Method, apparatus and computer program product for antenna selection in a communication system

Abstract

A method for antenna selection to be performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the method comprising determining a signal performance of a signal received by the UE. The signal is received by an array antenna of the UE for communicating with a network node of the wireless communication system. The method comprises determining a signal attenuation rate associated with the signal performance of the signal, and replacing the array antenna with an omnidirectional antenna of the UE for communicating with the network node based on the signal attenuation rate. Related devices are also described.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The various embodiments described herein relate to antenna selection in a communication system. Background Art

[0002] In a 5G New Radio (NR) network, communication may occur between a base station (e.g., gNB) and a wireless electronic device (such as a user equipment (UE)). Various types of antennas may be used for communication between the base station and the user equipment. However, the mobility of the user equipment and / or changing channel conditions may affect the performance of the antennas. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Various embodiments of the inventive concept include a method for antenna selection. The method may be performed by a user equipment UE in a wireless communication system and includes determining a signal performance of a signal received by the UE. The signal is received by an array antenna of the UE for communicating with a network node of the wireless communication system. The method includes determining a signal attenuation rate associated with the signal performance of the signal, and replacing the array antenna with an omnidirectional antenna of the UE for communicating with the network node based on the signal attenuation rate.

[0004] The array antenna may include a beamforming antenna. Replacing the array antenna with the omnidirectional antenna of the UE for communicating with the network node may be further based on a profile of the signal attenuation rate of the signal over a period of time. Replacing the array antenna with the omnidirectional antenna may include replacing the beamforming antenna with the omnidirectional antenna for communicating with the network node in response to the signal attenuation rate being greater than an attenuation rate threshold associated with the beamforming antenna. The attenuation rate threshold may be based on a response speed of the beamforming antenna. The signal may be a first signal, the signal performance may be a first signal performance, the signal attenuation rate may be a first signal attenuation rate, and the attenuation rate threshold may be a first attenuation rate threshold. The method may include determining a second signal performance of a second signal, where the second signal is received by the omnidirectional antenna after replacing the beamforming antenna with the omnidirectional antenna. The method may include replacing the omnidirectional antenna with the beamforming antenna for communicating with the network node in response to the second signal performance being less than a second signal performance threshold associated with the omnidirectional antenna; and maintaining communication between the UE and the network node using the omnidirectional antenna in response to the second signal performance being greater than the second signal performance threshold associated with the omnidirectional antenna.

[0005] In some embodiments, the method may include storing a second signal attenuation rate based on the second signal performance in response to the second signal performance being greater than the second signal performance threshold associated with the omnidirectional antenna. The first attenuation rate threshold associated with the beamforming antenna may be adjusted in response to signal quality feedback. The first attenuation rate threshold associated with the beamforming antenna may be adjusted in response to the first signal attenuation rate and / or the second signal attenuation rate. The omnidirectional antenna performance threshold and / or the first attenuation rate threshold associated with the beamforming antenna may be adjusted based on previous handover information. The first attenuation rate threshold associated with the beamforming antenna may be adjusted based on the second signal performance that triggers a handover decision to replace the omnidirectional antenna with the beamforming antenna. Determining the signal performance of the signal received by the UE may be triggered based on sensor data from one or more sensors. The sensor data may indicate rotation of the UE, blocking of the signal, and / or a change in characteristics of the signal received by the UE. The beamforming antenna may be configured to perform beam control of communication between the UE and the network node using a subset of available beams.

[0006] Multiple embodiments of the inventive concept include a wireless electronic device used in a wireless communication system. The wireless electronic device includes an antenna control module configured to perform operations including determining a signal performance of a signal received by the wireless electronic device. The signal is received by an array antenna of the wireless electronic device for communicating with a network node of the wireless communication system. The operations include determining a signal attenuation rate associated with the signal performance of the signal and replacing (730) the array antenna with an omnidirectional antenna of the wireless electronic device for communicating with the network node based on the signal attenuation rate.

