Radar Probing Coexistence with Wireless Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for advanced techniques to enable coexistence between radar probing and wireless communication, particularly in scenarios where interference occurs due to shared frequency bands used by modern wireless communication networks and radar systems.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a wireless communication device that performs beam sweeps to identify optimal beams for communication, determines directions for radar probing, and selectively activates radar probing based on beam correspondence, using radar-probing constraints such as transmit power, timing, and spatial restrictions to minimize interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If radar probing and wireless communication operate simultaneously in the same frequency band, then both functions can be provided by the same device, but interference occurs between the two operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the frequency band into communication resource blocks and radar resource blocks, allocating specific subcarriers and time resources to each function. This segmentation allows both wireless communication and radar probing to operate simultaneously without mutual interference, as each function uses dedicated spectral and temporal resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the network can flexibly assign and reassign frequency resources between communication and radar functions based on current operational needs. The radar probing parameters (frequency, timing, power) are dynamically adjustable to avoid interfering with ongoing communication transmissions, and vice versa.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If beam sweeps are performed to identify communication beams, then optimal communication links are established, but additional directions need to be considered for radar probing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam identificationVSAvoiddirection determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs beam sweeps to identify communication beams first, and then uses the results of this preliminary action to determine appropriate radar probing directions. By establishing communication links first and then deriving radar directions from the identified beams (including non-selected beams), the system avoids the need for completely independent beam identification procedures for radar.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the beam sweep procedure serve dual purposes: identifying communication beams for wireless links and providing directional information for radar probing. The same beam sweeping mechanism and measured directions are reused for both communication setup and radar operation, eliminating the need for separate beam identification processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If radar probing is performed along all directions, then comprehensive object detection is achieved, but interference with wireless communication increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject detectionVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by performing radar probing selectively in specific directions rather than uniformly in all directions. Radar probing is concentrated in directions determined from beam sweep results, particularly along non-selected communication beams, while avoiding directions where active communication occurs. This localized approach maintains object detection capability while minimizing interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the beam sweep information, which identifies communication directions, into beneficial guidance for radar probing. By using the identified communication beam directions to determine where NOT to probe (and where to probe using non-selected beams), the system transforms communication requirements into radar operational constraints that actually improve coexistence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Measurement precision

If transmit power for radar probing is increased, then detection accuracy improves, but interference with wireless communication worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the transmit power parameter dynamically based on the operational context. Radar probing power is adjusted according to the identified communication directions, the selected beam information, and the current communication activity. By varying power levels spatially and temporally, the system maintains sufficient detection accuracy in radar directions while limiting interference in communication directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3804162B1Coexistence of radar probing and wireless communication
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3804162B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3804162B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3804162B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method of operating a wireless communication device (101, 102) includes 5 performing at least one beam sweep (300-304) to identify one or more beams (311-313, 331-333, 311A-313A, 331A-333A) for communication on a wireless link (111) between the wireless communication device (101, 102) and a further wireless communication device (101, 102). The method also includes determining one or more directions (205) based on the at least one beam sweep. The method also includes performing radar probing (200) along the one or more directions (260-263).