless repeater devices 110a, b. Moreover, the device ISAC control 150 is configured to provide the sensing control information to the one or more low complexity wireless repeater devices 110a, b for allowing the respective low complexity wireless repeater device 110a, b, as already described above, to up-convert an ISAC sensing signal with the first low frequency range 310 to the second high frequency range 320 based on the sensing control information.

[0063] As illustrated by the further embodiment shown in figure 2, the analog ISAC control device 150 may generate the sensing control information for the wireless repeater device(s) 110a,b in response to one or more sensing requests 170. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 2, the wireless repeater device 110a (indicated as “wCAMl” in figure 2) receives an ISAC sensing signal with a first low frequency range 310 in a low / medium band from the RRU 130a (indicated as a first stage in figure 2), up-converts the ISAC sensing signal to a second high frequency range 320 in the sub-THz band and transmits the up-converted ISAC sensing signal in the sub-THz band (indicated as a second stage in figure 2) for sensing one or more passive objects 120 in the vicinity. As indicated as a third stage in figure 2, the up-converted ISAC sensing signal in the sub-THz band is reflected by the one or more passive objects 120 and received by the wireless repeater device 110b (indicated as “wCAM2” in figure 2). The received ISAC sensing signal in the sub-THz band is down-converted by the wireless repeater device 110b to the low / medium band and the down-converted ISAC sensing signal is transmitted in the low / medium band to the RRU 130b (indicated as a fourth stage in figure 2), which may be processed by the RRU 130b and the BBU 140 and forwarded to the analog ISAC control device 150. In an embodiment, the ISAC sensing signal with the first low frequency range 310 in the low / medium band from the RRU 130a may be an ISAC sensing signal in the Low Band (e.g. 0,7 - 6 GHz) and / or Mid Band (e.g. 6 - 10 GHz) with a small BW, for instance, a BW of 100 - 500 MHz and the up-converted ISAC sensing signal may be in the sub-THz or THz band.

[0064] The four stages indicated in figure 2 and the up-conversion and down-conversion involved in these stages are illustrated in more detail in figure 3. In the embodiment shown in figure 3, the analog repeater unit 112a of the wireless repeater device 110a is configured to up-convert consecutive portions, for instance OFDM portions, of the ISAC sensing signal with the first low frequency range 310 in the low / medium band to a plurality of second high frequency ranges 320 in the sub-THz band for implementing a frequency hopping scheme in the sub-THz band. In an embodiment, the sensing control information from the analog ISAC control device 150 may indicate a sensing bandwidth that is larger than the second frequency range 320, wherein the repeater unit 112a of the wireless repeater device 110 is configured to transmit the up-converted sensing signal with the second frequency range 320 using frequency hopping for covering the sensing bandwidth with the second frequency range 320, as illustrated in stage 2 of figure 3.

[0065] As will be appreciated, the embodiments shown in figures 1, 2 and 3 provide wireless connected, distributed adaptive analog ISAC repeater devices 110a,b for facilitating very high bandwidth sensing by using low BW signals. Moreover, the analog ISAC control device 150 may configure or adjust the ISAC repeater devices 110a, b based on characteristics of the one or more passive objects 120 and / or the environment. For instance, in an embodiment, the analog ISAC control device 150 may select the most appropriate number of hops for the frequency hopping scheme for the high band e.g. to perform extreme high bandwidth sensing e.g. in subTHz frequency bands. Moreover, the analog ISAC control device 150 may control the distributed adaptive analog ISAC repeater devices 110a,b to perform the most accurate measurements by utilizing very high frequency bands. In a further embodiment, the analog ISAC control device 150 may be configured to select a subset of a plurality of distributed analog ISAC repeater devices 110a,b for efficient monostatic or bi-static sensing. Moreover, the analog ISAC control device 150 may be configured to configure to local oscillator, LO, i.e. frequency source used by the ISAC repeater devices 110a, b for implementing the frequency hopping scheme.

[0066] In an embodiment, the ISAC repeater devices 110a, b may comprise circuitry only for low complexity base band processing, a minimum number of analog components, and / or simplified low cost analog repeater, i.e. relay units 112a. As will be appreciated, the ISAC repeater devices 110a,b provide a smart adaptive relay functionality, which may be considered as an extension of the RAN 102. As will be further appreciated, the ISAC repeater devices 110a, b allow to achieve a much higher range resolution induced by a large RF bandwidth with a much smaller baseband bandwidth. In an embodiment, the adaptive, i.e. flexible target RF bandwidth may depend on one or more characteristics of the target passive object(s) 120, such as the material, volume and / or speed on the target passive object(s) 120.

