Wireless communication using multiple antenna arrays and lens arrays

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. A device can be configured to include a lens array and a plurality of antenna arrays, each antenna array including a set of antenna elements. The antenna arrays can each support a plurality of beam directions, such as a respective beam direction for each lens of the lens array. The lenses can help maintain separation between the beams if the beams for the plurality of antenna arrays are simultaneously passing through the same lens. The lenses can also help shape the beams, and using multiple lenses can enhance the coverage area of the beams transmitted or received by the antenna arrays.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 028,105, entitled "Wireless Communications Using Multiple Antenna Arrays and a Lens Array," filed May 21, 2020, by Horn et al.; and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 315,941, entitled "Wireless Communications Using Multiple Antenna Arrays and a Lens Array," filed May 10, 2021, by Horn et al., wherein each of the U.S. patent applications is assigned to the assignee of this application. Technical Field

[0003] The following text generally refers to wireless communication, and more specifically, to wireless communication using multiple antenna arrays and lens arrays. Background Technology

[0004] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content, such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, and broadcasting. These systems can support communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). Examples of these multiple access systems include fourth-generation (4G) systems such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A Advanced (LTE-A), or LTE-A Pro systems, and fifth-generation (5G) systems, which may be referred to as New Radio (NR) systems. These systems can employ technologies such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), or Discrete Fourier Transform Spread Spectrum Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (DFT-S-OFDM). A wireless multiple access communication system may include one or more base stations or one or more network access nodes, each of which simultaneously supports communication for multiple communication devices, which may also be referred to as User Equipment (UE).

[0005] Some wireless communication systems (such as NR systems) can use high-frequency signals to form directional communication links to transmit data or other information. For example, an antenna element array can be configured to generate and guide beams in different directions by manipulating the phase and / or amplitude relationships between signals transmitted or received by the individual antenna elements of the array, and each beam can correspond to a directional communication link. In some cases, such an antenna element array may be referred to as a phased array antenna. Communicating via multiple communication links can increase throughput, but increasing the number of concurrent beams supported by the antenna element array can increase the number of components (e.g., more antenna elements, phase shifters, or other components) or introduce other complexities or drawbacks. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The described technology relates to improved methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses for supporting wireless communication using multiple antenna arrays and lens arrays. Thus, the apparatus may include multiple antenna element arrays and multiple lenses. Each individual antenna element array may include a collection of antenna elements and associated phase-shifting circuitry. The multiple lenses can be configured as lens arrays of any configuration, such as a one-dimensional (1D) lens array (e.g., a linear arrangement of lenses) or a two-dimensional (2D) lens array (e.g., multiple rows and columns of lenses).

[0007] Each antenna element array can individually and concurrently generate multiple beams (for transmitting or receiving signals) in multiple different directions. For example, each antenna element array can concurrently generate different beams pointing towards different lenses of a lens array (e.g., a first beam pointing towards a first lens, a second beam pointing towards a second lens, etc.). If two antenna element arrays concurrently point their beams towards the same lens, the lenses can maintain separation (e.g., orthogonality) between the beams (e.g., as perceived on the other side of the lens) because the two antenna element arrays have different physical positions relative to the focal plane of the lens. Therefore, for example, combining M antenna element arrays, each capable of individually supporting at least N concurrent beam directions, with a lens array comprising at least N lenses, can support up to M*N concurrent beams, and thus support M*N concurrent directional communication links.

[0008] An apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include a lens array comprising a first lens and a second lens. The apparatus may also include an antenna array element set. The first antenna element array may include the antenna element set and a phase-shifting circuit. The phase-shifting circuit is operable to guide a first beam between the first antenna element array and the first lens, and to guide a second beam between the first antenna element array and the second lens.

[0009] In some examples of the apparatus described herein, the second antenna element array may include a second antenna element array and a second phase-shifting circuit. The second phase-shifting circuit is operable to guide a third beam between the second antenna element array and the first lens, and a fourth beam between the second antenna element array and the second lens.

[0010] In some examples of the apparatus described herein, the phase-shifting circuitry is operable to guide a second beam between the first antenna element array and the first lens while simultaneously guiding a first beam between the first antenna element array and the first lens.

[0011] In some examples of the apparatus described herein, each antenna element array in the set may be operable to concurrently guide a corresponding beam in a corresponding direction corresponding to the first lens.

[0012] In some examples of the devices described herein, each antenna element array in the set is operable to concurrently guide a corresponding set of beams, each beam in the corresponding set corresponding to a corresponding lens in the lens array.

[0013] Some examples of the apparatus described herein may also include control circuitry coupled to an array of antenna elements. The control circuitry may be configured to recognize a first movement of the UE, wherein a first beam is associated with the UE, to stop the first antenna element array from guiding the first beam between the first antenna element array and the first lens based on the first movement of the UE, and to guide a second antenna element array in the array to guide a third beam between the second antenna element array and the first lens based on the first movement of the UE, wherein the third beam is associated with the UE.

[0014] In some examples of the apparatus described herein, the control circuitry may also be configured to recognize a second movement of the UE, based on which the second movement of the UE causes the second antenna element array to stop guiding a third beam between the second antenna element array and the second lens, and based on the second movement of the UE, causes the first antenna element array to guide a second beam between the first antenna element array and the second lens, wherein the second beam is associated with the UE.

[0015] In some examples of the apparatus described herein, the distance between the first antenna element array and each lens in the lens array may be greater than the far-field length of the first antenna element array.

[0016] In some examples of the apparatus described herein, each lens in the lens array may have a corresponding diameter, and the width of the first antenna element array may be smaller than the corresponding diameter of each lens in the lens array.

[0017] Some examples of the apparatus described herein may also include a third lens of a lens array, wherein the lens array may include a two-dimensional lens array, and wherein the first and second lenses may be aligned along a first dimension, and the first and third lenses may be aligned along a second dimension.

[0018] Some examples of the apparatus described herein may also include switching circuitry and control circuitry, the switching circuitry being operable to activate a subset of the antenna element set within a first antenna element array, and the control circuitry being coupled to the first antenna element array and configured such that the switching circuitry activates a subset of the antenna element set based on the operating mode of the apparatus.

