A method for adapting resource usage for a sensing system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for adapting resource usage for a sensing system (10), comprising the following steps: - Performing (101) a sensing procedure, wherein the sensing procedure comprises sending of at least one sensing signal by the sensing system, - Analyzing (102) a sensing result based on the performed sensing procedure and preferably further based on a sensing requirement, wherein the sensing result comprises at least one detected object, - Adapting (103) resource usage for sensing based on the analyzing (102). Further the invention relates to a sensing system and a computer program.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title

[0003] A method for resource

[0004] The invention relates to a method for adapting resource usage for a sensing system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program, a sensing system, and a storage medium for this purpose.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] The sensing of mobile devices within cellular networks represents a pivotal aspect of contemporary telecommunications infrastructure. Employing advanced methodologies, cellular networks equipped with sensing devices can discern the presence, location, and status of mobile devices with unparalleled precision. By leveraging a nuanced amalgamation of signal processing algorithms and network protocols, these networks seamlessly navigate the dynamic interplay between signal propagation, device mobility, and network optimization. Such proficiency in sensing underpins the foundation of efficient resource allocation, seamless handover procedures, and robust security protocols within modern cellular networks, thereby catalyzing the proliferation of ubiquitous connectivity and empowering an array of innovative applications and services.

[0007] Integrated Communication and Sensing (ICAS) within the framework established by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) heralds a paradigmatic shift in the capabilities of cellular networks. Rooted in the constructive interaction between communication and sensing functionalities, ICAS encapsulates a multifaceted approach to network operation, wherein mobile devices serve not only as communication endpoints but also as active sensors. This integrated approach enables cellular networks to harness the wealth of data generated by connected devices, thereby facilitating a myriad of innovative applications and services. By seamlessly integrating sensing capabilities into the fabric of communication protocols, ICAS empowers cellular networks to adapt dynamically to changing environmental conditions, optimize resource allocation, and enhance user experiences. Through the judicious utilization of sensor data, I CAS enables cellular networks to transcend traditional boundaries, ushering in an era of pervasive connectivity and intelligent network management.

[0008] The state of the art offers solutions for sensing. These solutions require however an extensive number of resources, which is slowing down the development of the technology. Therefore, the task of the invention is to provide a solution for resource optimization.

[0009] Disclosure of the invention

[0010] According to aspects of the invention a method with the features of claim 1 , a computer program with the features of claim 9, a sensing system with the features of claim 10 as well as a computer-readable storage medium with the features of claim 11 are provided. Further features and details of the invention are disclosed in the respective dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in the context to the method also correspond to the computer program, the sensing system as well as the computer-readable storage medium according to the invention, and vice versa in each case.

[0011] According to an aspect of the invention a method for adapting resource usage for a sensing system is provided. The method comprises the following steps, wherein the steps may be performed repeatedly and / or in a specific order:

[0012] In a first step a sensing procedure is performed, wherein the sensing procedure comprises sending of at least one sensing signal. A sensing signal enables sensing objects or targets in their environment.

[0013] In another step a sensing result is analyzed based on the performed sensing procedure and preferably further based on a sensing requirement, wherein the sensing result comprises at least one detected object. A sensing requirement or sensing requirements can be related to a spatial resolution of the sensing or related to the accuracy or resolution of the sensing, in particular of the sensing result. The sensing requirement can comprise a number of different requirements to be considered during the sensing procedure.

[0014] In another step resource usage for sensing is adapted based on the analyzing. Preferably, the method further comprises performing a further sensing procedure using the adapted resources. Here, the further sensing procedure comprises sending of at least one further sensing signal.

[0015] This adaptive approach allows the sensing system to optimize resource usage by scaling back or advancing the sensing procedure as needed, thereby minimizing unnecessary processing cycles and energy expenditure. Further, this has the advantage of an increased accuracy and real-time adaptability, enabling the sensing system to efficiently respond to changing environmental conditions and object characteristics.

[0016] In another example the method comprises the further following steps:

[0017] - Analyzing environmental characteristics to determine a degree of clutter,

[0018] - Optimizing the resource usage for sensing based on the determined degree of clutter.