[0067] In an embodiment, the repeater unit 112a of each wireless repeater device 110a,b is further configured to amplify the up-converted sensing signal and to transmit the amplified up-converted sensing signal with the second frequency range 320 for sensing. To this end, in an embodiment, for processing the sensing signal the repeater unit 112a may comprise an amplifier, a mixer and / or a local oscillator, LO.

[0068] In an embodiment, the sensing control information generated by the analog ISAC control device 150 for controlling the wireless repeater devices 110a,b may comprise or indicate one or more of the following : a carrier frequency of the second high frequency range 320; one or more boundaries of the second high frequency range 320; a transmission power for transmitting the up-converted sensing signal with the second high frequency range 320; and / or one or more transmission beams of the wireless repeater device 110a to be used for transmitting the up-converted sensing signal with the second high frequency range 320.

[0069] In an embodiment with a plurality of wireless repeater devices 110a, b each wireless repeater device 110a, b may have its own configuration (defined by the sensing control information) depending on the situation and position (and orientation) with respect to the one or more passive objects 120 to be sensed. The plurality of wireless repeater devices 110a,b may be small devices configured to be mounted at places like walls, ceilings or furniture, in domestic (smart city), industry, and other verticals. Alternatively or additionally, the wireless repeater devices 110a, b may be configured to be mounted to moving objects, such as vehicles.

[0070] In an embodiment, the analog ISAC control device 150 may be configured to manage a list of wireless repeater devices 110a, b and their capabilities. In an embodiment, the analog ISAC control device 150 may manage and control sensing service requests 170 beyond of the capability of the base stations, e.g. RRUs 130a, b. More specifically, the analog ISAC control device 150 may inform the ISAC post processing unit 160 about the configuration parameters for the wireless repeater devices 110a, b. In an embodiment, the analog ISAC control device 150 may configure the wireless repeater devices 110a, b to meet the requested sensing performance indicated in a sensing service request 170 by, for instance, configuring a hopping sequence, timing, transmission power, and the like. Moreover, the analog ISAC control device 150 may be configured to select which of the wireless repeater devices 110a, b is used for transmitting the high frequency sensing signal and which is used for receiving the high frequency sensing signal reflected by the one or more passive objects 120. Thus, in an embodiment, the analog ISAC control device 150 may implement multi-static sensing by using one wireless repeater device 110a,b for TX sensing and another wireless repeater device 110a, b for RX sensing.

[0071] Figure 4a shows a first wireless repeater device 110a according to an embodiment and a second wireless repeater device 110b according to an embodiment in a first ISAC application scenario in amobile network 100. Figure 4b shows a signalling diagram for the first ISAC application scenario of figure 4a and figure 4c shows a table illustrating sensing data collected in the first ISAC application scenario of figure 4a.

[0072] In the embodiment shown in figure 4a, the first and the second wireless repeater device 110a, b may be placed on demand, such as localized, temporary, mobile, within the range of the base station 130a, e.g. gNB 130a. Moreover, the receiver units 1 I la, e.g. UE units 11 la of the first and the second wireless repeater device 110a, b are connected to the RAN 102. The analog ISAC control device 150 may manage a list of wireless repeater devices, including the first and the second wireless repeater device 110a,b, and their capabilities. As already described above, the analog ISAC control device 150 may manage and control sensing service requests 170 beyond of the capability of the base station 130a, e.g. gNB 130a. To this end, the analog ISAC control device 150 may configure by means of the sensing control parameters the LO of the first and the second wireless repeater device 110a,b and the hopping sequence. In an embodiment, the first and second wireless repeater device 110a,b may acknowledge the successful configuration to the analog ISAC control device 150.

[0073] More specifically, as illustrated by reference sign 401 of figure 4b, the signaling diagram of figure 4b relates to a scenario, where a new moving passive object 120 is detected by the base station 130a, e.g. gNB 130a using an ISAC sensing signal with a first low frequency range 310 (see step 403a of figure 4b) that is reflected by the passive object 120 and received by the base station 130a, e.g. gNB 130a (see step 403b of figure 4b). The collected data determined by the base station 130a, e.g. gNB 130a based on the received low frequency range ISAC sensing signal is forwarded to the ISAC control device 150 (see step 405 of figure 4b). In an embodiment, the collected data may comprise the data of the table shown in figure 4c, such as the material, the shape / volume, the speed, the environment, and / or the distance of the passive object 120. Thus, as indicated by reference sign 407 of figure 4b, the ISAC control device 150 collects basic information of the passive object and may decide based on this information whether the passive object 120 is, for instance, a new passive object 120, i.e. a passive object that has not been sensed before.