[0007] In some embodiments, the array antenna may include a beamforming antenna. The signal attenuation rate may correspond to the derivative of the signal strength of the signal received by the wireless electronic device. Replacing the array antenna with an omnidirectional antenna may include replacing the beamforming antenna with the omnidirectional antenna for communication in response to the signal attenuation rate being greater than an attenuation rate threshold associated with the beamforming antenna. The signal may be a first signal, the signal performance may be a first signal performance, the signal attenuation rate may be a first signal attenuation rate, and the attenuation rate threshold may be a first attenuation rate threshold. The method may include determining a second signal performance of a second signal, where the second signal is received by the omnidirectional antenna after replacing the beamforming antenna with the omnidirectional antenna. The method may include replacing the omnidirectional antenna with the beamforming antenna for communication with the network node in response to the second signal performance being less than a second signal performance threshold associated with the omnidirectional antenna; and maintaining communication between the UE and the network node using the omnidirectional antenna in response to the second signal performance being greater than the second signal performance threshold associated with the omnidirectional antenna. The antenna module may further be configured to perform an operation including the steps of: storing a second signal attenuation rate based on the second signal performance in response to the second signal performance being greater than the second signal performance threshold associated with the omnidirectional antenna. The first attenuation rate threshold of the beamforming antenna may be adjusted in response to signal quality feedback. Replacing the omnidirectional antenna with a beamforming antenna may include initiating a beam search to identify a beam used by the beamforming antenna for communication between the wireless electronic device and the network node.

[0008] Note that aspects of the inventive concept described with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated into different embodiments even though not specifically described. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment may be combined in any way and / or combination. Other operations according to any of the embodiments described herein may also be performed. These and other aspects of the inventive concept are described in detail in the specification set forth below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figures 1A to 1D Illustrates various antennas that may be used in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments described herein.

[0010] Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B and Figure 3 Illustrates antenna selection in a communication system according to various embodiments described herein.

[0011] Figure 4A and Figure 4B are flowcharts of operations according to various embodiments described herein.

[0012] Figure 5 is a graph of signal attenuation according to various embodiments described herein.

[0013] Figures 6 to 11 is a flowchart of operations for antenna selection according to various embodiments described herein.

[0014] Figure 12 and Figure 13 is a block diagram of a wireless electronic device according to various embodiments described herein. Detailed Embodiments

[0015] Various embodiments will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. Other embodiments may take many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Like reference numerals always refer to like elements.

[0016] Communication in a 5G New Radio (NR) network may occur between a base station (e.g., gNB) and a radio electronic device (also referred to as a user equipment (UE)). Various types of antennas can be used for communication between the base station and the radio electronic device. Antennas used in a wireless network can include array antennas, printed circuit board antennas, retractable antennas, and / or omnidirectional antennas. A radio electronic device such as a UE can include multiple types of antennas that can be used for communication in the same device. An omnidirectional antenna can provide a radiation pattern in most or all directions around the radio electronic device and can have a range of 50 meters. As used herein, an "omnidirectional antenna" can also refer to a near-omnidirectional antenna. An array antenna can perform beamforming to provide a directional radiation pattern based on a controllable beam. A decision can be made at the start of communication on which antenna to select from the various antennas available to the radio electronic device. However, during communication, the performance of the antenna being used can change. For example, subsequent movement of the radio electronic device and / or a change in channel conditions can deteriorate the performance of the antenna that is communicating with the base station. For example, a user of the UE may inadvertently place a finger above the antenna, thus changing the signal performance of the communication from the UE to the base station. The UE may move to a different location and / or orientation, and thus the signal performance may change. Various embodiments described herein can stem from the recognition that intelligent antenna selection as performance conditions change can improve communication quality. Specifically, signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, signal error rate, signal attenuation rate, and various other metrics of signal quality may change during communication. Various embodiments for antenna selection can improve signal performance as conditions change. Additionally, intelligent antenna selection can be based on an artificial intelligence learning process that is based on performance factors such as signal attenuation rate and / or signal strength change rate. For example, based on deteriorating signal performance with a high signal attenuation rate, a wireless communication device can replace an array antenna with an omnidirectional antenna for communication with a network node. In other words, as will be discussed in further detail, communication can switch between an array antenna and an omnidirectional antenna.

