Cooperative Sensing Beam Orchestration for Coverage Holes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio communication networks face challenges in achieving comprehensive and efficient sensing coverage due to geographical constraints, deployment obstacles, and overlap/void areas in beam arrangements, which affect the effectiveness of sensing operations in Joint Communications and Sensing (JCAS) systems.

Innovation Solution

The orchestration of sensing communication devices within a radio network to coordinate beamforming parameters, utilizing narrow and wide TX beams dynamically to ensure ubiquitous and efficient sensing coverage, leveraging existing communication hardware for both communication and sensing tasks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If narrow beams are used for sensing operations, then sensing precision and range are improved, but coverage completeness deteriorates due to gaps between beams

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing precisionVSAvoidcoverage completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple beam types (narrow beams for precision and wide beams for coverage) into a unified sensing operation. The network access node performs both narrow beam sensing and wide beam sensing, then fuses the results to achieve both high precision and complete coverage without sacrificing either attribute.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If wide beams are used for sensing operations, then coverage completeness is improved, but sensing precision deteriorates due to broader beam spread

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage completenessVSAvoidsensing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges wide beam sensing results with narrow beam sensing results. The wide beam provides comprehensive coverage and identifies potential targets, while narrow beams provide precise measurements. The fusion of these complementary sensing modes resolves the contradiction between coverage and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple beams are used to cover geographic region, then coverage completeness is improved, but resource utilization deteriorates due to increased beam management overhead

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage completenessVSAvoidresource utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic beam selection and configuration based on sensing requirements and environmental conditions. The network access node adaptively adjusts beam parameters (width, direction, power) and selects appropriate beam combinations to achieve complete coverage while optimizing resource usage according to real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different beam characteristics to different spatial regions based on local requirements. Areas requiring high precision receive narrow beams, while areas requiring extensive coverage receive wide beams. This localized optimization achieves complete coverage with efficient resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Measurement precision

If beamforming parameters are optimized for sensing, then sensing performance is improved, but communication performance deteriorates due to resource allocation conflicts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing performanceVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic sensing operations interspersed with communication operations. The network access node alternates between sensing beams and communication beams in a time-division manner, allowing optimization of beamforming parameters for sensing during sensing periods while maintaining communication reliability during communication periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

This approach optimizes resource utilization and coverage by coordinating beamforming parameters across sensing devices, enhancing sensing performance and reducing gaps or overlaps, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of sensing operations in JCAS systems.

Implementation Method 1

radio communication networks... electromagnetic waves to detect and track targets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

MIMO communication may include techniques like beamforming and spatial multiplexing to take advantage of the diverse propagation paths in the radio environment to improve signal quality

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeamforming: Focusing

Data Source

PatentUS20260006458A1Methods and devices for cooperative sensing

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 INTEL CORP

AI summary

An apparatus including a memory and a processor configured to: determine a plurality of coverage areas of a plurality of radio access nodes based on locations and functionalities of the plurality of radio access nodes, identify one or more coverage holes within the plurality of coverage areas based on sensing operation outputs of the plurality of radio access nodes, and determine one or more beams associated with the plurality of radio access nodes based on the plurality of coverage areas and the one or more coverage holes.