[0074] Figure 5a shows a first wireless repeater device 110a according to an embodiment and a second wireless repeater device 110b according to an embodiment in a second ISAC application scenario in a mobile network 100. Figure 5b shows a signalling diagram for the second ISAC application scenario of figure 5a and figure 5c shows two tables illustrating sensing data collected in the second ISAC application scenario of figure 5a and ISAC control parameters derived on the basis of the collected sensing data.

[0075] As illustrated by reference sign 501 of figure 5b, the signaling diagram of figure 5b relates to a scenario, where the ISAC control device 150 selects, controls and triggers the first and second wireless repeater device 110a,b for sensing the passive object 120. In response to the ISAC control parameters received from the ISAC control device 150 the first and second wireless repeater device 110a, b operate in a real sensing mode (see 503 of figure 5b), which includes the first, second, third, and fourth stage already described above in the context of figure 2. As indicated by reference sign 505 of figure 5b, the ISAC control device 150 may collect, analyze, and / or post-process the received data. In an embodiment, the received data may comprise the data of the table shown on the left in figure 5c, such as the material, the shape / volume, the speed, the environment, and / or the distance of the passive object 120. Based on this received data the ISAC control device 150 may derive the ISAC control parameters of the table shown on the right in figure 5c, such as a carrier frequency of 140 GHz and / or 3 frequency hops. As indicated in figure 5b, the ISAC control device 150 may forward these derived ISAC control parameters to the first and second wireless repeater device 110a,b.

[0076] Figure 6a shows a first wireless repeater device 110a according to an embodiment and a second wireless repeater device 110b according to an embodiment in a third ISAC application scenario in a mobile network 100. Figure 6b shows a signalling diagram for the third ISAC application scenario of figure 6a and figure 6c shows two tables illustrating sensing data collected in the third ISAC application scenario of figure 6a and ISAC control parameters derived on the basis of the collected sensing data. The third scenario shown in figures 6a-c differs from the second scenario shown in figures 5a-c in that a new passive object 120’ is detected, which may have different properties than the passive object 120 detected in the scenario of figures 5a-c. Consequently, the ISAC control parameters derived by the ISAC control device 150 based on the received data may differ, such as a carrier frequency of 200 GHz and / or 5 frequency hops, as illustrated by the table on the right of figure 6c.

[0077] Figure 7a shows a first wireless repeater device 110a according to an embodiment and a second wireless repeater device 110b according to an embodiment in a fourth ISAC application scenario in a mobile network 100. Figure 7b shows a signalling diagram for the fourth ISAC application scenario of figure 7a and figure 7c shows two tables illustrating sensing data collected in the fourth ISAC application scenario of figure 7a and ISAC control parameters derived on the basis of the collected sensing data. The fourth scenario shown in figures 7a-c differs from the second scenario shown in figures 5a-c differs in that a new passive object 120” is detected, which may have different properties than the passive object 120 detected in the scenario of figures 5a-c. Consequently, the ISAC control parameters derived by the ISAC control device 150 based on the received data may differ, such as a carrier frequency of 240 GHz and / or 7 frequency hops, as illustrated by the table on the right of figure 7c. Figure 8a shows a first wireless repeater device 110a according to an embodiment and a second wireless repeater device 110b according to an embodiment in a fifth IS AC application scenario in a mobile network 100. Figure 8b shows two tables illustrating sensing data collected in the fifth ISAC application scenario of figure 8a and ISAC control parameters derived on the basis of the collected sensing data. The fifth scenario shown in figures 8a, b differs from the second scenario shown in figures 5a-c in that the first and / or second wireless repeater device 110a, b may be mobile (as indicated in figure 8a), while the passive object 120 may be stationary.

[0078] As will be appreciated from the previously described scenarios, the wireless repeater devices 110a, b may be implemented as or incorporated with many devices. These devices could be moving, e.g. AGVs or robots, etc. The Analog-ISAC Controller 150 selects the appropriate wireless repeater device 110a, b for the localization and sensing, and triggers the moving wireless repeater device 110a,b (mounted on AGVs, robots, ... ) to sense and localize the passive object 120, 120’, 120”. Depending on the characteristics and / or properties of the passive object 120, 120’, 120”, such as material, shape, volume distance, speed, environment, the wireless repeater device 110a,b informs the Analog-ISAC Controller 150 with collected data about the passive object 120, 120’, 120”. Based on the collected information, the Analog-ISAC Controller 150 adjusts, for instance, the carrier frequency and BW hopping (number of BWP) matching with the passive object 120, 120’, 120” for accurate sensing and positioning. As already described above, the wireless repeater device 110a, b re-uses the existing Low / Mid Band network, and upconverts it to the selected Sub-THz Band for accurate sensing of the passive obj ect 120, 120’, 120”.