[0019] This allows for more accurate sensing by considering a degree or level of clutter present in the environment, resulting in a higher signal-to-noise ratio and improved system performance. Further, this step facilitates more efficient use of resources, as it enables the invention to adapt its sensing strategy according to the specific environmental conditions.

[0020] According to another example, the adapting of the resource usage comprises at least one of the further following steps:

[0021] - Reducing a bandwidth and / or resources for sensing when a lower resolution is required,

[0022] - Increasing a bandwidth and / or resources for sensing when a higher resolution is required,

[0023] - Adjusting the beam width and / or antenna configuration to control angular resolution for optimizing a sensing performance.

[0024] Here, a lower / higher resolution preferably refers to a spatial and / or angular resolution. The required resolution can be lower / higher relative to a resolution used for performing the sensing procedure in the first step of the method. This has the advantage, that a more efficient usage of the available resources such as signaling bandwidth or antenna beam structure may be provided, allowing for an optimal sensing performance even in situations where high- resolution imaging is not necessary. Further, the adapting of the resource usage allows for increasing or decreasing a bandwidth and / or resources for sensing when a higher or lower resolution is required, enabling the system to accurately capture the respective required information about the object or environment being sensed. This flexibility in resource allocation has the advantage that the system can dynamically adjust to changing sensing requirements, resulting in improved sensing performance. Furthermore, adjusting the beam width and / or antenna configuration to control angular resolution for optimizing a sensing performance allows for a precise targeting of specific areas or objects, which reduces unnecessary sensing efforts and conserving resources.

[0025] In another example the sensing requirement is defined based on an application using a sensing service and / or a preset of the sensing system.

[0026] This allows to optimize a respective resource usage for various applications and environments. Defining one or multiple sensing requirements based on application needs has the advantage that the inventive sensing system can adapt to changing scenarios and optimize resource allocation. Further, utilizing predefined presets for specific sensing systems or applications allows for optimized performance and reduced computational overhead. Furthermore, this allows to define sensing requirements based on application needs, which enables a context-aware sensing, which can be critical in applications where environmental conditions, object sizes, or other factors affect the sensing process.

[0027] In another example the analyzing comprises the further following step:

[0028] - Determining at least one new sensing parameter based on characteristics of the at least one detected object.

[0029] A sensing parameter generally can be understood as a parameter that influences the effectiveness, accuracy, and reliability of a sensing procedure and particularly the resource usage for this purpose. In particular, sensing parameters can be for example a sensitivity and / or an accuracy and / or a resolution defined by a granularity or level of detail. Further, a sensing parameter may be a bandwidth or a value regarding a bandwidth which can affect a spatial resolution. Furthermore, the sensing parameter may also be a sensing signal period affecting a temporal resolution. This determination of a sensing parameter has the advantage to adapt to changing environmental conditions, allowing for more accurate and efficient sensing. By considering characteristics such as object size, number of objects and / or shape, the sensing system can optimize its signal processing and filtering capabilities, reducing noise, and improving overall performance.

[0030] In another example the analyzing comprises the further following steps:

[0031] - Comparing the sensing result with the sensing requirement,

[0032] - Determining and adapting the at least one new sensing parameter based on the comparison.

[0033] This has the advantage that the analyzing comprises further steps, which advantageously enhance the effectiveness of the inventive system. Further, comparing a sensing result with a sensing requirement allows for fine-tuning and optimization of the sensing process. This allows the inventive sensing system to adjust its behavior dynamically, ensuring that it accurately meets the instantaneous sensing requirements. Furthermore, determining and adapting at least one new sensing parameter based on the comparison advantageously provides a mechanism for continuous improvement and refinement of the sensing signal. Further, this allows to learn from experience and adapt to changing environmental conditions or object sizes, ultimately leading to optimized resource usage and reduced bandwidth requirements when possible.

