Cellular Network Topographic Mapping via mmWave Signal Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
5G mmWave telecommunications face challenges in coverage and susceptibility to environmental changes due to increased path loss and directionality, requiring innovative methods to extract topographic data from reflected signals for improved network performance and object detection.
Innovation Solution
A cellular network system utilizing mmWave radio components with transmitters and receivers on cellular towers to transmit and receive signals, processing reflected signals to extract topographic data and determine object velocities and types, leveraging edge computing for near real-time data processing and generation of topographic maps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mmWave frequency is used to provide higher data rates, then data rate is improved, but path loss increases leading to shorter coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses reflected signals from environmental objects (buildings, vehicles, terrain) as intermediaries to extend mmWave coverage. Instead of direct line-of-sight transmission, the system leverages environmental reflections to relay signals over longer distances, effectively using the environment as a mediator to overcome the short coverage limitation of high-frequency mmWave signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of mmWave signal reflection (which causes path loss and reduces coverage) into a beneficial feature. By intentionally analyzing reflected signals from environmental objects, the system extracts topographic data and extends coverage capabilities, turning what was previously a disadvantage into a useful mechanism for both communication and environmental mapping.
2Use of energy by moving object
If mmWave directionality is increased to improve signal focus, then signal strength is improved, but susceptibility to environmental changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering and signal tracking to adapt to changing environmental conditions. The system continuously adjusts the direction and focus of mmWave beams in response to moving objects and changing terrain, allowing it to maintain signal strength while compensating for environmental variations. This dynamic adaptation transforms the rigid directional system into a flexible one that can respond to real-time environmental changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from received reflected signals to continuously monitor and adjust its transmission parameters. By analyzing the characteristics of reflected signals (timing, strength, direction), the system gains information about environmental changes and adjusts its beamforming and power control accordingly, reducing susceptibility to environmental variations while maintaining focused signal delivery.
3Measurement precision
If reflected signals are used for topographic mapping, then object detection capability is improved, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing mmWave communication infrastructure multi-functional by enabling it to simultaneously perform communication and environmental mapping tasks. The same transmitters and receivers used for data communication are also used to detect and analyze reflected signals for topographic mapping, eliminating the need for separate dedicated radar or mapping hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own transmitted signals to perform environmental mapping, rather than requiring separate detection systems. By analyzing the reflections of its own communication signals, the mmWave network self-services the topographic mapping function, extracting environmental information from signals already being transmitted for communication purposes, thereby avoiding additional processing complexity from separate sensing systems.
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
Enhances topographic data collection and object detection capabilities, providing detailed maps and real-time information about surrounding areas, reducing blind spots and improving network reliability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the mmWave signal does not have the ability to penetrate through objects and is generally reflected off of objects in its path
Data Source
AI summary
A cellular network system and method provided herein are directed to generating an area topographic map of a surrounding area of the cellular network system. The cellular network system comprises a transmitter, a receiver, memory, and one or more processors (processors) communicatively coupled to the transmitter, the receiver, and the memory. The memory stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processors, perform certain operations. The transmitter transmits in a target direction a first signal, which is a communication signal intended for a user equipment (UE) and the receiver receives a second signal. The processors determine whether the second signal is a reflected signal associated with the first signal, determine topographic data associated with the surrounding area of the cellular network system in the target direction based at least in part on the second signal, and generate the area topographic map of the surrounding area based on the topographic data.