[0079] Figure 9 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method 900 of operating the wireless repeater device 110a. The method 900 comprises a step 901 of receiving sensing control information from the ISAC control device 150 of the mobile network 100. Moreover, the method 900 comprises a step 903 of receiving a sensing signal having the first frequency range 310 from one of the base stations, e.g. RRUs 130a,b of the mobile network 100. The method 900 further comprises a step 905 of up-converting based on the sensing control information the sensing signal having the first frequency range 310 to the second frequency range 320. As alreadv described above, because of the frequency up-conversion the second frequency range 320 covers, i.e. comprises higher frequencies than the first frequency range 310. Moreover, the method 900 comprises a step 907 of transmitting the up-converted sensing signal having the second frequency range 320 for sensing, for instance, the one or more passive objects in the vicinity of the wireless repeater device 110a.

[0080] The method 900 can be performed by the wireless repeater device 110a. Thus, further features of the method 900 result directly from the functionality of the wireless repeater device 110a as well as the different embodiments thereof described above and below.

[0081] Figure 10 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method 1000 of operating the ISAC control device 150 for ISAC in the mobile network 100. The method 1000 comprises a step 1001 of generating sensing control information based on a position and / or orientation of the wireless repeater device 110a,b. Moreover, the method 100 comprises a step 1003 of providing the sensing control information to the wireless repeater device 110a,b for allowing the wireless repeater device 110a,b to up-convert a sensing signal having a first frequency range 310 to a second frequency range 320 based on the sensing control information.

[0082] The method 1000 can be performed by the analog ISAC control device 150. Thus, further features of the method 1000 result directly from the functionality of the analog ISAC control device 150 as well as the different embodiments thereof described above and below.

[0083] The person skilled in the art will understand that the "blocks" ("units") of the various figures (method and apparatus) represent or describe functionalities of embodiments of the present disclosure (rather than necessarily individual "units" in hardware or software) and thus describe equally functions or features of apparatus embodiments as well as method embodiments (unit = step).

[0084] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, apparatus, and method may be implemented in other manners. For example, the described embodiment of an apparatus is merely exemplary. For example, the unit division is merely a logical function division and may be another division in an actual implementation. For example, a plurality of units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not performed. In addition, the displayed or discussed mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections may be implemented by using some interfaces. The indirect couplings or communication connections between the apparatuses or units may be implemented in electronic, mechanical, or other forms.

[0085] The units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and parts displayed as units may or may not be physical units, may be located in one position, or may be distributed on a plurality of network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the objectives of the solutions of the embodiments.

[0086] In addition, functional units in the embodiments of the disclosure may be integrated into one processing unit, or each of the units may exist alone physically, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A wireless repeater device (110a) for integrated sensing and communication, ISAC, in a mobile network (100), wherein the wireless repeater device (110a) comprises:a receiver unit (I l la) configured to receive sensing control information from an ISAC control device (150) of the mobile network (100); anda repeater unit (112a) configured to:receive a sensing signal with a first frequency range (310) from a base station (130a, b) of the mobile network (100);up-convert the sensing signal with the first frequency range (310) to a second frequency range (320) based on the sensing control information, wherein the second frequency range (320) covers higher frequencies than the first frequency range (310); andtransmit the up-converted sensing signal with the second frequency range (320) for sensing.

2. The wireless repeater device (110a) of claim 1 , wherein the receiver unit ( 111 a) is a user equipment, UE, unit (I l la).

3. The wireless repeater device (110a) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the receiver unit (11 la) is configured to receive the sensing control information from the ISAC control device (150) via a base station (130a, b) of the mobile network (100) in the first frequency range (310).

4. The wireless repeater device (110a) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the repeater unit (112a) is further configured to amplify the up-converted sensing signal and to transmit the amplified up-converted sensing signal with the second frequency range (320) for sensing.

5. The wireless repeater device (110a) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensing control information indicates: a carrier frequency of the second frequency range (320); one or more boundaries of the second frequency range (320); a transmission power for transmitting the up-converted sensing signal with the second frequency range (320); and / or one or more transmission beams of the wireless repeater device (110a) for transmitting the up-converted sensing signal with the second frequency range (320).