[0017] In section 6.2.1.3 of 3GPP RAN 4 New Radio Specification TS 38.101-2, for a handset at power class 3 in frequency range 2 (FR2) (24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz), the minimum peak effective isotropic radiated power has been specified as 22.4 dBm (174 mW) and the maximum allowed total radiated power has been specified as not exceeding 23 dBm (200 mW). These specifications leave a radiated power window between the effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) and the total radiated power (TRP), for which an omnidirectional antenna or an antenna less than omnidirectional can serve as a suitable working antenna to meet the specifications. However, an omnidirectional antenna may not be an ideal solution for an NR handset, as the aim may be to concentrate most of the antenna's transmitted power towards the base station, thus saving battery energy and / or reducing or minimizing unwanted transmissions in other directions in space, thereby avoiding interference. The default handset initialization network search process can utilize a directional antenna and can attempt to track the base station using the directional antenna for as long as possible. If the communication link is interrupted, a beam failure routine can be executed to restore communication. However, the speed of beam tracking or beamforming may be slower than desired, and the beamforming recovery process may not respond adequately to sudden changes in the incident wave signal level. For example, if the user rapidly rotates the handset in space or covers the antenna with a hand or finger, the normal procedure for a beamforming antenna will perform repeated searches or beam scans from both the base station and the handset. These beam scans may result in additional power consumption by the UE and may increase latency or cause a connection loss.

[0018] For example, radio frequencies or millimeter wave channels in the millimeter wave band of the electromagnetic spectrum can operate within a range from 10 GHz to 300 GHz. In applications such as for use in dense urban or indoor environments, typical millimeter wave channels and wave propagation scenarios may have the main energy coming from one direction. In these applications, millimeter wave communication may require almost line-of-sight conditions. For 2G / 3G / 4G networks operating below 6 GHz and having more omnidirectional antennas, the rich wave scattering in the downlink may make the handset less sensitive to its orientation in space. However, millimeter wave frequencies are more susceptible to the movement, orientation, or blockage of the antenna. The switching between different antennas may depend on sensor information from an accelerometer, compass, or body proximity detector or from received signal strength measurement data in order to provide a good and reliable network connection.

[0019] According to various embodiments described herein, the switching between an array antenna and an omnidirectional antenna as conditions change can provide reliable communication with lower overall power consumption. Dynamically replacing the array antenna with the omnidirectional antenna and / or replacing the omnidirectional antenna with the array antenna based on signal performance can adaptively adjust the communication to changing conditions. An AI-supported UE antenna switching algorithm can be based on the incoming wave changes in the signal level over time and / or be affected by various sensor inputs, so as to improve or optimize network connection reliability and / or battery life.

[0020] NR FR2 handsets or other FR2 mobile UEs can be equipped with algorithms to switch transmission beams between a directional array antenna and an omnidirectional antenna, with the aim of reducing signaling overhead in the network and / or reducing the search process in the UE, thereby improving connection reliability and / or battery life. In some embodiments, the array antenna can be switched to different sets of array antenna elements of the array antenna to obtain a wider beam.

[0021] An AI learning process can be adopted based on the rate of change of the received signal strength. For example, when the signal strength derivative exceeds a certain limit or threshold, the omnidirectional antenna can be connected. The signal strength derivative can indicate the signal attenuation rate, which can be related to how fast the signal performance deteriorates. For wireless communication and especially for beam tracking of an array antenna, slow signal deterioration may not be as problematic as faster signal deterioration. The signal strength derivative can be used as an input to the AI learning process. For example, a high derivative value caused by a sudden signal level drop may indicate that the user is moving away from the main incident wave direction rapidly and / or rotating the device. Such a scenario may cause the restart of the beam search process in a conventional system. Various embodiments of the present inventive concept propose switching to the omnidirectional antenna instead of the beam search process. The delay incurred by switching to the omnidirectional antenna can be much smaller than that of performing a beam scan which may take several milliseconds, for example, about 1 microsecond. Therefore, when using a lower gain antenna, the connection reliability provided by such an antenna switching technique is acceptable. If the connection remains at a satisfactory signal level / quality after such a switch, the UE can learn the conditions for a successful switch. Different values of the signal attenuation rate (i.e., derivative values) may indicate that the user is blocking the antenna with a finger or a hand. The switching algorithm can switch to other antennas and use visual indication and / or audio indication on the display to notify the user to move the hand or finger away. If the signal quality improves, the AI can learn that the correct action has been taken based on the signal attenuation rate value or other performance metrics.

[0022] In some embodiments of the inventive concept, an AI algorithm may use sensor inputs (accelerometer, compass, GNSS, etc.) for a learning process. A signal level change may be mapped to the sensor input data such that the UE eventually becomes aware of its orientation in the channel, thereby more precisely responding to movement changes in space.

