Sensing Node Discovery Using Area-Based RAN Capability Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cellular networks lack a practical method for selecting appropriate access network devices or auxiliary terminals as sensing nodes or sensing-assisting nodes for environmental sensing capabilities, such as hand gesture recognition and respiration monitoring, due to the lack of specific solutions for determining suitable network elements based on geographic area and sensing capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for discovering a sensing node involves a first network element querying an access network device, registering area information, and receiving feedback from an AMF or RAN node information to determine the access network device as a sensing node or assisting node, utilizing area and sensing capability information to facilitate sensing services.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a first network element queries an access network device to determine it as a sensing node, then the ability to select appropriate sensing nodes is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional query and registration procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing node selection capabilityVSAvoidnetwork element interaction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) as an intermediary component that facilitates communication between the first network element and access network devices. The AMF receives area information from the first network element, queries the NRF (Network Repository Function) for RAN node information, and returns relevant data to enable sensing node determination, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary registration of area information with the NRF before actual sensing operations. Access network devices register their area information in advance, allowing the first network element to quickly query and identify suitable sensing nodes without performing complex real-time assessments during sensing operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If area information is registered with the NRF for sensing services, then the measurement precision of sensing node location is improved, but the loss of information increases due to additional data storage and management requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing node area location accuracyVSAvoiddata management overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary area information from comprehensive network data and stores it specifically in the NRF for sensing services. This selective extraction ensures that precise location data for sensing nodes is maintained while avoiding the need to manage and store all possible network information, thereby reducing data management overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the network information management into separate functional components: the AMF handles access and mobility management, the NRF handles repository functions for area information, and the first network element handles sensing operations. This segmentation allows each component to manage only its specific data, reducing overall information management complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the AMF feeds back RAN node information to the first network element, then the ease of operation for sensing service configuration is improved, but the loss of time increases due to additional feedback and processing steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing service configuration simplicityVSAvoidnode discovery processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the AMF receives area information from the first network element, queries the NRF, and returns RAN node information. This structured feedback loop automates the node discovery process, making it easier to configure sensing services while minimizing manual intervention and processing time through systematic information exchange

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4686238A1Sensing node discovery method and apparatus, device, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
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AI summary

The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and discloses a sensing node discovery method and apparatus, a device, and a storage medium. The method is performed by a first network element for sensing a service, and comprises: determining an access network device as a sensing node or a sensing assistance node, wherein the access network device is obtained by the first network element by means of querying.