6. The wireless repeater device (110a) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensing control information indicates a sensing bandwidth that is larger than the second frequency range (320) and wherein the repeater unit (112a) is further configured to transmit the up-converted sensing signal with the second frequency range (320) using frequency hopping for covering the sensing bandwidth with the second frequency range (320).

7. The wireless repeater device (110a) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein for processing the sensing signal the repeater unit (112a) comprises an amplifier, a mixer and / or a local oscillator, LO.

8. The wireless repeater device (110a) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the repeater unit (112a) is further configured to:receive an up-converted sensing signal with the second frequency range (320) reflected by one or more passive objects (120, 120’, 120”) in the vicinity of the wireless repeater device (110a);down-convert the received up-converted sensing signal with the second frequency range (320) to the first frequency range (310); andprovide the down-converted received up-converted sensing signal to the ISAC control device (150).

9. A method (900) for operating a wireless repeater device (110a) for integrated sensing and communication, ISAC, in a mobile network (100), wherein the method (900) comprises:receiving (901) sensing control information from an ISAC control device (150) of the mobile network (100);receiving (903) a sensing signal with a first frequency range (310) from a base station (130a, b) of the mobile network (100);up-converting (905) the sensing signal with the first frequency range (310) to a second frequency range (320) based on the sensing control information, wherein the second frequency range (320) covers higher frequencies than the first frequency range (310); andtransmitting (907) the up-converted sensing signal with the second frequency range (320) for sensing.

10. An integrated sensing and communication, ISAC, control device (150) for ISAC in a mobile network (100), wherein the ISAC control device (150) is configured to:generate sensing control information based on a position and / or orientation of a wireless repeater device (110a, b); andprovide the sensing control information to the wireless repeater device (110a,b) for allowing the wireless repeater device (110a,b) to up-convert a sensing signal with a first frequency range (310) to a second frequency range (320) based on the sensing control information.

11. The ISAC control device (150) of claim 10, wherein the ISAC control device (150) is configured to receive a sensing signal with the first frequency range (310) from the wireless repeater device (110a, b) and wherein the sensing signal with the first frequency range (310) has been received by the wireless repeater device (110a, b) with the second frequency range (320) and down-converted from the second frequency range (320) to the first frequency range (310).

12. The ISAC control device (150) of claim 11 , wherein the ISAC control device (150) is configured to generate the sensing control information further based on the sensing signal provided by the wireless repeater device (110a, b).

13. The ISAC control device (150) of claim 12, wherein the ISAC control device (150) is configured to determine one or more properties of one or more passive objects (120, 120’, 120”) in the vicinity of the wireless repeater device (110a, b) based on the sensing signal provided by the wireless repeater device (110a, b) and to generate the sensing control information basedon of the one or more properties of the one or more passive objects (120, 120’, 120”) in the vicinity of the wireless repeater device (110a,b).

14. The ISAC control device (150) of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the sensing control information indicates: a carrier frequency of the second frequency range (320); one or more boundaries of the second frequency range (320); a transmission power for transmitting the sensing signal with the second frequency range (320); and / or one or more transmission beams of the wireless repeater device (110a, b) for transmitting the sensing signal with the second frequency range (320).

15. The ISAC control device (150) of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the sensing control information indicates a sensing bandwidth that is larger than the second frequency range (320) for allowing the wireless repeater device (110a, b) to transmit the sensing signal with the second frequency range (320) using frequency hopping for covering the sensing bandwidth with the second frequency range (320).

16. The ISAC control device (150) of any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the mobile network (100) is a 3GPP mobile network (100) and wherein the ISAC control device (150) is located in the radio access network, RAN, (101) or the core network, CN, (102) of the mobile network (100).

17. The ISAC control device (150) of claim 16, wherein the ISAC control device (150) is co-located with a base station (130a, b) of the mobile network (100).

18. A method (1000) for operating an integrated sensing and communication, ISAC, control device (150) for ISAC in a mobile network (100), wherein the method (1000) comprises:generating (1001) sensing control information based on a position and / or orientation of a wireless repeater device (110a,b); andproviding (1003) the sensing control information to the wireless repeater device (110a,b) for allowing the wireless repeater device (110a, b) to up-convert a sensing signal with a first frequency range (310) to a second frequency range (320) based on the sensing control information.

19. A computer program product comprising a computer-readable storage medium for storing program code which causes a computer or a processor to perform the method (900) of claim 9 or the method (1000) of claim 18 when the program code is executed by the computer or the processor.14

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