[0019] In some examples of the apparatus described herein, a subset of the antenna element set may include a first antenna element and a second antenna element respectively disposed at a first edge and a second edge of a first antenna element array, or a first antenna element subset interspersed with a second antenna element subset within the first antenna element array.

[0020] In some examples of the apparatus described herein, the array of antenna elements can each be configured to be reciprocal with respect to the transmission and reception of signals.

[0021] A method for wireless communication is described. The method may include guiding a first beam between a first lens in a first antenna element array and a lens array, wherein the first antenna element array is one of a set of antenna element arrays, and guiding a second beam between a second lens in the first antenna element array and the lens array.

[0022] An apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executable by the processor to direct a first beam between a first antenna element array and a first lens in a lens array, wherein the first antenna element array is one of a set of antenna element arrays, and to direct a second beam between a first antenna element array and a second lens in the lens array.

[0023] Another device for wireless communication is described. The device may include: a unit for guiding a first beam between a first antenna element array and a first lens in a lens array, wherein the first antenna element array is one of a set of antenna element arrays; and a unit for guiding a second beam between a first antenna element array and a second lens in the lens array.

[0024] A non-transitory computer-readable medium is described, storing code for wireless communication. The code may include processor-executable instructions to guide a first beam between a first antenna element array and a first lens in a lens array, wherein the first antenna element array is one of a set of antenna element arrays, and to guide a second beam between a first antenna element array and a second lens in a lens array.

[0025] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, elements, or instructions for guiding a third beam between a second antenna element array and a first lens, wherein the second antenna element array may be another antenna element array in a set of antenna element arrays.

[0026] In some examples of the methods, apparatuses and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, a first beam can be guided between a second antenna element array and a first lens while a third beam is guided between the second antenna element array and the first lens.

[0027] Examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for communicating with a first UE via a first beam and with the first UE via a second beam.

[0028] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include: operations, features, units, or instructions for communicating with the UE via a first beam, identifying the movement of the UE, and, after communicating with the UE via the first beam, communicating with the UE via a third beam based on the movement of the UE.

[0029] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include: operations, features, units, or instructions for identifying a second movement of the UE, and for communicating with the UE via the second beam based on the second movement of the UE after communicating with the UE via the third beam.

[0030] In some examples of the methods, apparatuses and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, a first beam can be guided between the first antenna element array and the first lens while a second beam is guided between the first antenna element array and the second lens.

[0031] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for communicating with a first UE via a first beam and with a second UE via a second beam.

[0032] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include: operations, features, units, or instructions for communicating via a first beam using a first number of antenna elements in a first antenna element array during a first time period, and for communicating via a fourth beam using a second number of antenna elements in the first antenna element array during a second time period.

[0033] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include: operations, features, units, or instructions for identifying a change in target transmit power associated with the first antenna element array between the first time period and the second time period, wherein the change from using the first number of antenna elements to using the second number of antenna elements may be based on the change in target transmit power.

[0034] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include: operations, features, units, or instructions for changing from using a first number of antenna elements to using a second number of antenna elements based on deactivating a first antenna element and a second antenna element respectively disposed at a first edge and a second edge of a first antenna element array, or for changing from using a first number of antenna elements to using a second number of antenna elements based on deactivating a subset of first antenna elements that may intersect with a subset of second antenna elements within the first antenna element array, wherein the second number of antenna elements includes a subset of second antenna elements.

[0035] In some examples of the methods, apparatuses and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the distance between the first antenna element array and each lens in the lens array may be greater than the far-field length of the first antenna element array.

[0036] In some examples of the methods, apparatuses and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, each lens in the lens array may have a corresponding diameter, and the width of the first antenna element array may be smaller than the corresponding diameter of each lens in the lens array.

[0037] In some examples of the methods, apparatuses and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the lens array includes a two-dimensional lens array, wherein the first and second lenses are alignable along a first dimension, and the first and third lenses of the lens array are alignable along a second dimension. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 An example of a system for wireless communication is shown that supports wireless communication using multiple antenna arrays and lens arrays according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0039] Figure 2Example configurations of multiple antenna arrays and lens arrays according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown.

[0040] Figure 3 and Figure 4 A diagram is shown illustrating a device that supports wireless communication using multiple antenna arrays and lens arrays according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0041] Figure 5 A diagram is shown of a communication manager that supports wireless communication using multiple antenna arrays and lens arrays according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0042] Figure 6 A diagram of a system including a device supporting wireless communication using multiple antenna arrays and lens arrays, according to various aspects of this disclosure, is shown.

[0043] Figures 7 to 9 A flowchart illustrating a method for supporting wireless communication using multiple antenna arrays and lens arrays, according to various aspects of this disclosure, is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Wireless communication between two devices via multiple directional communication links (e.g., beams) can provide, for example, throughput benefits (e.g., increased peak data rates) or reliability benefits (e.g., due to spatial diversity between beams and therefore between links). In some cases, an array of antenna elements can be used to form a beam, but many antenna elements can be used within a single array to form multiple close beams, and beams from multiple arrays in similar directions may interfere with each other.

[0045] The structures and techniques described herein can provide various many-to-many solutions in which multiple antenna element arrays operate in conjunction with multiple lenses (e.g., lens arrays) at a single transmitting or receiving device within a wireless communication system. For simplicity, a single antenna element array may be referred to herein alternatively as an antenna element array or antenna array. For example, an antenna array may be a phased antenna array. In some cases, each of the M antenna arrays at the device may individually support at least N concurrent (e.g., at least partially overlapping in time) beams in different directions, and at least N lenses may be present in the lens array at the device. For each of the M antenna arrays, each of the N beam directions may correspond to (e.g., point to) a different lens in the lens array. Thus, each antenna array may be individually capable of simultaneously pointing different beams to different lenses in the lens array (e.g., for each of the M antenna arrays, at least one corresponding beam points to each lens in the lens array, such that up to at least M beams can simultaneously point to any one lens in the lens array). If two antenna arrays simultaneously point their respective beams at the same lens, the lens can maintain separation (e.g., orthogonality) between the beams, for example because the two antenna arrays can have different physical positions relative to the focal plane of the lens. Therefore, the wireless device described herein can simultaneously support at least M*N directional communication links.