[0034] According to another example the sensing system comprises a monostatic, bistatic, or multistatic architecture. Such an architectural design enables more efficient processing of sensed data, allowing for a quicker analysis and decisionmaking. The use of a monostatic architecture, where both transmission and reception occur from the same location, can advantageously provide an improved spatial resolution and accuracy. Alternatively, a bistatic or multistatic architecture, where transmission occurs at least one location and reception occurs at at least one other, can offer advantages in terms of multipath mitigation and increased range. In another example the sensing system is a bistatic or multistatic sensing system, comprising at least two devices, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0035] - Sending a sensing signal to at least one other device,

[0036] - Receiving at least one new sensing parameter from the at least one other device, wherein the at least one new sensing parameter is based on at least one detected object and preferably further based on the sensing requirement,

[0037] - Sending a new sensing signal to the at least one other device based on the at least one new sensing parameter.

[0038] This has the advantage that the inventive bistatic or multistatic sensing system provides an improved accuracy and enhanced object detection capabilities. This can be achieved by utilizing the bistatic or the multistatic sensing approach, where at least two devices collaborate to gather data and refine their understanding of the environment. Further, the ability to dynamically adjust the sensing signal based on real-time feedback from the other device allows for a more efficient use of resources, potentially leading to reduced power consumption or increased system performance. Furthermore, this feature can facilitate better situational awareness and faster response times in applications such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, or surveillance systems.

[0039] In another aspect of the invention, a computer program may be provided, in particular a computer program product, comprising instructions which, when the computer program is executed by a sensing system, cause the sensing system to carry out the method according to the invention. Thus, the computer program according to the invention can have the same advantages as have been described in detail with reference to a method according to the invention.

[0040] In another aspect of the invention, a sensing system for adapting resource usage, comprising at least one device, may be provided, which is configured to execute the method according to the invention. As the system, for example, a computer can be provided which executes the computer program according to the invention. The computer may include at least one processor that can be used to execute the computer program. Also, a non-volatile data memory may be provided in which the computer program may be stored and from which the computer program may be read by the processor for being carried out. According to another aspect of the invention a computer-readable storage medium may be provided which comprises the computer program according to the invention and / or instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the method according to the invention. The storage medium may be formed as a data storage device such as a hard disk and / or a non-volatile memory and / or a memory card and / or a solid state drive. The storage medium may, for example, be integrated into the computer.

[0041] Furthermore, the method according to the invention may be implemented as a computer-implemented method. Alternatively, or additionally, at least one of the disclosed method steps may be computer-implemented and / or automated.

[0042] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will be apparent from the following description, in which embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this context, the features mentioned in the claims and in the description may each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. Showing:

[0043] Fig. 1 : A method, computer program, a storage medium and a sensing system according to embodiments of the invention,

[0044] Fig. 2: A schematic diagram of an exemplary sensing system according to embodiments of the invention,

[0045] Fig. 3: A schematic flow diagram of an exemplary method according to embodiments of the invention.

[0046] The core of the invention is to provide a solution for resource optimization, leveraging the fact that a sensing system is designed for a case of high resource usage such as for example high accuracy requirements, high resolution, cluttered environment or the like. Therefore, there is room for optimization when additional knowledge of the sensing case is available. Further, an adaption of the sensing signal to the instantaneous requirements for sensing may be provided. For instance, an application may need a detection of an object and the further tracking of the bounding box of this object. This resolution requirement may significantly reduce a resource usage for sensing, in particular reduce a bandwidth required for sensing. Furthermore, knowledge of the environment also can provide useful input for this matter. Whilst a cluttered environment will increase the need for a good resolution, this requirement is relaxed in a so called clear environment, in which objects are most likely apart from each other. A clear environment is defined as an environment with a small number of objects and low obstruction of field of view.

[0047] Fig. 1 shows a method 100, a sensing system 10, a computer program 50, and a computer-readable storage medium 15 according to embodiments of the invention.

[0048] Fig. 1 particularly shows an embodiment of a method 100 for adapting resource usage for a sensing system 10, comprising the following steps: In step 101 a sensing procedure is performed, wherein the sensing procedure comprises sending of at least one sensing signal. In step 102 a sensing result is analyzed based on the performed sensing procedure and preferably further based on a sensing requirement, wherein the sensing result comprises at least one detected object. In step 103 a resource usage for sensing is adapted based on the analyzing in step 102.

