Radar-Based Power Control for Human Presence Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication networks, especially in NR networks, User Equipments (UEs) face challenges in managing transmitted power levels due to regulatory limits on RF electromagnetic radiation exposure, requiring reliable methods to detect human presence to avoid unnecessary power reduction.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves using radar measurements to obtain distance data, determining the accuracy of these measurements, and calculating a lower bound for reliable distance estimation, which is then used to control transmitted power levels, ensuring compliance with safety guidelines by adjusting power based on the presence or absence of a human body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the UE reduces transmitted power to comply with safety guidelines when human presence is undetected, then safety compliance is improved, but network efficiency and user experience deteriorate due to unnecessary power reduction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety complianceVSAvoidnetwork efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE continuously performs radar measurements to detect human presence and dynamically adjusts transmitted power based on detection results. The system uses measurement outcomes (human detected/not detected) to control power levels, creating a closed-loop system that resolves the contradiction by only reducing power when actually necessary for safety compliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or rule-based power control mechanisms with radar-based electromagnetic detection. Instead of using fixed power reduction rules or simple proximity sensors, the system employs radar measurements to accurately detect human presence, enabling more precise and adaptive power control that maintains safety while improving network efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the UE uses fixed power reduction to ensure safety compliance, then safety compliance is improved, but measurement precision and power control reliability worsen due to inability to distinguish actual human presence from absence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety complianceVSAvoidhuman presence detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static fixed power reduction to dynamic adaptive power control. The system continuously performs radar measurements and adjusts power levels in real-time based on detected human presence. This dynamic approach allows the system to accurately respond to changing conditions, improving both detection precision and power control reliability by adapting to actual environmental conditions rather than applying fixed rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary radar measurements and accuracy assessments before making power control decisions. By conducting measurements during measurement intervals and evaluating measurement accuracy indicators in advance, the system ensures that power adjustments are based on reliable detection data, thereby improving both presence detection accuracy and subsequent power control reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If the UE performs continuous radar measurements to accurately detect human presence, then human presence detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehuman presence detection accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic radar measurements during specifically designated measurement intervals rather than continuous monitoring. The system performs measurements at scheduled times (e.g., during uplink gaps, downlink gaps, or unscheduled slots) and uses these periodic measurements to control power levels. This periodic approach maintains detection accuracy while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs measurements at sufficient frequency to ensure accurate human presence detection during critical periods, but not necessarily continuously. By performing measurements during key measurement intervals and using measurement accuracy indicators to determine when measurements are sufficient, the system achieves adequate detection precision without the excessive energy consumption of continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive 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 enhances the reliability of power control, reducing unnecessary power reductions and ensuring safe exposure limits by dynamically adjusting transmission power based on accurate distance measurements, thereby improving network efficiency and user safety.

Implementation Method 1

obtain distance data from one or more radar measurements wherein the radar measurements are performed during a measurement interval

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Data Source

PatentEP4283334A1Radar measurements for controlling transmitted power levels
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP4283334A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4283334A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4283334A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Examples of the disclosure relate to management of radar measurements for controlling transmitted power levels. Examples of the disclosure relate to apparatus (110), methods and computer programs. The apparatus comprise means for obtaining distance data from one or more radar measurements wherein the radar measurements are performed during a measurement interval; determining an indication of accuracy from the obtained distance data; determining a lower bound for a reliable distance measurement based on the distance data and the indication of accuracy; and controlling transmitted power based on the lower bound for a reliable distance measurement.