[0046] Advantageously, using multiple antenna arrays can support multiple beams and thus multiple links in the direction of a single lens, which can provide throughput or other benefits. As another example, using a lens array (e.g., relative to a single lens) can improve the coverage radius relative to the set of supported beams (e.g., enhanced spherical coverage can be obtained). Alternatively or additionally, the number of antenna elements per antenna array can be reduced while maintaining beam shape (e.g., compactness) and link separation (or the number of antenna elements per antenna array can be maintained while improving beam shape), as lenses can facilitate beamforming and beam splitting. For example, an antenna array can generate a relatively wide beam that can be focused (e.g., tightened) by a lens, such that a narrower beam is generated on the opposite side of the lens relative to the antenna array. Furthermore, the use of antenna arrays can provide improved transmit power per beam (e.g., relative to using lenses to focus other omnidirectional transmissions). Further or alternative benefits associated with the teachings herein will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0047] The aspects of this disclosure are first described in the context of wireless communication systems. These aspects are further illustrated and described with reference to diagrams and flowcharts relating to wireless communication using multiple antenna arrays and lens arrays.

[0048] Figure 1Examples of a wireless communication system 100 supporting wireless communication using multiple antenna arrays and lens arrays according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown. The wireless communication system 100 may include one or more base stations 105, one or more UEs 115, and a core network 130. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may be an LTE network, an LTE-A network, an LTE-A Pro network, or an NR network. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may support enhanced broadband communication, ultra-reliable (e.g., mission-critical) communication, low-latency communication, communication with low-cost and low-complexity devices, or any combination thereof.

[0049] Base stations 105 can be distributed throughout a geographic area to form a wireless communication system 100, and can be devices of different forms or with different capabilities. Base stations 105 and UE 115 can communicate wirelessly via one or more communication links 125. Each base station 105 can provide a coverage area 110 over which UE 115 and base station 105 can establish one or more communication links 125. Coverage area 110 can be an example of a geographic area over which base station 105 and UE 115 can support communication of signals according to one or more radio access technologies.

[0050] UE 115 can be distributed throughout the entire coverage area 110 of wireless communication system 100, and each UE 115 can be stationary, mobile, or both at different times. UE 115 can be devices with different forms or different capabilities. Figure 1 Some example UE 115s are shown in the document. The UE 115 described herein can be used with various types of devices (e.g., other UE 115s, base station 105, or network devices (e.g., core network nodes, relay devices, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, or other network devices), such as Figure 1 (As shown) to communicate.

[0051] Base station 105 may communicate with core network 130, or with each other, or both. For example, base station 105 may interface with core network 130 via one or more backhaul links 120 (e.g., via S1, N2, N3, or other interfaces). Base station 105 may communicate with each other directly (e.g., directly between base stations 105) or indirectly (e.g., via core network 130) or directly and indirectly on backhaul links 120 (e.g., via X2, Xn, or other interfaces). In some examples, backhaul link 120 may be or include one or more radio links.

[0052] One or more base stations 105 described herein may include, or may be referred to by those skilled in the art as, base station transceiver, radio base station, access point, radio transceiver, node B, eNodeB (eNB), next-generation node B or gigabit node B (any of which may be referred to as gNB), home node B, home eNodeB or other suitable terms.

[0053] UE 115 may include or be referred to as a mobile device, wireless device, remote device, handheld device, or subscription device, or any other suitable term, wherein "device" may also be referred to as a cell, station, terminal, or client, etc. UE 115 may also include or be referred to as a personal electronic device, such as a cellular phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet computer, laptop computer, or personal computer. In some examples, UE 115 may include or be referred to as a wireless local loop (WLL) station, Internet of Things (IoT) device, Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or machine-type communication (MTC) device, which may be implemented in various objects such as home appliances, vehicles, or meters.

[0054] The UE 115 described in this document can communicate with various types of devices, such as other UEs 115 that can sometimes act as repeaters, as well as base station 105 and network devices (including macro eNBs or gNBs, small cell eNBs or gNBs, or relay base stations), etc. Figure 1 As shown.

[0055] UE 115 and base station 105 can wirelessly communicate with each other via one or more communication links 125 on one or more carriers. In some cases, communication link 125 may include one or more directional communication links as described herein. The term "carrier" may refer to a set of radio spectrum resources having a defined physical layer structure for supporting communication link 125. For example, a carrier for communication link 125 may include a portion of radio spectrum band (e.g., bandwidth portion (BWP)) operating according to one or more physical layer channels for a given radio access technology (e.g., LTE, LTE-A Pro, NR). Each physical layer channel may carry acquisition signaling (e.g., synchronization signals, system information), control signaling coordinating the operation of the carrier, user data, or other signaling. Wireless communication system 100 may support communication with UE 115 using carrier aggregation or multi-carrier operation. UE 115 may be configured with multiple downlink component carriers and one or more uplink component carriers according to a carrier aggregation configuration. Carrier aggregation may be used with frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD) component carriers.

[0056] The signal waveform transmitted on a carrier can consist of multiple subcarriers (e.g., using multi-carrier modulation (MCM) techniques, such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or DFT-S-OFDM). In a system employing MCM, a resource element can consist of one symbol period (e.g., the duration of a modulation symbol) and one subcarrier, where the symbol period and subcarrier spacing are inversely related. The number of bits carried by each resource element can depend on the modulation scheme (e.g., the order of the modulation scheme, the coding rate of the modulation scheme, or both). Therefore, the more resource elements the UE 115 receives and the higher the order of the modulation scheme, the higher the data rate that can be used for the UE 115. Wireless communication resources can refer to a combination of radio spectrum resources, temporal resources, and spatial resources (e.g., spatial layers or beams), and the use of multiple spatial layers can further increase the data rate or data integrity used for communication with the UE 115.

[0057] The time interval used for base station 105 or UE 115 can be expressed as a multiple of a basic time unit, such as T. s =1 / (Δf) max ·N f The sampling period is ) seconds, where Δf max This can represent the maximum supported subcarrier spacing, and N f This can represent the maximum supported Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) size. The time intervals of communication resources can be organized based on radio frames, each with a specified duration (e.g., 10 milliseconds (ms)). Each radio frame can be identified by a System Frame Number (SFN) (e.g., ranging from 0 to 1023).

