Abstract: Inter-vehicle signaling is essential for cooperative collision mitigation. Disclosed are systems and methods for autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles to identify each other, localize each other, and then cooperate in avoiding a collision if avoidable, and minimizing the harm of the collision if not avoidable. Examples include simultaneous wireless and infrared signals that enable other vehicles to specifically identify each cooperating vehicle, so that an evasion strategy can be developed. Additionally, the signaling can include, in the wireless messages or the infrared signals, or both, the wireless address of the transmitting vehicle, thereby enabling unicast communication and greatly improved coordination thereafter. This system will save lives.

Abstract: A user device may receive video associated with a patient, wherein the video depicts physiological activity involving the patient. The user device may receive profile information associated with the patient. The user device may obtain, from the video, image data using an image processing model. The user device may analyze the image data to generate a patient signature associated with the image data, wherein the patient signature is representative of the physiological activity. The user device may access a reference data structure that includes a plurality of reference signatures. The user device may identify that the patient signature is associated with a reference signature of the plurality of reference signatures, wherein the reference signature is associated with a health condition. The user device may perform an action associated with the health condition and the patient.

Abstract: In 5G and expected 6G networks, beam control is a crucial requirement. Disclosed are methods for user devices to assist a base station in correctly aiming downlink beams toward each user device, and to compensate for Doppler-effect frequency offsets, and to properly adjust the transmission power for adequate reception without generating unnecessary background radiation, among many other transmission parameters to be adjusted in real-time. The feedback messages by be extremely brief, such as a single resource element appended to an acknowledgement message, and may be multiplexed with other beam adjustment requests in a predetermined code. Mobile user devices in an ad-hoc sidelink network can align their beams using such feedback procedures. In a similar way, base stations or core networks can exchange messages with each other (as in wireless backhaul) with frequent feedback-controlled adjustment of the beam parameters, for more efficient exchange of messages between cells.

Abstract: For improved reception of PDCCH (physical downlink control channel) messages in 5G and 6G, each message can be preceded by a special demarcation, and optionally followed by another (preferably different) demarcation. For even better reception, the two demarcations may be configured as short-form demodulation references that exhibit two predetermined modulation levels of the modulation scheme, such as the maximum and minimum amplitude or phase levels. For optimal reception, one or both demarcations may be surrounded by gaps, consisting of a single resource element with no transmission. Downlink messages with such multi-functional demarcations may greatly simplify the task of user devices in receiving their control messages from the base station.

Abstract: An unsolved problem in 5G-Advanced and especially 6G is message fault mitigation without a costly retransmission. Methods are disclosed for the receiver to analyze each message element's received waveform signal to detect characteristic features of interference and noise, such as excessive amplitude or phase variation within the message element or excessive deviation from the predetermined modulation levels of the modulation scheme, and to provide that data to an AI model trained in message fault correction. The AI model can then identify the faulted message elements, and attempt to correct them according to the likely intent or meaning of the message based on the non-faulted message elements, and on the bit sequences of previously received non-faulted messages, and other criteria that the AI model may apply. By repairing the message upon receipt, the costs in time, transmission power, and background noise generation may be avoided. Next-generation users will enjoy the improved reception.

Abstract: Access to FR2 (high frequency bands) is essential for anticipated high-demand networking in 5G-Advanced and 6G systems. Unfortunately, phase noise is an unavoidable barrier, greatly limiting message reliability. Therefore, a low-cost solution is provided in which the transmitter (either base station or user device) transmits a special phase-tracking reference signal consisting of zero amplitude in one branch, and a predetermined non-zero amplitude in the other branch. For example, in QAM, the I-branch may be powered according to the maximum branch amplitude of the modulation scheme, and the Q-branch may have zero amplitude as transmitted. The receiver, on the other hand, generally measures a non-zero amplitude in the received Q branch due to phase noise, which rotates the I and Q branches into each other. The receiver can then determine the phase rotation angle precisely by measuring the non-zero amplitude in the Q branch, negating phase noise at negligible cost.