[0049] Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary sensing system according to embodiments of the invention. Fig. 2 particularly depicts a sensing system 10 comprising a bistatic architecture or a bistatic sensing system. The bistatic sensing system 10 may comprise two devices 11 , 12. One device 11 can be a transmitter or sender of a sensing signal. The other device 12 may be a receiver of the transmitted sensing signal. Each device can be designed as a base station or a mobile device or a vehicle or a sensor.

[0050] In another embodiment (not shown) the sensing system 10 may comprise a multistatic architecture or a multistatic sensing system. The multistatic sensing system 10 may comprise at least two devices 11 , 12 exchanging sensing parameters and / or sensing requirements.

[0051] If the method according to the invention is applied in a bistatic or multistatic architecture or as a bistatic or multistatic sensing system 10, the receiver 12 in step 203 may derive the sensing parameters according to an initial object detection (sensing result) and the sensing requirements. This derivation is depending on the result of the analysis of the sensing result in step 202 based on the transmitted sensing signal by the sender 11 in step 201 . The derivation may also be derived from the sensing requirements. The sensing requirements may optionally be preset in the sensing system 10. Alternatively, the sensing requirements may be preset by an application requesting the respective sensing service. During the analysis step 202 the system 10 evaluates or checks, if at least one sensing parameter should be adapted to meet the sensing requirements. A sensing requirement or sensing requirements for example can be related to the spatial resolution of the sensing or related to the accuracy or resolution of the sensing, in particular sensing result.

[0052] The sensing system 10 may to decide to adapt the resource usage to improve a resolution of a sensing result by adjusting a bandwidth of the sensing signal. This could mean that the bandwidth is increased or decreased to improve the resolution of the sensing result such as a detected object. In general, it holds that more bandwidth or increasing a bandwidth means a higher temporal resolution, or that utilizing more resources for sensing can also mean to improve for a better signal-to noise-ration (SNR) and robust the object detection. Further, it also holds that using more antennas for sensing can control a beam width of the sensing signal. Furthermore, with a larger number of antennas the angular resolution can be improved. Alternatively, the sensing system 10 may therefore adapt or optimize a resource usage in case it needs to reduce the resolution. The knowledge of or the required resolution can be defined in one embodiment on a higher layer such as for example by an application requesting the sensing service. In another embodiment, this can be defined as a preset of the sensing requirements in the sensing system 10.

[0053] In step 204 the receiver or receiver device 12 sends at least one new sensing parameter to the sender device 11 , which transmitted the sensing signal. The at least one new sensing parameter is based on the analysis of the sensing result(s) and the derivation of the at least one sensing parameter. According to the bistatic architecture of the sensing system 10 in Fig. 2 the device 11 or sender device receives in step 205a the at least one new sensing parameter and analyses in step 205b the received at least one new parameter to adapt the sensing signal to be sent again to the receiver 12. In step 206 the sender 10 sends the (adapted) sensing signal to the receiver 12 based on the received at least one new sensing parameter.

[0054] In another embodiment the adaption of the resource usage can be based on beam sweeping. This means, that the larger the beam the larger the resource usage. Further, this means that sweeping a narrow beam to search for or locate objects or targets can reduce the resource usage and vice versa. When regarding the relation between a detected object and a required resolution, beam sweeping can allow for an effective object detection by tracking the object by a sensing beam which size is depending on the required resolution.

[0055] In another embodiment the characteristics of the environment or environmental characteristics can be considered to adapt the resource usage for sensing. This means to use the information about a degree of clutter of the environment provided to the sensing device to adjust a resource usage. During the analysis of one ore more (initial) searching results the information about this degree is provided based on the analysis of the sensing result. Alternatively, an external source of information can be used, such as a camera feed. The degree of clutter or the cluttering of the environment can be represented by multiple metrics such as for example the number of objects per unit of space in relation with the size of the objects or the mean distance between objects can be used in relation with the average size of the objects. This information related to the environment is analyzed by the sensing system 10 to decide if an adaption or optimization of the resource usage for sensing is necessary according to embodiments of the invention.

[0056] Further, in case of ICAS (Engl.: Integrated communication and sensing), which means sensing with ongoing communication, sensing requirements may be related to the spatial resolution or to the accuracy of the sensing.