[0058] Each frame may include multiple consecutively numbered subframes or time slots, and each subframe or time slot may have the same duration. In some examples, a frame (e.g., in the time domain) may be divided into multiple subframes, and each subframe may be further divided into multiple time slots. Alternatively, each frame may include a variable number of time slots, and the number of time slots may depend on the subcarrier spacing. Each time slot may include a number of symbol periods (e.g., depending on the length of the cyclic prefix preceding each symbol period). In some wireless communication systems 100, time slots may be further divided into multiple mini-time slots containing one or more symbols. In addition to the cyclic prefix, each symbol period may contain one or more (e.g., N) symbols. f (Number) sampling periods. The duration of a symbol period can depend on the subcarrier spacing or frequency band of the operation.

[0059] A subframe, time slot, mini-time slot, or symbol can be the smallest scheduling unit of the wireless communication system 100 (e.g., in the time domain) and can be referred to as a transmission time interval (TTI). In some examples, the duration of the TTI (e.g., the number of symbol periods in the TTI) can be variable. Alternatively, the smallest scheduling unit of the wireless communication system 100 can be dynamically selected (e.g., in a burst of shortened TTIs (sTTIs)).

[0060] Physical channels can be multiplexed on a carrier using various techniques. For example, one or more of Time Division Multiplexing (TDM), Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM), or hybrid TDM-FDM techniques can be used to multiplex physical control channels and physical data channels on a downlink carrier. A control region (e.g., a control resource set (CORESET)) for the physical control channel can be defined by the number of symbol periods and can be extended over the system bandwidth or a subset of the system bandwidth of the carrier. One or more control regions (e.g., CORESET) can be configured for a set in UE 115. For example, one or more UEs in UE 115 can monitor or search control regions for control information based on one or more search space sets, and each search space set can include one or more control channel candidates from one or more aggregation levels arranged in a concatenated manner. The aggregation level for the control channel candidates can refer to the number of control channel resources (e.g., control channel elements (CCEs)) associated with coded information for a control information format having a given payload size. The search space set may include a common search space set configured to send control information to multiple UEs 115 and a UE-specific search space set configured to send control information to a specific UE 115.

[0061] In some examples, base station 105 may be mobile, and thus provide communication coverage for mobile geographic coverage area 110. In some examples, different geographic coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies may overlap, but different geographic coverage areas 110 may be supported by the same base station 105. In other examples, overlapping geographic coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies may be supported by different base stations 105. Wireless communication system 100 may include, for example, a heterogeneous network, in which different types of base stations 105 use the same or different radio access technologies to provide coverage for various geographic coverage areas 110.

[0062] Wireless communication system 100 can be configured to support ultra-reliable communication or low-latency communication, or various combinations thereof. For example, wireless communication system 100 can be configured to support ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) or mission-critical communication. UE 115 can be designed to support ultra-reliable, low-latency, or mission-critical functions (e.g., mission-critical functions). Ultra-reliable communication can include private or group communication and can be supported by one or more mission-critical services such as Mission-Critical Talk-to-Talk (MCPTT), Mission-Critical Video (MCVideo), or Mission-Critical Data (MCData). Support for mission-critical functions can include service prioritization, and mission-critical services can be used for public safety or general business applications. The terms ultra-reliable, low-latency, mission-critical, and ultra-reliable low-latency are used interchangeably herein.

[0063] In some examples, UE 115 may also be able to communicate directly with other UE 115 via device-to-device (D2D) communication link 135 (e.g., using point-to-point (P2P) or D2D protocols). One or more UE 115s utilizing D2D communication may be within the geographic coverage area 110 of base station 105. Other UE 115s in such a group may be outside the geographic coverage area 110 of base station 105, or otherwise unable to receive transmissions from base station 105. In some examples, the group of UE 115s communicating via D2D communication may employ a one-to-many (1:M) system, where each UE 115 transmits to every other UE 115 in the group. In some examples, base station 105 facilitates the scheduling of resources for D2D communication. In other cases, D2D communication is performed between UE 115s without involving base station 105.

[0064] Core network 130 can provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. Core network 130 can be an evolved packet core (EPC) or a 5G core (5GC), and can include at least one control plane entity (e.g., a Mobility Management Entity (MME), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF)) managing access and mobility, and at least one user plane entity (e.g., a Serving Gateway (S-GW), Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway (P-GW), User Plane Function (UPF)) routing packets or interconnects to external networks. The control plane entity can manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions, such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management of UE 115 served by base station 105 associated with core network 130. User IP packets can be transmitted through the user plane entity, which can provide IP address allocation and other functions. The user plane entity can connect to network operator IP service 150. Operator IP service 150 can include access to the Internet, intranets, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), or packet-switched streaming services.

[0065] Some network devices (e.g., base station 105) may include sub-components, such as access network entity 140, which may be an example of an access node controller (ANC). Each access network entity 140 may communicate with UE 115 through one or more other access network transport entities 145, which may be referred to as a radio headend, smart radio headend, or transmit / receive point (TRP). Each access network transport entity 145 may include one or more antenna panels. In some configurations, the various functions of each access network entity 140 or base station 105 may be distributed across various network devices (e.g., radio headends and ANCs) or combined into a single network device (e.g., base station 105).

[0066] Wireless communication system 100 can operate using one or more frequency bands, typically in the range of 300 MHz to 300 GHz. The region from 300 MHz to 3 GHz is generally referred to as the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) region or decimeter band because the wavelength range is from approximately one decimeter to one meter. UHF waves may be blocked or redirected by buildings and environmental features, but the waves may be sufficient to penetrate structures to allow macrocells to provide service to UE 115 located indoors. Compared to transmissions using smaller frequencies and longer wavelengths in the High Frequency (HF) or Extreme High Frequency (VHF) portions of the spectrum below 300 MHz, UHF wave transmission can be associated with smaller antennas and shorter distances (e.g., less than 100 km).

