Wireless Communication Signals for 3D Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication technologies lack effective methods for estimating distances to objects without altering data or wireless communication protocols, which is essential for generating accurate 3D imaging of scenery.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using reflected signals from modulated carrier frequencies to estimate distances, integrating this capability into communication systems like 5G base stations, allowing for simultaneous wireless communication and distance measurement of non-communicating entities, using techniques such as OFDM and matched filtering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication signals are used for distance estimation, then imaging capability is enabled, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal reflections and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reference signals as intermediary elements that mediate between the wireless communication signals and the distance estimation process. These reference signals serve as a known baseline for comparing reflected signals, enabling accurate distance measurement despite the presence of noise and multipath reflections. The reference signal acts as a mediator that bridges the communication function and the sensing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously comparing received reflected signals against stored reference signals. The distance estimation process uses feedback from signal correlation analysis to refine measurements, and the system can adjust transmission parameters based on feedback from the environment. This feedback loop enables adaptive optimization of imaging and distance measurement accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If reflected signals are used for distance estimation, then 3D imaging is enabled, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to environmental interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates copies of the original transmitted signals as reference signals before they are reflected by objects. These reference signal copies are stored and later used for comparison with the actual reflected signals. By having an identical copy of the original signal, the system can accurately distinguish the reflected signal components from noise and interference, thereby preserving signal quality for 3D imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
Reference signals serve as intermediary elements that facilitate the extraction of useful information from noisy reflected signals. The correlation between reference signals and reflected signals acts as a filtering mechanism, enabling the system to recover clean distance and position information even in noisy environments.
3Measurement precision
If wireless communication protocols are altered for distance measurement, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling wireless communication devices to perform both communication and sensing functions using the same hardware infrastructure. The base station uses its existing transmission and reception capabilities for both data communication and distance measurement, eliminating the need for separate sensing hardware. This universal approach reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own transmitted communication signals to perform distance measurement, rather than requiring separate dedicated sensing signals or external assistance. The wireless communication infrastructure serves itself for dual purposes: data transmission and environmental sensing. This self-service approach minimizes additional complexity while enabling accurate measurement.
4Reliability
If multiple carrier frequencies are used for transmission, then communication reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing multi-carrier communication infrastructure (such as OFDM systems with multiple subcarriers) to serve dual purposes. The same multiple carrier frequencies used for reliable data communication are also utilized for distance measurement and imaging. This universal use of multiple frequencies enables the system to achieve both communication reliability and sensing capability without adding separate signal processing chains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the communication function and sensing function into a unified process. Multiple carrier frequencies are simultaneously used for both data transmission and distance estimation, combining what would traditionally be separate operations. This merging reduces overall system complexity by sharing hardware and processing resources while achieving both communication reliability and measurement accuracy.
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
This approach enables accurate 3D imaging by refining image data, improving signal-to-noise ratio and range resolution without affecting the functionality of communication systems, and can be used in various environments to image scenery including non-communicating objects.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a reflected signal of a modulated signal being used in a wireless transmission of data. The reflected signal can be a reflection of the modulated signal from at least one object.
Implementation Method 2
estimating a distance to the at least one object based on the modulated signal and the reflected signal
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for estimating a distance to an object are described. In an example, a device can receive a reflected signal of a modulated signal being used in a wireless transmission of data. The reflected signal can be a reflection of the modulated signal from at least one object. The device can estimate a distance to the at least one object based on the modulated signal and the reflected signal. Further, the device can use the estimated distance to image a scenery including the at least one object.