[0023] Figures 1A to 1D Illustrates various antennas that may be used in a wireless communication system. Figure 1A Illustrates a wireless electronic device 103, also referred to as a UE, that includes an array antenna 120. The array antenna 120 includes an array of antenna elements 105a through 105h. The antenna elements 105a through 105h may be grouped together, such as a first group 101 of antenna elements 105a through 105d and a second group 102 of antenna elements 105e through 105h. The wireless electronic device 103 may include an omnidirectional antenna, such as Figure 1B 、 Figure 1C and / or Figure 1D those shown in

[0024] Figure 1B Illustrates an omnidirectional antenna that includes a pair of edge dipole antennas at the edge of a PCB in a wireless communication device. Figure 1C and Figure 1D Illustrates cylindrical extension antennas 130b and 130c that may extend from the wireless communication device 103.

[0025] Figure 2AIllustrated is a wireless electronic device 103 that includes a radio transmitter 230 configured to transmit / receive wireless signals using an array antenna 120 and / or an omnidirectional antenna 130. The array antenna 120 and / or the omnidirectional antenna 130 may be integrated with the wireless electronic device 103. The array antenna 120 may use beam selection or beamforming to transmit a beam 220 for communication with a base station. The omnidirectional antenna 130 may transmit a radiation pattern 210 in most or all directions around the wireless electronic device 103. The wireless electronic device 103 may use a switch 240 to switch communication between the array antenna 120 and the omnidirectional antenna 130. The switch 240 may be a semiconductor switch having a fast switching time (such as 100 nanoseconds). The switching between the array antenna 120 and the omnidirectional antenna may occur in a time shorter than that for beamforming for changing the beam for communication, which may take 100 microseconds to 500 microseconds. Compared with the omnidirectional antenna 130, the array antenna 120 may have a large range capability for acceptable communication. The communication range may depend on the number of array antenna elements of the array antenna 120 configured to be used during a given communication. The array antenna and / or the omnidirectional antenna may have a transmission range depending on factors such as transmitter power, operating frequency, etc. For example, the array antenna 120 may have a range of 200 meters in a 5G network, where the omnidirectional antenna 130 may have a range of 50 meters.

[0026] Figure 2B Illustrated is a switching configuration having multiple radio transmitters to transmit / receive wireless signals using an array antenna 240 and / or an omnidirectional antenna 250. An RF signal 290 may be switched by a switch 280 to a first radio transmitter 260 or a second radio transmitter 270. The first radio transmitter 260 is associated with the array antenna 240, while the second radio transmitter 270 is associated with the omnidirectional antenna 250.

[0027] Figure 3Illustrated is a wireless electronic device 103 that communicates with a base station 310. During operation, a user may rotate or move the wireless electronic device 103 such that a beam 220 for communication is no longer pointed at the base station 310. To continue using the array antenna, it may be necessary to configure a different beam 320. However, as described above, beamforming for configuring different beams for communication with the base station 310 may take from 20 milliseconds to 80 milliseconds. A beam search process performed by the base station may take up to 80 milliseconds. The base station may initially transmit a synchronization signal (SSB) in bursts during a 20 - millisecond period or in 20 - millisecond blocks using a wider beam in each of the 90 - degree sectors in the horizontal space. Thus, scanning a full circle around the base station tower may take 20 milliseconds times 4 sectors, for a total of 80 milliseconds. In this case, it is assumed that the UE scans its beam simultaneously. If the base station 310 is within the range of the omnidirectional antenna of the wireless electronic device 103, a shorter time of approximately 100 nanoseconds to 200 nanoseconds can be used to switch the communication. A significantly faster switching time can improve the reliability of the communication connection and minimize dropped connections.

[0028] For a slow rate of change of the received signal strength of the communication signal, antenna switching will not occur. In other words, for a rate of change slower than the maximum speed capability of the beamforming process, it is assumed that the UE can use the array antenna to maintain tracking of the downlink beam. If the signal level is suitable for using the omnidirectional antenna, the beamforming antenna is replaced with the omnidirectional antenna for communication when the received signal attenuation rate (dB / microsecond) is greater than the response speed of the UE beamformer. In some embodiments described herein, when the risk of a lost connection is identified based on the signal attenuation rate, the UE switches the communication connection to the omnidirectional antenna. Artificial intelligence (AI) is used to monitor the derivative of the received signal strength change, including the signal attenuation rate and / or the rate - of - change profile over a period of time.