[0067] Wireless communication system 100 may use licensed and unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands. For example, wireless communication system 100 may employ Licensed Assisted Access (LAA), LTE Unlicensed (LTE-U) radio access technology, or NR technology in unlicensed bands such as the 5 GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band. When operating in unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands, devices such as base station 105 and UE 115 may employ carrier sensing for collision detection and avoidance. In some examples, operation in unlicensed bands may be based on carrier aggregation configuration combined with component carriers operating in licensed bands (e.g., LAA). Operation in unlicensed spectrum may include downlink transmission, uplink transmission, P2P transmission, or D2D transmission, etc.

[0068] Base station 105 or UE 115 may be equipped with multiple antennas (e.g., multiple antenna arrays) that can be used to employ techniques such as transmit diversity, receive diversity, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication, or beamforming. The antennas of base station 105 or UE 115 may be located within one or more antenna arrays or antenna panels that can support MIMO operation or transmit or receive beamforming. For example, one or more base station antennas or antenna arrays may be located together at an antenna assembly, such as an antenna tower. In some examples, the antennas or antenna arrays associated with base station 105 may be located in different geographical locations. Base station 105 may have an antenna array with a number of rows and columns of antenna ports that base station 105 can use to support beamforming for communication with UE 115. Similarly, UE 115 may have one or more antenna arrays that can support various MIMO or beamforming operations. Additionally or alternatively, antenna panels may support radio frequency beamforming for signals transmitted via antenna ports.

[0069] Base station 105 or UE 115 can use MIMO communication to utilize multipath signal propagation and improve spectral efficiency by transmitting or receiving multiple signals via different spatial layers. Such a technique can be called spatial multiplexing. For example, multiple signals can be transmitted by a transmitting device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas. Similarly, a receiving device can receive multiple signals via different antennas or different combinations of antennas. Each of the multiple signals can be referred to as a separate spatial stream and can carry bits associated with the same data stream (e.g., the same codeword) or different data streams (e.g., different codewords). Different spatial layers can be associated with different antenna ports used for channel measurement and reporting. MIMO techniques include single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO), where multiple spatial layers are transmitted to the same receiving device, and multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO), where multiple spatial layers are transmitted to multiple devices.

[0070] Beamforming, also known as spatial filtering, directional transmission, or directional reception, is a signal processing technique that can be used at a transmitting or receiving device (e.g., base station 105 or UE 115) to shape or guide (e.g., point or otherwise orient) an antenna beam (e.g., a transmit beam or a receive beam) along a spatial path between the transmitting and receiving devices. Beamforming can be achieved by combining signals transmitted via antenna elements of an antenna array such that some signals propagating in a particular direction relative to the antenna array experience constructive interference, while others experience destructive interference. Adjustment of the signals transmitted via the antenna elements can include the transmitting or receiving device applying amplitude, phase shift, or both to the signals carried via the antenna elements associated with the device. The adjustment associated with each antenna element can be defined by a beamforming weight set associated with a particular orientation (e.g., relative to the antenna array of the transmitting or receiving device, or relative to some other orientation). As described herein, in some cases, beamforming can be further achieved by using a lens array, wherein the lenses of the array can shape (e.g., tighten, focus) beams toward or from the antenna array, and can maintain separation (e.g., orthogonality) between beams toward or from different antenna arrays.

[0071] Base station 105 or UE 115 may use beam scanning technology as part of beamforming operations. For example, base station 105 may use multiple antennas or antenna arrays (e.g., antenna panels) to perform beamforming operations for directional communication with UE 115. Some signals (e.g., synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) may be transmitted multiple times by base station 105 in different directions. For example, base station 105 may transmit signals according to different beamforming weight sets associated with different transmission directions. Transmissions in different beam directions may be used to identify (e.g., by a transmitting device (such as base station 105) or a receiving device (such as UE 115)) the beam direction for later transmission or reception by base station 105.

[0072] Some signals (such as data signals associated with a particular receiving device) may be transmitted by base station 105 in a single beam direction (e.g., the direction associated with the receiving device, such as UE 115). In some examples, the beam direction associated with transmission along a single beam direction may be determined based on the signals transmitted in one or more beam directions. For example, UE 115 may receive one or more of a plurality of signals transmitted by base station 105 in different directions, and may report to base station 105 an indication of the signal received by UE 115 with the highest signal quality or otherwise with acceptable signal quality.

[0073] In some examples, multiple beam directions can be used to perform transmissions by a device (e.g., base station 105 or UE 115), and the device can use a combination of digital precoding or radio frequency beamforming to generate a combined beam for transmission (e.g., from base station 105 to UE 115). UE 115 can report feedback indicating precoding weights for one or more beam directions, and this feedback can correspond to the configured number of beams across the system bandwidth or one or more subbands. Base station 105 can transmit reference signals (e.g., cell-specific reference signals (CRS), channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS)), which may or may not be precoded. UE 115 can provide feedback for beam selection, which can be a precoding matrix indicator (PMI) or codebook-based feedback (e.g., multi-panel type codebook, linear combination type codebook, port selection type codebook). Although these techniques are described with reference to signals transmitted by base station 105 in one or more directions, UE 115 may employ similar techniques for transmitting signals multiple times in different directions (e.g., for identifying beam directions for subsequent transmission or reception by UE 115) or for transmitting signals in a single direction (e.g., for transmitting data to a receiving device).

[0074] When receiving various signals (e.g., synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) from base station 105, the receiving device (e.g., UE 115) can attempt multiple receiving configurations (e.g., directional listening). For example, the receiving device can attempt multiple receiving directions by: receiving via different antenna subarrays; processing the received signal according to different antenna subarrays; receiving according to different sets of receiving beamforming weights applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of the antenna array (e.g., different sets of directional listening weights); or processing the received signal according to different sets of receiving beamforming weights applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of the antenna array. Any of these operations can be referred to as "listening" according to different receiving configurations or receiving directions. In some examples, the receiving device can use a single receiving configuration to receive along a single beam direction (e.g., when receiving data signals). A single receiver configuration can be aligned on a beam direction determined based on listening according to different receiver configuration directions (e.g., a beam direction determined to have the highest signal strength, highest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), or otherwise acceptable signal quality based on listening according to multiple beam directions).