Abstract: Networks operating at high frequencies in 5G and 6G may reduce the incidence of phase faulting by declaring that, above a specified frequency, messages are to be modulated according to multiplexed amplitude-phase modulation, instead of the QAM modulation generally used at lower frequencies. Multiplexed amplitude-phase modulation can provide larger phase margins than QAM of the same order, by arranging the modulation phase levels to be equally spaced-apart which they are not in QAM. For example, with 4 amplitude and 4 phase levels (16 states), the various modulation states can be separated by 90 degrees of phase, whereas in 16QAM the minimum phase separation is only 36.9 degrees, a serious problem at higher frequencies where phase noise predominates. In addition, QAM cannot accommodate non-square modulation tables, which are readily provided by amplitude-phase modulation, further enhancing fault-mitigation options.

Abstract: Cybersecurity is a critical requirement for current and future vehicles, to protect against catastrophic cyber attacks. Vehicles today (including land vehicles, waterborne vehicles, and aircraft including such embodiments as airplanes, helicopters, and air taxis) are constructed with myriad separate sensors and actuators, which generally have only limited cyber protections—a worrying vulnerability. Therefore, procedures are disclosed for a vehicle-wide 5G/6G network in which each ECU (electronic control unit) is a separate user device. Each ECU is also the manager of a set of sensors and actuators, forming a local sub-network with tightly regulated wireless protocols. Each ECU and each end sensor/actuator may include an AI model to detect and defeat cyber attacks.

Abstract: Reliable communications is a central goal of 5G and 6G. However, due to signal fading at high frequencies and interference due to crowding, message faults continue to be a problem. Disclosed are methods for base station and user devices to adjust the modulation scheme according to the types of faults received, including amplitude faults (incorrectly demodulated amplitude levels) and phase faults (incorrectly demodulated phase levels), among others. The base station can select a more suitable modulation scheme based on the types of faults observed by user devices, such as modulation schemes with more or fewer amplitude levels and phase levels. In some versions, the number of amplitude levels is different from the number of phase levels, to combat specific fault problems.

Abstract: Human drivers generally cannot plan a collision evasion maneuver in the brief interval before impact, other than simply slamming on the brakes and hoping for the best. Often the collision could have been avoided by swerving or other sequence of actions. Therefore, improved collision avoidance and mitigation procedures are disclosed, based on a well-trained artificial intelligence (AI) model that takes over the accelerator, brake, and steering in an emergency. With fast electronic reflexes and AI-based computational power, the AI model can find a more effective avoidance maneuver, or at least an action that would minimize the harm (for example, by swerving to miss the passenger compartment). The AI model can then implement the sequence instantly, without fear or hesitation. The result—fewer collisions and less fatality on our highways.

Abstract: For more efficient use of the limited bandwidth in 5G and 6G communications, and to enable longer battery life in remote user devices, the user device can request that unnecessary downlink control messages be withheld. Instead, a custom search-space can be assigned to the user device, such that all downlink data messages will begin in one of the resource elements of the custom search-space, thereby greatly simplifying the user device's task of detecting its incoming messages in a stream of unrelated transmissions. In addition, the user device can request that the user device's identification code, and optionally the length of the data message, be prepended to the data message, for further assistance to low-cost reduced-capability user devices that do not require low latency.

Abstract: Additional information can be packed into each message element of a 5G/6G message by varying the amplitude of the signal within the symbol-time of the message element. For example, the difference between the amplitude at the beginning and ending of the symbol-time may encode additional bits, thereby providing higher information density in each transmission. The amplitude variation may be abrupt, such as a sudden change from the first amplitude value to the second amplitude value in the middle of the symbol-time, or it may be a gradual linear ramp spanning the symbol-time. In either case, the modulation scheme may include amplitude variation levels as well as the amplitude levels themselves, thereby providing a larger modulation space and hence shorter messages. Effects on crosstalk and frequency offset due to the amplitude variation, and their mitigation, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A compact demodulation reference is disclosed for compatibility with reduced-capability user devices, and for enhanced throughput for high-performance user devices of 5G and 6G in high-density environments. The demodulation reference, in some embodiments, occupies only one resource element, yet provides sufficient information to enable a receiver to calculate all of the amplitude or phase modulation levels of the modulation scheme. For example, if the modulation scheme is 16QAM, the demodulation reference can include an I branch with the highest amplitude level of the modulation scheme and an orthogonal Q branch with the lowest amplitude level. Further examples apply to a multiplexed amplitude-phase modulation scheme. In each case, the receiver can calculate the remaining amplitude (or phase) modulation levels, and thereby demodulate a proximate message.