[0029] The handover can be triggered by various scenarios that the UE experiences. If the user of the UE is moving away from the main incident wave direction or rotating the mobile phone, a handover may be required to maintain communication with the base station. The user may inadvertently place a finger or hand above the array antenna, thus weakening the signal strength. Due to changes in the reflection of the object position, the channel and / or wave propagation conditions from the base station may change. In some embodiments, an accelerometer, a gyroscope or other sensors can be used to detect movement and / or rotation. In some embodiments, the signal strength and / or the signal attenuation rate can be measured and / or the derivative of the signal attenuation can be calculated to determine the signal degradation caused by various scenarios. As a result of the feedback of the received signal level and / or signal quality after the handover has been performed, artificial intelligence learning may occur. The signal attenuation rate threshold can be adjusted based on the feedback from the previous handover scenarios. For example, if a handover to an omnidirectional antenna is made but the communication connection cannot be maintained, this scenario can be stored as an unsuccessful case and the signal attenuation rate threshold associated with the beamforming antenna can be increased. Adjusting the signal attenuation rate threshold can eliminate unnecessary handovers, such as a handover back to the array antenna due to poor performance of the omnidirectional antenna. In other words, successful handover cases and / or failed handover cases are recorded and used to adjust the threshold.

[0030] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a flowchart of an operation for switching between an array antenna and an omnidirectional antenna. Now referring to Figure 4A , it can be determined by Figure 1A , Figure 2A and / or Figure 3 of the wireless communication device 103 (such as, a UE). In block 410, the signal attenuation rate can be measured to determine whether the signal attenuation rate is high enough to switch to the omnidirectional antenna. In block 420, the handover action can occur. The handover action may require replacing the currently used array antenna with the omnidirectional antenna of the UE for communicating with the network node. If the omnidirectional antenna is used, beam scanning is not required to configure the array antenna, thus saving handover time. When communication occurs, in block 430, the new signal level (i.e., signal performance) can be measured. If the handover action is successful, resulting in successful communication with the base station, in block 440, the signal attenuation rate at the time when the successful handover occurs can be stored. Information related to unsuccessful handover cases can also be stored to improve the artificial learning process. For example, the signal attenuation rate when the handover to the omnidirectional antenna occurs may cause the communication connection to drop. This information about the unsuccessful signal attenuation rate can be stored and used to adjust the threshold signal attenuation rate. Therefore, an unsuccessful handover action may adjust the threshold signal attenuation rate to a higher value.

[0031] Now referring to Figure 4B, at block 450, sensor input data from sensors such as accelerometers or gyroscopes can be periodically mapped with the signal attenuation rate. At block 460, sensor data can be stored for successful handover operations and optionally for unsuccessful handover operations. At block 470, unsuccessful handover actions may have a negative impact on the signal attenuation rate. At block 480, the signal attenuation rate can be stored for successful cases to be provided to the AI learning mechanism. Higher-precision decision criteria can be gradually created to determine when to switch antennas. Thus, rapid changes in signal strength that may not be fully tracked by the beamforming antenna will trigger a switch to a different antenna.

[0032] Figure 5 is a graph of the signal attenuation situation. Curve 510 models finger blocking of the transmission from the array antenna. Curve 520 models UE movement or rotation. Curve 530 models the maximum processing speed of the beamforming antenna currently being used for communication. If the attenuation rate curve is steeper than the maximum processing curve 530 (i.e., the threshold curve), the antenna will be switched. Thus, the attenuation rate threshold is based on the response speed of the UE's beamforming antenna.

[0033] Figure 6 is a flowchart of operations for antenna selection according to various embodiments described herein. Referring to Figure 6 , at block 610, it can be determined whether the signal received at the UE has a signal attenuation rate steeper than the beamformer capability specification of the array antenna. If the received signal does not have an attenuation rate steeper than the beamformer capability, at block 660, the communication transmission continues using the beamforming antenna. If the received signal has an attenuation rate steeper than the beamformer capability, at block 620, the communication is switched to the omnidirectional antenna. At block 630, it is checked whether the received signal level is suitable for maintaining the connection to the omnidirectional antenna. If the signal strength is not suitable for maintaining the connection, at block 670, the beamforming antenna starts beam searching. If the signal strength is suitable for maintaining the connection, at block 640, the attenuation derivative based on the signal attenuation rate is stored as a successful case at the received signal power level. At block 650, the decision parameters can be gradually adjusted to more widely accept when to switch the antenna. In some embodiments, at block 680, sensor data can be used as input for artificial intelligence learning. The sensor data can be used in combination with signal performance information to adjust the signal attenuation rate threshold of the beamforming antenna.