[0075] Wireless devices (e.g., base station 105, relay device, UE 115, or other devices configured to transmit or receive wireless signals) may include lens arrays and multiple antenna arrays (e.g., each antenna array includes multiple antenna elements). Each of the multiple antenna arrays may individually support (e.g., be able to generate and guide) multiple beams in different directions. For example, each antenna array may be able to guide at least one beam at each lens of the lens array (e.g., concurrently). Thus, in some cases, multiple concurrent beams may pass through (e.g., point through) the lens, wherein at least some of the multiple concurrent beams are associated with different antenna arrays in the multiple antenna arrays. The lens may tighten or otherwise refine the beams passing through the lens. Additionally or alternatively, the lens may maintain separation (e.g., orthogonality) between different beams passing through the lens simultaneously. In some cases, the wireless device may concurrently guide multiple beams, wherein the multiple beams may go to or come from the same antenna array or from different antenna arrays. Multiple beams can be associated with one or more other wireless devices (e.g., pointed to or from one or more other wireless devices in order to exchange signaling with one or more other wireless devices).

[0076] Figure 2 An example configuration 200 of multiple antenna arrays and lens arrays according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. Configuration 200 may include multiple antenna arrays 205 and a lens array including multiple lenses 215. Although in Figure 2 The example shows four antenna arrays 205 and four lenses 215, but it should be understood that any number of antenna arrays and any number of lenses are possible.

[0077] Antenna array 205 may include multiple antenna elements for generating or otherwise guiding beam 210 in multiple different directions (e.g., concurrently). Associated circuitry (e.g., radio frequency circuitry) may also be included. For example, antenna array 205 may include phase shifters, and each phase shifter may be configured to adjust the phase or one or more other properties of a signal transmitted or received via a corresponding antenna element of antenna array 205. In some cases, the phase shifters of the antenna array may be arranged as a group referred to as layers, and each beam for antenna array 205 may correspond to a different phase shifter layer (e.g., generated by or otherwise guided by different phase shifter layers), such that the number of phase shifter layers at antenna array 205 may correspond to the number of concurrent beam directions supported by antenna array 205. Although Figure 2 The example shows each antenna array 205 as supporting four beam directions, but it should be understood that, depending on the implementation, the antenna array 205 can support any number of beam directions.

[0078] Antenna array 205 is capable of directing one or more beams 210 to any lens 215 within the lens array, or alternatively to any lens 215 within a subset of lenses 215 in the lens array. As an example, antenna array 205-a may be capable of directing beam 210-a to lens 215-b and (e.g., simultaneously) directing beam 210-c to lens 215-d. Although not all possible beams 210 supported by example configuration 200 are shown for clarity of illustration, antenna array 205-a may also be capable of (e.g., concurrently) directing another beam 210 to lens 215-a and another beam 210 to lens 215-c (e.g., at each lens 215, each antenna array 205 may be capable of concurrently directing at least one beam). Any number of other antenna arrays 205 may also be able to direct beam 210 toward lens 215 of the lens array, possibly concurrently with antenna array 205-a. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, antenna array 205-b can guide beam 210-b to lens 215-b, and antenna array 205-a concurrently guides beam 210-a to lens 215-b.

[0079] The lenses 215 of the lens array can be arranged in any configuration. For example, the lens array can be a 1D lens array, and the lenses 215 in the lens array can be arranged in rows, columns, or other linear configurations (e.g., arranged). As another example, the lens array can be a 2D lens array, and the lenses 215 in the lens array can be arranged as a collection of rows and columns, a rectangular array, or otherwise span at least two dimensions (e.g., a horizontal dimension and a vertical dimension). In some cases, the device may include more than one lens array 215. The use of multiple lenses can provide an enhanced coverage radius or area (e.g., enhanced spherical coverage) through configuration 200. In the case of using a 2D lens array, the antenna array 205 can be configured to support 2D beamforming. For example, the antenna array 205 may include a 2D phase shifter, and the antenna elements of the antenna array 205 may be configured as a uniform rectangular array (URA) or other 2D array.

[0080] In some cases, lens 215 can facilitate beamforming (e.g., beam shaping). For example, lens 215 can refine (e.g., tighten, collimate, or otherwise focus or improve) the beam 210 passing through (e.g., traversing) lens 215. As another example, lens 215 can help maintain separation (e.g., orthogonality) between different beams 210 that concurrently pass through lens 215. For example, lens 215 can change the plane wave angle (e.g., orientation) associated with the beam passing through lens 215. For example, when antenna array 205 transmits or receives beam 210 passing through lens 215, the lens can change the plane wave angle of the beam based on the physical position of antenna array 205 relative to the focal plane. Therefore, if both antenna arrays 205 transmit or receive beams 210 through the same lens 215, the lens 215 can make the beams 210 have different plane wave angles that are received by the two antenna arrays 205 or by one or more other target devices, even if, for example, the associated phase shifters at the two different antenna arrays 205 are configured the same.

[0081] exist Figure 2 In the example, example configuration 200 may be included at base station 105, and base station 105 may communicate with other wireless devices, such as UE 115. For example, base station 105 may communicate with UE 115-d via a first directional communication link corresponding to beam 210-a (which may be transmitted or received by antenna array 205-a and passes through lens 215-b), and may communicate with UE 115-c via a second directional communication link corresponding to beam 210-b (which may be transmitted or received by antenna array 205-b and also passes through lens 215-b) (e.g., concurrently). Additionally or alternatively, base station 105 may communicate with UE 115-e via a third directional communication link corresponding to beam 210-c (which may be transmitted or received by antenna array 205-a and passes through lens 215-d) (e.g., concurrently). In some cases, base station 105 can communicate with a single UE 115 via multiple beams 210 (e.g., via multiple beams 210 transmitted or received by different antenna arrays 205), potentially enabling MIMO configuration.

[0082] In some cases, any combination of antenna array 205 and lens 215 can be supported (e.g., concurrently). For example, a wireless device may include M antenna arrays 205 and N lenses 215. Each antenna array 205 may support up to at least N concurrent beams 210, where one beam 210 points to each of the N lenses 215. Thus, up to at least M beams can pass through each lens 215 simultaneously, where each of the M beams 210 passes through a given lens 215 corresponding to a different antenna array 205. In some cases, wireless devices as described herein may support a total of M*N concurrent beams (and thus support M*N concurrent directional communication links).

