Cooperative RF Sensing Node Activation for Traffic Load Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-static radar techniques in wireless communication networks face challenges with increased load traffic and delays due to a higher number of transmitters and receivers, leading to transmission collisions and reporting delays, particularly in environments like indoor factories.

Innovation Solution

A network entity employs a sensing management function (SnMF) to selectively activate and deactivate nodes during RF sensing sessions, optimizing network performance by reusing existing sensing sessions and adjusting configuration parameters to accommodate multiple sensing requests.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a centralized wireless sensor network architecture is used, then network management and data collection are simplified, but the central coordinator node experiences excessive traffic load and limited operational lifetime

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork management complexityVSAvoidcentral coordinator energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the centralized network into multiple cooperative sensing nodes that can independently perform sensing and sharing operations. Each node acts as both a sensor and a potential coordinator, distributing the traffic load and energy consumption across the network rather than concentrating it at a single point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic node activation where sensing nodes are selectively activated based on traffic conditions and sensing requirements. The network can dynamically adjust which nodes are active, allowing load distribution to adapt to changing conditions and preventing any single node from being overwhelmed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If more sensing nodes are activated to improve sensing coverage and accuracy, then sensing performance increases, but network traffic load and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing accuracyVSAvoidnetwork energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by selectively activating only the necessary number of sensing nodes based on current traffic conditions and sensing requirements. Instead of keeping all nodes active, the system activates just enough nodes to achieve the required sensing accuracy while minimizing energy consumption and traffic load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the number of active sensing nodes based on real-time conditions. When traffic load is high or sensing requirements are met with fewer nodes, the system deactivates unnecessary nodes to conserve energy. When sensing accuracy needs improvement, additional nodes are activated as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If sensing nodes are selectively deactivated to reduce traffic load and energy consumption, then network efficiency improves, but sensing coverage and reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork efficiencyVSAvoidsensing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network continuously monitors sensing performance, traffic load, and node status. Based on this feedback, the system makes intelligent decisions about which nodes to activate or deactivate, ensuring that reliability requirements are maintained while optimizing network efficiency. The feedback loop allows the system to respond to changing conditions and adjust node activation accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically balances node activation with reliability requirements. Instead of static deactivation, the network continuously adjusts which nodes are active based on current sensing needs and traffic conditions, maintaining reliability while improving efficiency when possible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Area of stationary object

If all sensing nodes remain continuously active, then sensing coverage is maximized, but network traffic congestion and energy depletion occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing coverage areaVSAvoidnetwork traffic volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by activating only the necessary portion of sensing nodes based on current conditions. Instead of keeping all nodes continuously active, the system activates just enough nodes to provide adequate sensing coverage for current traffic conditions, thereby reducing overall network traffic volume and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts sensing coverage by activating or deactivating nodes based on real-time traffic conditions. When traffic load is low, fewer nodes are active, reducing traffic volume. When traffic increases or sensing requirements change, additional nodes are activated to maintain adequate coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4364480B1Adaptive node activation and configuration in cooperative sensing
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4364480B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4364480B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4364480B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for adaptive node activation and configuration in cooperative sensing. A method that may be performed by a sensing management function (SnMF) entity includes receiving a first radio frequency (RF) sensing request, from a first entity, for scanning an environment to detect at least a first object, initiating a first RF sensing session in the environment in response to the first RF sensing request, receiving a second RF sensing request, from a second entity, for scanning the environment to detect at least a second object during the first RF sensing session, accommodating the second RF sensing request using output from the first RF sensing session, wherein the first RF sensing session is ongoing, detecting the first and second objects in the environment, and transmitting information about the detected first and second object to the first and second entity, respectively.