[0034] Figure 7 is a flowchart of operations for antenna selection according to some embodiments described herein. Now referring to Figure 7, at block 710, the signal performance of a signal received by an array antenna of a user equipment for communicating with a network node of a wireless communication system can be determined. At block 720, a signal attenuation rate associated with the signal performance of the signal can be determined. At block 730, based on the signal attenuation rate, the array antenna can be replaced with an omnidirectional antenna for communicating with the network node. In other words, in response to the signal attenuation rate, the communication can be switched from the array antenna to the omnidirectional antenna. An increased signal attenuation rate can indicate deterioration of a communication channel. Thus, if the signal delay rate exceeds a threshold (such as shown by curve 530 in Figure 5 ), it can be determined that the communication has a poor signal-to-noise ratio or other performance issues when using the array antenna, thereby triggering a switch to the omnidirectional antenna.

[0035] Figure 8 is a flowchart of an operation for antenna selection according to some embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, switching the communication from the array antenna to the omnidirectional antenna can include: at block 810, replacing the beamforming antenna with an omnidirectional antenna in response to the signal attenuation rate being higher than an attenuation rate threshold of the beamforming antenna.

[0036] Figure 9 is a flowchart of an operation for antenna selection according to some embodiments described herein. Now referring to Figure 9 , at block 910, the signal performance associated with the omnidirectional antenna can be determined. In response to the signal performance of the omnidirectional antenna being less than a signal performance threshold of the omnidirectional antenna, at block 920, the communication can be replaced from the omnidirectional antenna to the beamforming antenna.

[0037] Figure 10 is a flowchart of an operation for antenna selection according to some embodiments described herein. Now referring to Figure 10 , at block 1010, in response to a second signal performance being greater than a second signal performance threshold associated with the omnidirectional antenna, a second signal attenuation rate based on the second signal performance can be stored.

[0038] Figure 11 is a flowchart of an operation for antenna selection according to some embodiments described herein. Now referring to Figure 11 , replacing the omnidirectional antenna with the beamforming antenna can include: at block 1110, initiating a beam search to identify a beam used by the beamforming antenna for communication between the wireless electronic device and the network node.

[0039] Figure 12 is a block diagram of a wireless electronic device 1200 such as a Figure 1A UE or the wireless electronic device 103. The wireless electronic device 1200 can be configured to perform operations according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. Referring to Figure 12, the wireless electronic device 1200 includes a network interface 1220, a transceiver 1230, an antenna 1240, a processor circuit 1202, and a memory or memory circuit 1210 that contains computer-readable program code 1212. The processor or processor circuit 1202 may include one or more data processing circuits, such as general and / or special-purpose processors, e.g., microprocessors and / or digital signal processors, which may be collocated or distributed across one or more networks. The processor circuit 1202 is configured to execute the computer-readable program code 1212 in the memory 1210 to perform at least some of the operations and methods performed by the wireless electronic device 1200 described herein. The wireless interface may be coupled to the processor circuit 1202 and may communicate directly or indirectly with a server or other external network entity.

[0040] Figure 13 A module of an antenna selection module that performs operations as disclosed herein according to some embodiments is illustrated. Figure 12 The computer-readable program code 1212 may include one or more modules. Now referring to Figure 13 , the computer-readable program code 1212 may include a signal performance determination module 1312, a signal attenuation rate module 1316, and an antenna replacement module 1324. The signal performance determination 1312 is used to determine the signal performance of a signal received by the UE ( Figure 7 box 710). The signal attenuation rate module 1316 is used to determine the signal attenuation rate associated with the signal performance of the signal ( Figure 7 box 720). The antenna replacement module 1320 is used to replace the array antenna of the UE with an omnidirectional antenna for communication with a network node based on the signal attenuation rate ( Figure 7 box 730). The modules 1312, 1316, and 1320 may perform other corresponding operations and methods disclosed herein.