[0083] In some cases, as described herein, a wireless device can support beam tracking while communicating with another wireless device because the physical location of the other wireless device can change relative to the wireless device, as described herein. When the relative physical location of the other wireless device changes but remains within the aperture of the same lens 215, the wireless device, as described herein, can switch from communicating with the other wireless device using one antenna array 205 to communicating with the other wireless device using a different antenna array 205. For example, at the first moment, UE 115 may be located in... Figure 2 The example illustrates the location of UE 115-d, and base station 105 can communicate with UE 115 using antenna array 205-a and beam 210-a passing through lens 215-b. However, UE 115 can move, so that at a second time, UE 115 can be physically located... Figure 2 The example illustration shows the location of UE115-c. At a second time, base station 105 can communicate with UE 115 using antenna array 205-b and beam 210-b passing through lens 215-b. Therefore, even if there is relative movement of UE 115 but UE 115 remains within the aperture of the same lens 215, base station 105 can switch antenna array 205 without switching the lens 215 used for communication with UE 115.

[0084] When the relative physical location of another wireless device changes such that the other wireless device enters the aperture of the second lens 215 (and may also leave the aperture of the first lens 215), the wireless device described herein can maintain communication with the other wireless device by changing the beam direction associated with the antenna array 205 (e.g., phase shifter configuration). For example, and continuing the example from the previous paragraph, UE 115 can arrive at a third time at a location physically located... Figure 2The example illustration shows the position of UE 115e. At a third time, base station 105 can communicate with UE 115 using antenna array 205-a and beam 210-c passing through lens 215-d. Therefore, in the event that relative movement of UE 115 causes UE 115 to leave the aperture of one lens 215 or otherwise enter the aperture of another lens 215, the base station can rely on different beam directions supported by the same antenna array 205 but pointing towards different lenses 215 to maintain communication with UE 115.

[0085] Generally, beam tracking can be performed based on any combination of switching between antenna arrays 205 or between lenses 215 (e.g., based on different beam directions associated with the same or different antenna arrays 205) to maintain communication with another wireless device within the aperture of at least one lens of the lens array 215. In some cases, control circuitry can be coupled to the antenna array 205 to manage or otherwise implement beam tracking operation.

[0086] In some cases, the distance from antenna array 205 to lens 215 (e.g., the distance between antenna array 205 and the lens 215 closest to it) may be equal to or greater than the far-field length 220 of antenna array 205. In some cases, the distance between antenna arrays 205 of the wireless device may be configured (e.g., calibrated) to optimize or otherwise configure the degree of beam separation of beams 210 associated with different (e.g., adjacent) antenna arrays 205. Therefore, in some cases, the distance between antenna arrays 205 of the wireless device may depend on the diameter of one or more lenses 215 of the lens array at the wireless device.

[0087] Furthermore, in some cases, the aperture of lens 215 can be optimized or otherwise configured to maximize or otherwise enhance the amount of energy captured by lens 215 for each beam 210 supported by one or more of the antenna arrays 205. For example, the aperture of lens 215 can be configured to capture the maximum or substantially maximum aperture of each main lobe associated with each beam 210. In some cases, the lens diameter 225 of lens 215 can be greater than or equal to the width 230 of the antenna array, wherein the width 230 of the antenna array 205 can correspond to the distance between the outer edge of the antenna element of antenna array 205 and the farthest outer edge of the farthest other antenna element of antenna array 205. Additionally or alternatively, the number of lenses 215 can, in some cases, be equal to or less than the number of beam directions (e.g., concurrent beam directions) supported by a single antenna array 205. In some cases, the number of beam directions supported by a single antenna array 205 can depend on the granularity associated with the phase shifter within the single antenna array 205 (e.g., the number of bits used to control or otherwise configure the phase shift implemented by the single phase shifter).

[0088] In some cases, a wireless device may be able to activate or deactivate (e.g., turn on or off) different antenna elements within antenna array 205, and thus use a variable number of antenna elements to transmit or receive signals to support different levels of power consumption. For example, to support reduced power consumption, a wireless device may deactivate one or more antenna elements at one or more edges of antenna array 205, or may deactivate every other antenna element or some other interleaved subset of antenna elements within antenna array 205. Antenna elements operable to be deactivated may, for example, be coupled to a switch operable to activate or deactivate the antenna element.

[0089] The antenna array 205, lens 215, and other aspects of the wireless device described herein can be configured to be reciprocal (e.g., maintaining a level above a reciprocity threshold relative to transmitted and received signals (e.g., relative to downlink and uplink communications)). For example, the antenna array 205 can all be configured to be reciprocal relative to the transmission and reception of signals. As such an example, transmissions performed by the antenna array 205 can use amplitude distributions or other parameters obtained from or otherwise based on one or more signals received by the antenna array 205.

[0090] Although this document describes some examples from the perspective of a base station including multiple antenna arrays 205 and multiple lenses 215, it should be understood that, in accordance with the teachings of this document, any device that transmits or receives wireless signals (e.g., a relay device, UE 115 (e.g., a vehicle or other type of UE 115)) can be configured to include and employ multiple antenna arrays 205 and multiple lenses 215.

[0091] Figure 3 Figure 300 illustrates a device 305 supporting wireless communication using multiple antenna arrays and lens arrays according to various aspects of this disclosure. Device 305 may be an example of various aspects of base station 105 as described herein. Device 305 may include a receiver 310, a communication manager 315, and a transmitter 320. Device 305 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0092] Receiver 310 can receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to wireless communication using multiple antenna arrays and lens arrays). This information can be passed to other components of device 305. Receiver 310 can be a reference. Figure 6 Examples of various aspects of the transceiver 620 described herein. Receiver 310 may employ a single antenna or a set of antennas. For example, receiver 310 may be coupled to or include an array of antenna arrays 205 as described herein.

[0093] Transmitter 320 can transmit signals generated by other components of device 305. In some examples, transmitter 320 can be co-located with receiver 310 in a transceiver module. For example, transmitter 320 can be a reference... Figure 6 Examples of various aspects of the transceiver 620 described herein. The transmitter 320 may employ a single antenna or a group of antennas. For example, the transmitter 320 may be coupled to or comprise an array of antenna arrays 205 as described herein.

