Base Station Backscattering for Operator-Independent Occupancy Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating the occupancy level of a geographic area served by a mobile communication network are limited to specific network operators and do not account for the presence of both living beings and inanimate objects, nor can they provide a comprehensive occupancy level that is independent of the network operator.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilizes a base transceiver station to transmit and receive radio signals, generating maps of permanent and temporary bodies within a geographic area by backscattering, allowing for the estimation of the occupancy level by comparing these maps and identifying temporary bodies through Doppler shift and time delay analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If SIM-based techniques are used to estimate occupancy level, then the estimation is limited to customers of a specific network operator, but the method is simple to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces radio signal backscattering as an intermediary mechanism to detect bodies in the geographic area. Instead of directly measuring SIM-based user data, the system uses radio signals that bounce off bodies (including inanimate objects) to create maps and estimate occupancy levels, thereby expanding coverage beyond network customers while maintaining implementation feasibility through existing radio infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The radio signal backscattering method serves multiple functions: it detects both living beings and inanimate objects, works independently of network operator subscriptions, and can be implemented using existing base transceiver stations. This universal approach allows a single system to achieve broad occupancy estimation coverage without requiring separate mechanisms for different object types
2Adaptability or versatility
If extrapolation techniques based on historical traffic data are used, then the estimation is independent of network operator, but the measurement precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/extrapolation-based approach (using historical traffic data patterns) with a direct physical measurement approach (radio signal backscattering). Instead of inferring occupancy from indirect traffic patterns, the system directly detects the physical presence of bodies through signal reflection, thereby achieving both network-operator independence and improved measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameter from indirect traffic data to direct physical presence detection using radio signal characteristics (backscattering intensity, time delay, Doppler shift). This parameter change enables precise real-time occupancy estimation that is independent of historical data assumptions and network operator affiliations
3Adaptability or versatility
If radio signal backscattering is used to detect all bodies, then the occupancy level estimation includes both living beings and inanimate objects, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing base transceiver station infrastructure to generate and transmit radio signals, and the same or coordinated stations receive the backscattered signals. The network infrastructure serves itself for occupancy detection without requiring separate dedicated detection equipment, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of radio signal transmission, reception, and occupancy estimation into an integrated system using existing mobile communication infrastructure. By merging these functions and leveraging the already-deployed network, the system achieves comprehensive body detection without proportionally increasing device complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables an accurate estimation of the occupancy level in a geographic area, including both living beings and inanimate objects, independent of the network operator, facilitating network management, public safety, and network dimensioning.
Implementation Method 1
receive corresponding second radio signals originated from a plurality of bodies within the geographic area by backscattering of the first radio signals hitting the plurality of bodies
Implementation Method 2
identifying, among the second radio signals, the second radio signals originated from the second bodies
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A method (200) is proposed for estimating, at a specified time period, an occupancy level of a geographic area served by a mobile communication network. The mobile communication network comprises a base transceiver station providing radio coverage over the geographic area. The method comprises, during a reference time period: • a) causing the base transceiver station to transmit (205) first radio signals over the geographic area, and to receive (210) corresponding second radio signals originated from a plurality of bodies within the geographic area by backscattering of the first radio signals hitting the plurality of bodies, wherein the plurality of bodies comprise first bodies whose presence within the geographic area is permanent and second bodies whose presence within the geographic area is temporary; • b) according to the first and second radio signals, generating (230) a first map of the first bodies within the geographic area. The method comprises, at the specified time period, following in time the reference time period: • c) performing step a) (235, 240); • d) according to the first and second radio signals, generating (260) a second map of the plurality of bodies within the geographic area; e) according to a comparison between the first and second maps, determining (265) a number of the second bodies within the geographic area during the specified time period, said number of second bodies representing said occupancy level.