[0041] Additional embodiments:

[0042] In the foregoing description of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the invention. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should also be understood that terms (such as those defined in a common dictionary) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0043] When an element is referred to as being "connected" to another element, "coupled" to another element, "responsive" to another element, or variations thereof, it can be directly connected to, coupled to, or responsive to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" to another element, "directly coupled" to another element, "directly responsive" to another element, or variations thereof, no intervening elements are present. Like reference numerals always refer to like elements. Further, as used herein, "coupling", "connecting", "responding", or variations thereof may include wirelessly coupling, connecting, or responding. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail. The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0044] As used herein, the terms "comprise", "comprising", "comprises", "include", "including", "includes", "have", "has", "having", or variations thereof are open-ended and include one or more stated features, integers, elements, steps, components, or functions, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, elements, steps, components, functions, or groups thereof.

[0045] Example embodiments are described herein with reference to block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations of computer-implemented methods, apparatus (systems and / or devices), and / or computer program products. It should be understood that the blocks of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by computer program instructions executed by one or more computer circuits. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor circuit of a general purpose computer circuit, a special purpose computer circuit, and / or other programmable data processing circuits to produce a machine, such that the instructions, executed via the processor of the computer and / or other programmable data processing means, transform and control transistors, values stored in memory locations, and other hardware components in such circuits to implement the functions / actions specified in the block or blocks of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, thereby creating means (functions) and / or structures for implementing the functions / actions specified in the block diagrams and / or flowchart blocks.

[0046] These computer program instructions can also be stored in a tangible computer-readable medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions implementing the functionality / acts specified in the block or blocks of a block diagram and / or flowchart.

[0047] A tangible non-transitory computer-readable medium can include an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor data storage system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples of the computer-readable medium would include the following: a portable computer floppy disk, a random access memory (RAM) circuit, a read-only memory (ROM) circuit, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory) circuit, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), and a portable digital video disc read-only memory (DVD / BlueRay).

[0048] The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer and / or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer and / or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functionality / acts specified in the block or blocks of a block diagram and / or flowchart. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.) running on hardware and / or a processor such as a digital signal processor, which may be collectively referred to as “circuitry,” “module,” or a variation thereof.

[0049] Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions executed via the processor of the computer or other programmable instruction execution apparatus create a mechanism for implementing the functionality / acts specified in the block or blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0050] These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable medium that, when executed, can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to operate in a particular manner, such that when the instructions are stored in the computer-readable medium, an article of manufacture is created that includes instructions which, when executed on the computer, cause the computer to implement the functions / acts specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram. The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable instruction execution apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other devices to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide a process for implementing the functions / acts specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0051] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code that includes one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function. It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special-purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special-purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0052] It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions / acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the flowchart. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functions / acts involved. In addition, the functionality of a given block of the flowchart and / or block diagram may be divided into multiple blocks and / or the functionality of two or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram may be at least partially integrated. Finally, other blocks may be added / inserted between the blocks shown. Further, although some of the figures include arrows on communication paths to show the primary direction of communication, it should be understood that communication may occur in the opposite direction to that shown by the arrows.

[0053] In combination with the above description and the accompanying drawings, many different embodiments are disclosed herein. It should be understood that a verbatim description and illustration of every combination and sub-combination of these embodiments would be overly repetitive and confusing. Accordingly, this specification, including the drawings, is to be construed as constituting a complete written description of various example combinations and sub-combinations of the embodiments and the manner and process of making and using them, and is to support claims to any such combination or sub-combination. Many variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments without materially departing from the principles described herein. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for antenna selection performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the method comprising the following steps: Determine (710) the signal performance of a signal received by the UE, wherein the signal is received by an array antenna of the UE for communicating with a network node of the wireless communication system; Determine (720) a signal attenuation rate associated with the signal performance of the signal; and Based on the signal attenuation rate, replace (730) the array antenna with an omnidirectional antenna of the UE for communicating with the network node, wherein the signal attenuation rate corresponds to the derivative of the signal strength of the signal received by the UE.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, the array antenna comprises a beamforming antenna.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the step of replacing (730) the array antenna with the omnidirectional antenna of the UE for communicating with the network node is further based on the profile of the signal attenuation rate of the signal over a period of time.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein, the step of replacing (730) the array antenna with the omnidirectional antenna comprises: In response to the signal attenuation rate being greater than an attenuation rate threshold associated with the beamforming antenna, replace (810) the beamforming antenna with the omnidirectional antenna for communicating with the network node.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, the attenuation rate threshold is based on the response speed of the beamforming antenna.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein, the signal includes a first signal, wherein the signal performance includes a first signal performance, wherein the signal attenuation rate includes a first signal attenuation rate, and wherein the attenuation rate threshold includes a first attenuation rate threshold, the method further comprising: Determine (910) the second signal performance of a second signal, wherein the second signal is received by the omnidirectional antenna after replacing the beamforming antenna with the omnidirectional antenna; In response to the second signal performance being less than a second signal performance threshold associated with the omnidirectional antenna, replace (920) the omnidirectional antenna with the beamforming antenna for communicating with the network node; and In response to the second signal performance being greater than the second signal performance threshold associated with the omnidirectional antenna, maintain (930) the communication between the UE and the network node using the omnidirectional antenna.

