RF Power Control for mmWave Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently detecting objects using mmW RF signals due to high path loss and short range, which affects spectral efficiency and latency, especially in scenarios requiring wide detection areas or low power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a power control scheme that transmits RF signals in two modes: a first mode for communication using a fixed power control scheme and a second mode for object detection using a transmission power ramping scheme, which starts at a minimum power level and increases until target objects are detected or a maximum level is reached, based on pathloss between a user equipment (UE) and a serving cell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If mmW RF signals are used for object detection with high transmission power to extend detection range, then object detection range is improved, but transmission power consumption increases and spectral efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power control for object detection signals, where the transmission power is adjusted based on the detected object distance. The system starts with minimum power and ramps up only when necessary to detect objects at farther distances, rather than continuously transmitting at high power. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making power consumption adaptive to actual detection needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transmission power parameter dynamically during object detection operations. By modifying the power level based on detection requirements and object distance, the system achieves extended detection range only when needed, while maintaining low power consumption during normal operation, thus resolving the contradiction between range and power usage.
2Area of stationary object
If transmission power is increased to detect objects across widest detection area, then detection area is improved, but spectral efficiency and latency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic power adjustment that adapts to the required detection area. When wide detection area is needed, power is increased temporarily; when narrow detection suffices, power is reduced. This dynamic behavior maintains spectral efficiency by avoiding unnecessary high-power transmissions while enabling wide detection when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial power increase only when and where needed for object detection, rather than continuously using maximum power across all directions. The power ramping scheme applies excessive power only temporarily and selectively to achieve the required detection area, minimizing the impact on spectral efficiency and latency.
3Productivity
If power control scheme is optimized for communication, then communication efficiency is improved, but object detection performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power control into two distinct schemes: one for communication signals and another for object detection signals. The communication power control optimizes for spectral efficiency and data transmission, while the detection power control optimizes for object detection performance through ramping schemes. This segmentation allows each function to have its own optimized power control without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a universal power management framework that handles both communication and object detection functions. By using a unified base station that can dynamically switch between communication-optimized and detection-optimized power control modes, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated systems, thereby maintaining communication efficiency while improving object detection performance.
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect, a wireless node (e.g., BS or UE) transmits a first set of RF signals for communication in accordance with a first power control scheme, and transmits a second set of RF signals at least for object detection in accordance with a second power control scheme.