Abstract: 5G and especially 6G are built around beamed transmissions and receptions, but aligning the beams toward the intended recipient is currently an expensive and complex process that reduced-capability devices may have difficulty performing. Therefore, an improved beam alignment process is disclosed, involving “triangle” beams. A triangle beam is a wide transmission beam that is arranged to be high-power at one side and low-power at the other side, tapering monotonically between the two angles. A user device can detect the triangle beam and measure the received amplitude or power level. By comparing to the amplitude of a previous transmission, the user device can determine its angle relative to the base station. The user device can then transmit directional beams toward the base station, and can also inform the base station of the angle so that they both can use well-directed transmission and reception beams. Many other aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: Base stations and user devices in 5G and 6G networks can save enormous amounts of power, while minimizing background generation, by directing narrow transmission and reception beams toward each other. To optimize those beam directions, and their lateral beam widths, and the frequency and power transmitted, a small set of test signals can be appended to each message, and a feedback message selecting the best-received test signal can be appended to the acknowledgement. In this way, the base station can develop a custom set of beam parameters optimized for each user device, and each user device can maintain its uplink beam squarely toward the base station. Result: higher signal quality per watt transmitted, fewer faults and retransmissions, and improved network operations overall.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to displaying visual effects in image data. In some examples, visual effects include an avatar displayed on a user's face. In some examples, visual effects include stickers applied to image data. In some examples, visual effects include screen effects. In some examples, visual effects are modified based on depth data in the image data.

Abstract: A wireless receiver in 5G and 6G can localize message faults by defining “exclusion regions” that do not include any of the predetermined allowed modulation states of a modulation scheme. Then, upon receiving a message, the receiver can measure (or calculate from the I and Q branch amplitudes) the received amplitude and phase of the waveform signal in each message element. If either the received amplitude or the received phase is within any of the exclusion regions, the receiver determines that message element is faulted. If the received amplitude and received phase are not within any of the exclusion regions, the message element is demodulated according to the closest modulation state. In addition, the receiver can increment an amplitude fault tally and a phase fault tally according to which parameter-amplitude or phase-is inside the exclusion regions, thereby greatly simplifying recovery of the message without a retransmission.

Abstract: Phase noise is an unsolved, limiting factor for high frequency communications envisioned for 6G. Proposed herein are phase-tracking reference signals embedded in each guard-space of a message. The receiver can recalibrate the phase noise, and amplitude noise as well, with based on each guard-space reference signal, thereby providing extremely localized noise compensation including amplitude and phase distortions and including rapidly-varying frequency-dependent distortions characteristic of interference, on a symbol-by-symbol basis, at zero cost in message throughput and transmission power. The normal functions of a cyclic prefix in the guard-space can be provided by tailoring the guard-space reference signal, as detailed herein. Examples show how guard-space reference signals provide a fault-mitigating capability that is enabling to 6G mmWave objectives.

Abstract: Modern collision-avoidance systems are capable of cooperating with other vehicles in an emergency, but only if the vehicle processors already know the locations and 5G/6G wireless addresses of the other at-risk vehicles. This is an unsolved problem. Therefore, methods are disclosed for a “planning” vehicle to solicit angle and distance measurements from each “cooperating” vehicle in proximity, and their wireless addresses. The planning vehicle can then process those measurements, determining the relative coordinates of each vehicle in view, and then broadcasting a results message with all the coordinates and, when known, wireless addresses. The vehicles can then quickly arrange coordinated evasions for collision avoidance. Optionally, an artificial intelligence model may process the angle and distance measurements, deriving the best-fit two-dimensional distribution.

Abstract: Message faulting is an expensive problem for 5G and especially for 6G due to increased pathloss and network faulting. Current message correction procedures rely on bulky FEC codes or automatic retransmission requests, further burdening the network. Disclosed are methods for a receiver to recognize a faulted message, identify the faulted message elements, and determine the corrected value for each fault, thereby recovering the correct message without a retransmission. Autonomous error correction within a receiver can be performed without network assistance or standards because the receiver has enough data, in the form of the received waveforms and the included error-detection code (usually just 16 bits) to find the corrected version internally. Reduced dependence on retransmissions and multiple code transmissions will alleviate network crowding while preserving the desired reliability and latency goals of the recipient.