RF Sensing Signal Configuration for User Equipment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RF-based sensing technologies in wireless networks face challenges in efficiently integrating sensing information with video data communication, particularly in XR devices, leading to increased complexity, resource interference, and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

The method involves synchronizing RF sensing with video data communication by configuring RF sensing signals to be transmitted during periods when video data is not communicated, utilizing the same communication resources, and optimizing signal timing to align with video frame periodicity, thereby reducing the need for additional physical sensors and improving power management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If additional physical sensors are added to gather 3D information in XR devices, then sensing precision and spatial awareness are improved, but device complexity and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines RF sensing functionality with existing video data communication resources, allowing the same communication infrastructure to serve dual purposes. RF sensing signals are transmitted during periods when video data is not communicated, merging sensing and communication functions into a single integrated system rather than adding separate sensor hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication resources originally designed for video data transmission are made multi-functional by enabling them to carry both video communication and RF sensing functions. The transceiver and communication channels serve universal purposes, acting as both communication pathways and sensing instruments, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated sensing hardware.

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

2Measurement precision

If additional physical sensors are added to gather 3D information in XR devices, then sensing capability is improved, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing capabilityVSAvoidproduction costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges RF sensing with existing video communication infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate sensor components. By utilizing the same transceiver and communication channels for both video data transmission and RF sensing, the system reduces component count and simplifies manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the existing communication signal structure as a template for RF sensing signals. The RF sensing signals are generated and transmitted using the same communication hardware and protocol framework that handles video data, effectively copying the communication infrastructure's functionality for sensing purposes without requiring duplicate hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Device complexity

If RF sensing and video data communication share the same resources, then device complexity is reduced, but resource interference may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidresource interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by allocating specific time periods for RF sensing transmission during intervals when video data communication does not occur. This time-division approach ensures that sensing and communication operations are separated in time, preventing resource interference while maintaining both functions within the same hardware infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the communication resources by time, dividing the available transmission opportunities into distinct segments for video data and RF sensing. This segmentation eliminates resource conflicts by ensuring that each resource type has dedicated time slots, preventing interference while utilizing the same physical infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Loss of time

If RF sensing signals are transmitted during video data communication periods, then sensing data freshness is improved, but resource interference and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing data freshnessVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action by transmitting RF sensing signals at regular intervals during periods when video data communication is not active. This approach maintains sensing data freshness by periodically updating environmental information while avoiding continuous transmission, thereby reducing power consumption compared to simultaneous continuous operation of both functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the transceiver switches between communication and sensing modes based on current operational requirements. This dynamic behavior allows the system to optimize power consumption by activating sensing only when necessary and utilizing existing communication infrastructure, rather than maintaining continuous high-power operation of separate sensing hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250016763A1Sensing design for user equipment (UE)
Publication Date: 2025.01.09 QUALCOMM INC
  • US20250016763A1 patent drawing
  • US20250016763A1 patent drawing
  • US20250016763A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An example method of radio frequency (RF) sensing performed by a User Equipment (UE) may comprise communicating video data at a video frame periodicity. The method may comprise obtaining a RF sensing signal configuration determined according to the video frame periodicity. The method may comprise performing RF sensing by communicating RF signals in accordance with the RF sensing signal configuration, wherein the RF signals are communicated during resources where the video data is not communicated.