3GPP Sensing Management Architecture for Triggered Localization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is currently no defined architecture for sensing in 3GPP cellular networks, and there is a need to determine which entities should be involved and specify procedures for monostatic, bi-static, and multi-static radar techniques to ensure interoperability and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A Sensing Management Function (SeMF) is introduced to manage sensing and localization, allowing the network to switch between sensing and localization efficiently, with the SeMF configuring sensing nodes and sending triggers to the Location Management Function (LMF) as needed, and vice versa, to optimize resource use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensing is continuously performed to ensure accurate positioning and tracking, then positioning accuracy is improved, but network resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidnetwork resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic sensing activation based on trigger events rather than continuous sensing. The SeMF receives triggers from LMF or external entities and activates sensing nodes only when needed, using periodic intervals and event-driven mechanisms to balance positioning accuracy with network resource conservation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing management function autonomously determines when sensing is needed by evaluating trigger conditions and sensing data quality. The system self-regulates sensing activation without continuous external control, enabling accurate positioning only when triggers indicate necessity while conserving network resources during normal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensing nodes are activated to improve sensing accuracy, then sensing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides sensing management into distinct functional segments: trigger reception by SeMF, node selection based on capability evaluation, configuration distribution, and data aggregation. This segmentation allows selective activation of sensing nodes based on specific trigger requirements, improving accuracy only when and where needed while managing system complexity through modular architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The SeMF serves multiple functions: receiving triggers from various sources (LMF, external entities), selecting appropriate sensing nodes, configuring them, and aggregating results. This multi-functional design consolidates complexity into a single management entity rather than distributing it across multiple specialized components, simplifying the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If sensing and localization are performed simultaneously to improve tracking accuracy, then positioning accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases due to coordination overhead

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidcoordination overhead time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary configuration of sensing nodes when triggers are received, preparing them in advance for data collection. The SeMF pre-configures selected nodes with necessary parameters before actual sensing begins, reducing coordination overhead during active tracking and enabling faster simultaneous operation of sensing and localization functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260075386A1Sensing architecture and procedure in 3GPP-based cellular networks

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

In various embodiments disclosed herein, a method and architecture for a Sensing Management Function (SeMF) is provided to enable the network to perform sensing and localization to provide accurate positioning while also efficiently using network resources. The SeMF can configure sensing nodes (e.g., base stations, Transmission Reception Points (TRPs) and User Equipment devices (UEs)) to perform sensing, and based on the sensing data and other information, send a trigger to a Location Management Function (LMF) to initiate localization. Likewise, the LMF can perform localization, and based on the location data, or Quality of Service (QOS) requirements, also send a trigger to the SeMF to initiate sensing. Additionally, disclosed is a method for configuring the sensing nodes to perform sensing.