7. The method according to claim 6, the method further comprises: In response to the second signal performance being greater than the second signal performance threshold associated with the omnidirectional antenna, store (1010) a second signal attenuation rate based on the second signal performance.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein, the first attenuation rate threshold associated with the beamforming antenna is adjusted in response to signal quality feedback.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The first attenuation rate threshold associated with the beamforming antenna is adjusted in response to the first signal attenuation rate and / or the second signal attenuation rate.

10. The method according to claim 6, wherein, the omnidirectional antenna performance threshold and / or the first attenuation rate threshold associated with the beamforming antenna is adjusted based on previous handover information.

11. The method according to claim 6, wherein, the first attenuation rate threshold associated with the beamforming antenna is adjusted based on the second signal performance that triggers a handover decision to replace the omnidirectional antenna with the beamforming antenna.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein, the step of determining the signal performance of the signal received by the UE is triggered based on sensor data from one or more sensors, and wherein the sensor data indicates rotation of the UE, blocking of the signal, and / or a change in characteristics of the signal received by the UE.

13. The method according to claim 2, wherein, the beamforming antenna is configured to perform beam control for communication between the UE and the network node using a subset of available beams.

14. A wireless electronic device (103) used in a wireless communication system, the wireless electronic device comprising: an antenna control module configured to perform operations including: determining (710) the signal performance of a signal received by the wireless electronic device, wherein the signal is received by an array antenna of the wireless electronic device for communicating with a network node of the wireless communication system; determining (720) a signal attenuation rate associated with the signal performance of the signal; and replacing (730) the array antenna with an omnidirectional antenna of the wireless electronic device for communication with the network node based on the signal attenuation rate, wherein the signal attenuation rate corresponds to the derivative of the signal strength of the signal received by the wireless electronic device.

15. The wireless electronic device (103) according to claim 14, wherein, the array antenna includes a beamforming antenna.

16. The wireless electronic device (103) according to claim 15, wherein, replacing (730) the array antenna with the omnidirectional antenna includes: replacing (810) the beamforming antenna with the omnidirectional antenna for communication in response to the signal attenuation rate being greater than an attenuation rate threshold associated with the beamforming antenna.

17. The wireless electronic device (103) according to claim 16, wherein, the signal includes a first signal, wherein the signal performance includes a first signal performance, wherein the signal attenuation rate includes a first signal attenuation rate, and wherein the attenuation rate threshold includes a first attenuation rate threshold, and wherein the antenna control module is further configured to perform operations including: Determine (910) the second signal performance of the second signal, where the second signal is received by the omnidirectional antenna after replacing the beamforming antenna with the omnidirectional antenna; In response to the second signal performance being less than a second signal performance threshold associated with the omnidirectional antenna, replace (920) the omnidirectional antenna with the beamforming antenna for communication with the network node; and In response to the second signal performance being greater than the second signal performance threshold associated with the omnidirectional antenna, maintain (930) communication between the wireless electronic device and the network node using the omnidirectional antenna.

18. The wireless electronic device (103) according to claim 17, wherein, the antenna control module is further configured to perform the following operations, and the operations include: In response to the second signal performance being greater than the second signal performance threshold associated with the omnidirectional antenna, store (1010) a second signal attenuation rate based on the second signal performance.

19. The wireless electronic device (103) according to claim 17, wherein, the first attenuation rate threshold of the beamforming antenna is adjusted in response to signal quality feedback.

20. The wireless electronic device (103) according to claim 17, wherein, replacing (920) the omnidirectional antenna with the beamforming antenna includes: Initiate (1110) a beam search to identify a beam of the beamforming antenna for communication between the wireless electronic device and the network node.

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