[0057] Fig. 3 shows a schematic flow diagram of an exemplary method according to embodiments of the invention. In particular, Fig. 3 depicts an exemplary schematic diagram of a sensing system 10 comprising a monostatic architecture or a monostatic sensing system 10. The system may comprise a device 10 such as for example a base station. Alternatively, the sensing system 10 can be a mobile device such as for example a mobile phone, a vehicle, or a vulnerable road unit (VRU). In this embodiment depicted in Fig. 3 the at least one sensing parameter is determined based on a trial-and-error-procedure, which may run as a loop, which means this procedure is conducted repeatedly. During the procedure, the at least one sensing parameter or the sensing parameters are tweaked until the performance of the sensing is matching the sensing requirement. The sensing requirement can comprise a number of different requirements to be considered during the procedure.

[0058] In step 301 the sensing system 10 may perform sensing or a sensing procedure by transmitting a sensing signal to obtain a sensing result. In step 302 the sensing result may be compared to one or more sensing requirements after the system 10 has received these results based on the transmitted sensing signal. The sensing results may comprise at least one detected object and the related information as already described according to the embodiments of the invention in Fig. 2. After the comparison in step 302 the system may adapt in step 303 at least one of the sensing parameters to fulfil the sensing requirements and repeats the steps 301 and 302 of this procedure to evaluate if the (first) adaption of at least one sensing parameter has met or achieved the sensing requirements. If the result of comparison is positive, the system 10 would keep the setting of the at least one sensing parameter adapted in the previous loop. If the result of the comparison is negative, the sensing system 10 may again adapt in step 303 one or more of the sensing parameters to meet the sensing requirements. After this, the system 10 will again transmit a sensing signal. This procedure may be conducted until the sensing performance matches the sensing requirements.

[0059] The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention in the context of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with each other, provided that this is technically reasonable, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims1 . A method (100) for adapting resource usage for a sensing system (10), comprising the following steps:Performing (101 ) a sensing procedure, wherein the sensing procedure comprises sending of at least one sensing signal by the sensing system (10),Analyzing (102) a sensing result based on the performed sensing procedure and preferably further based on a sensing requirement, wherein the sensing result comprises at least one detected object, Adapting (103) resource usage for sensing based on the analyzing (102).

2. The method (100) of claim 1 , characterized in that the method (100) comprises the further following steps:Analyzing environmental characteristics to determine a degree of clutter,Optimizing the resource usage for sensing based on the determined degree of clutter.

3. The method (100) of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapting (103) of the resource usage comprises at least one of the further following steps:Reducing a bandwidth and / or resources for sensing when a lower resolution is required,Increasing a bandwidth and / or resources for sensing when a higher resolution is required,Adjusting the beam width and / or antenna configuration to control angular resolution for optimizing a sensing performance.

4. The method (100) of any one of the preceding claims,characterized in that the sensing requirement is defined based on an application using a sensing service and / or a preset of the sensing system (10).

5. The method (100) of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the analyzing (102) comprises the further following step:Determining at least one new sensing parameter based on characteristics of the at least one detected object6. The method (100) of claim 5, characterized in that the analyzing (102) comprises the further following steps:Comparing the sensing result with the sensing requirement, Determining and adapting the at least one new sensing parameter based on the comparison.

7. The method (100) of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensing system (10) comprises a monostatic, bistatic, or multistatic architecture.

8. The method (100) of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensing system (10) is a bistatic or a multistatic sensing system, comprising at least two devices (11 , 12), wherein the method (100) comprises the following steps:Sending a sensing signal to one other device (12),Receiving at least one new sensing parameter from the at least one other device (12), wherein the at least one new sensing parameter is based on at least one detected object and preferably further based on the sensing requirement,Sending a new sensing signal to the at least one other device (12) based on the at least one new sensing parameter.

9. A computer program (50), comprising instructions which, when the computer program (50) is executed by a sensing system (10), cause thesensing system (10) to carry out the method (100) of any one of the preceding claims.

10. Sensing system (10) for adapting resource usage, comprising at least one device (11 , 12) for carrying out the method (100) of any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. A computer-readable storage medium (15) comprising instructions which, when executed by a sensing system (10), cause the sensing system (10) to carry out the steps of the method (100) of any one of claims 1 to 8.

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