Adaptive Waveform Selection for Integrated Communications and Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication networks struggle to find a waveform that is suitable for both communication and sensing applications, particularly due to hardware imperfections and differing performance requirements between communication and sensing tasks.

Innovation Solution

The method involves selecting a waveform for an Integrated Communications and Sensing (ICS) signal that is adapted based on the hardware capabilities of nodes involved in sensing applications and defined sensing key performance indicators, as well as the extent to which data is to be embedded for communication applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If CP-OFDM waveform is used for communication, then communication performance is acceptable with low complexity, but sensing performance deteriorates due to hardware imperfections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaveform implementation complexityVSAvoidsensing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects waveforms based on the sensing application requirements and hardware capabilities. Different waveforms (CP-OFDM, FMCW, chirp) are chosen adaptively for different sensing scenarios, allowing the system to optimize sensing performance while maintaining communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes waveform parameters such as modulation type, frequency structure, and time-frequency characteristics to suit sensing applications. By adjusting these parameters, the system overcomes the limitations of fixed CP-OFDM waveform for sensing while preserving its communication advantages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If FMCW chirp waveform is used for sensing, then sensing performance is improved, but communication capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing performanceVSAvoidcommunication suitability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the waveform selection process into different modes: communication-optimized modes and sensing-optimized modes. This allows the network to switch between waveform types based on whether the primary function is communication or sensing, resolving the contradiction by separating the two functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops universal waveform designs that can serve both communication and sensing functions. By designing waveforms with dual functionality or creating a unified waveform family that covers both application domains, the system eliminates the need to choose between specialized waveforms for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If waveform is adapted based on hardware capabilities and sensing requirements, then sensing coverage and diversity improve, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing coverageVSAvoidwaveform selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where nodes report their hardware capabilities and sensing requirements to the network. Based on this feedback, the network makes informed waveform selection decisions, balancing adaptability with manageable complexity through structured information exchange.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary waveform selection and configuration before actual sensing operations begin. By pre-configuring waveforms based on known hardware capabilities and application requirements, the system reduces real-time decision complexity while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If waveform is optimized for data embedding in communication, then communication performance improves, but sensing performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata embedding efficiencyVSAvoidsensing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts waveform characteristics based on the primary function required. When communication is the priority, waveforms are optimized for data embedding; when sensing is prioritized, waveforms are optimized for sensing performance. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing context-dependent optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12284655B2Waveform adaptation for integrated communications and sensing
Publication Date: 2025.04.22 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • US12284655B2 patent drawing
  • US12284655B2 patent drawing
  • US12284655B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the selection of a waveform for an integrated communications and sensing (ICS) signal, where the waveform is suitable for both communication applications and sensing applications. In view of the sensing applications, the waveform selection can be, at least in part, adapted based on capabilities of hardware of nodes involved in the sensing applications. In view of the communication applications, the waveform selection can be, at least in part, adapted based on the extent to which data is to be embedded.