Cellular Sensing Network Element for Environmental Object Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cellular networks lack the capability to sense target objects distinct from user equipment (UE) and do not support environmental sensing beyond user interaction and movement tracking.
Innovation Solution
Introduce a first network element with sensing functions to enable sensing of target objects by receiving a sensing request carrying object features, instructing sensing nodes, and acquiring sensing data through wireless signal measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cellular networks are used only for wireless data transmission and communication, then the network function is simple and reliable, but the sensing capability for environmental monitoring and target object detection is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables cellular networks to perform multiple functions including both traditional communication and environmental sensing. The network element receives sensing requests carrying object features and coordinates sensing nodes to detect target objects while maintaining existing communication services, allowing the same infrastructure to serve dual purposes without requiring completely separate systems
2Measurement precision
If sensing functions are added to enable target object detection, then the sensing capability is improved, but the network element complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into separate components: a network element that receives and processes sensing requests, sensing nodes that perform actual detection, and a coordination mechanism that links them. This segmentation allows the network element to handle high-level sensing logic while distributed sensing nodes perform physical measurements, reducing the complexity burden on any single component
Solution Approach 2:
The network element acts as an intermediary between sensing applications and sensing nodes. It receives sensing requests carrying object features, determines appropriate sensing parameters, and coordinates the sensing nodes to perform measurements. This intermediary role simplifies the interaction between diverse sensing applications and multiple sensing nodes by providing a standardized interface
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless signals are used for both communication and sensing, then the spectrum utilization is improved, but the communication performance may be degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the network to periodically perform sensing measurements using wireless signals while maintaining continuous communication services. The sensing requests and measurements are integrated into the existing communication framework, allowing the system to alternate between communication and sensing operations in a periodic manner that minimizes interference and maintains both functions' reliability
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 cellular networks to sense and track target objects, including environmental imaging and weather monitoring, beyond traditional communication functions.
Implementation Method 1
Wireless electromagnetic wave signals used in the cellular network also have environmental sensing capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a network element for a sensing service, a sensing request method, and a terminal. The network element is configured to: receive a sensing request, wherein the sensing request carries information for representing an object feature of a target object, and the sensing request is used to request to sense the target object.