Wireless Communication System Distributed Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems require substantial modifications to implement radar sensing capabilities, limiting their flexibility and efficiency in providing precise sensing functions such as vital sign monitoring and object detection.
Innovation Solution
A distributed sensing system integrated with wireless communication devices, allowing for radar sensing functionality to be added with minimal modifications by using existing communication infrastructure, where the system receives and processes sensing signals to determine target information such as position, movement, and vital signs without requiring an analogue emitted signal at the receiver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radar sensing capability is implemented in wireless communication systems, then sensing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to duplication of system elements and substantial hardware modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling wireless communication devices to perform both communication and sensing functions using the same hardware infrastructure. The receiver frontend processes both communication signals and sensing signals, while the analysis system performs both communication protocol handling and sensing parameter extraction (timing, phase shift, frequency, amplitude) from the same received signals, eliminating the need for separate radar hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges communication and sensing functions into a unified system architecture. The reception frontend combines communication signal reception and sensing signal detection, while the analysis system integrates both communication processing and sensing analysis. This merging allows the system to achieve radar sensing capability without duplicating hardware elements, directly reducing device complexity while maintaining sensing precision
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensing capability is added to wireless communication devices, then sensing functionality is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to substantial modifications of communication system hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables existing wireless communication hardware to perform sensing functions through software-based signal processing. The receiver frontend and analysis system are configured to extract sensing parameters from communication signals without requiring hardware modifications, allowing standard communication devices to be manufactured with added sensing capability through firmware updates rather than physical changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual sensing system by copying the functional behavior of traditional radar systems using software algorithms. The analysis system replicates radar signal processing functions (timing measurement, phase shift detection, frequency analysis) through digital signal processing of communication signals, avoiding the need to manufacture actual radar hardware while achieving equivalent sensing functionality
3Ease of manufacture
If distributed sensing is implemented using existing communication infrastructure, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to lack of dedicated sensing hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual sensing system by copying the functional behavior of traditional radar systems using software algorithms. The analysis system replicates radar signal processing functions (timing measurement, phase shift detection, frequency analysis) through digital signal processing of communication signals, avoiding the need to manufacture actual radar hardware while achieving equivalent sensing functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes measurement precision by carefully selecting and adjusting signal processing parameters. The analysis system measures timing, phase shift, frequency, and amplitude parameters with high precision through digital processing, compensating for the lack of dedicated sensing hardware by using advanced algorithms that extract maximum information from the communication signals
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables flexible and efficient radar sensing capabilities for vital sign monitoring and object detection with reduced hardware modifications, allowing for precise measurements of vital signs and object positions without interfering with standard communication functions.
Implementation Method 1
receiving radio frequency signals
Implementation Method 2
determining a timing, phase shift, frequency, amplitude or signal deformation of the sensing signal
Implementation Method 3
mmWave radar is a contactless sensing technology for detecting objects and providing range, velocity and angle of these objects
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing sensing capability in a wireless communication system, wherein a part of the communication spectrum is configured for a period of time to enable performing sensing by establishing a distributed sensing system between a base station (100) or terminal device, as transmitter device, and a terminal device (120) or base station, as receiver device, in such a way that the lack of analogue signal exchange and the additional path length caused by the transmitter-receiver distance (and, in embodiments, the receiver-target distance) are corrected for, while parameters that need to be communicated are configured for the application required.