[0094] Communication manager 315 can guide a first beam between a first antenna element array and a first lens in a lens array, wherein the first antenna element array is one of a set of antenna element arrays, and guide a second beam between a first antenna element array and a second lens in a lens array. Communication manager 315 may be an example of various aspects of communication manager 610 described herein.

[0095] The communication manager 315 or its sub-components may be implemented in hardware, processor-executable code (e.g., software or firmware), or any combination thereof. If implemented in processor-executable code, the functionality of the communication manager 315 or its sub-components may be performed by a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, designed to perform the functions described in this disclosure.

[0096] The communication manager 315 or its subcomponents may be physically located in various locations, including being distributed such that portions of the functionality are implemented by one or more physical components in different physical locations. In some examples, according to various aspects of this disclosure, the communication manager 315 or its subcomponents may be separate and distinct components. In other examples, according to various aspects of this disclosure, the communication manager 315 or its subcomponents may be combined with one or more other hardware components, including but not limited to input / output (I / O) components, transceivers, network servers, another computing device, one or more other components described in this disclosure, or combinations thereof.

[0097] The communication manager 315 as described herein can be implemented to achieve one or more potential advantages. One implementation may allow device 405 to perform beamforming and beamguiding operations more efficiently. For example, device 405 may be configured with a lens array and one or more antenna arrays to perform communication with one or more other devices, wherein the lens array can collimate a wide beam transmitted from a small number of antenna elements into a narrow beam.

[0098] Based on the implementation of the lens array and antenna array configuration as described herein, the device's processor (e.g., controls receiver 310, transmitter 320, or reference) Figure 6 The transceiver 620 described can add spherical coverage, increase or decrease array gain, and enhance throughput in the implementation of lens array and antenna array beamforming and beamguiding devices.

[0099] Figure 4 Figure 400 illustrates a device 405 supporting wireless communication using multiple antenna arrays and lens arrays according to various aspects of this disclosure. Device 405 may be an example of aspects of device 305 or base station 105 as described herein. Device 405 may include a receiver 410, a communication manager 415, and a transmitter 430. Device 405 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0100] Receiver 410 can receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to wireless communication using multiple antenna arrays and lens arrays). This information can be passed to other components of device 405. Receiver 410 can be a reference. Figure 6 Examples of various aspects of the transceiver 620 described herein. Receiver 410 may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas. For example, receiver 410 may be coupled to or include an antenna array set 205 as described herein.

[0101] Transmitter 430 can transmit signals generated by other components of device 405. In some examples, transmitter 430 may be co-located with receiver 410 in a transceiver module. For example, transmitter 430 may be a reference... Figure 6 Examples of various aspects of the transceiver 620 described herein. The transmitter 430 may employ a single antenna or a set of antennas. For example, the transmitter 430 may be coupled to or include an antenna array assembly 205 as described herein.

[0102] Communication manager 415 may be an example of aspects of communication manager 315 as described herein. Communication manager 415 may include a first beamguide module 420 and a second beamguide module 425. Communication manager 415 may be an example of aspects of communication manager 610 as described herein.

[0103] The first beam guiding module 420 can guide a first beam between a first antenna element array and a first lens in a lens array, wherein the first antenna element array is one of a set of antenna element arrays. The second beam guiding module 425 can guide a second beam between the first antenna element array and a second lens in a lens array.

[0104] Figure 5 Figure 500 illustrates a communication manager 505 supporting wireless communication using multiple antenna arrays and lens arrays according to various aspects of this disclosure. Communication manager 505 may be an example of aspects of communication manager 315, communication manager 415, or communication manager 610 described herein. Communication manager 505 may include a beam guidance module 510, a motion identification module 515, a target transmit power identifier 520, and an antenna number changing module 525. Each of these modules may communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0105] The beam guiding module 510 can guide a first beam between a first antenna element array and a first lens in a lens array, wherein the first antenna element array is one antenna element array in a set of antenna element arrays. The beam guiding module 510 can guide a second beam between the first antenna element array and a second lens in the lens array. The beam guiding module 510 can guide a third beam between a second antenna element array and the first lens, wherein the second antenna element array is another antenna element array in a set of antenna element arrays.

[0106] In some cases, a third beam is guided between the second antenna element array and the first lens, while a first beam is guided between the first antenna element array and the first lens. In some examples, the beam guidance module 510 can communicate with the first UE via the first beam. In some examples, the beam guidance module 510 can communicate with the first UE via a second beam.

[0107] In some examples, beamguiding module 510 enables the wireless device to communicate with the UE via a first beam. Motion identification module 515 can identify the movement of the UE. In some examples, beamguiding module 510 enables the wireless device to communicate with the UE via a third beam after communicating with the UE via the first beam, based on the movement of the UE.

[0108] In some examples, the motion identification module 515 can identify a second movement of the UE. In some examples, the beamguiding module 510 can enable the wireless device to communicate with the UE via a second beam based on the second movement of the UE, after communicating with the UE via a third beam.

[0109] In some cases, a second beam is guided between the first antenna element array and the second lens, while a first beam is guided between the first antenna element array and the first lens. In some examples, the beam guiding module 510 enables a wireless device to communicate with a first UE via the first beam. In some examples, the beam guiding module 510 enables a wireless device to communicate with a second UE via a second beam.

[0110] In some examples, beamguiding module 510 enables a wireless device to communicate via a first beam using a first number of antenna elements within a first antenna element array during a first time period. Beamguiding module 510 enables a wireless device to communicate via a fourth beam using a second number of antenna elements within the first antenna element array during a second time period.

[0111] The target transmit power identifier 520 can identify changes in the target transmit power associated with the first antenna element array between a first time period and a second time period, wherein the change from using a first number of antenna elements to using a second number of antenna elements is based on the change in target transmit power.

[0112] The antenna quantity changing module 525 can change from using a first number of antenna elements to using a second number of antenna elements based on deactivating the first antenna elements and the second antenna elements respectively disposed at the first edge and the second edge of the first antenna element array. The antenna quantity changing module 525 can also change from using a first number of antenna elements to using a second number of antenna elements based on deactivating a subset of the first antenna elements interleaved with a subset of the second antenna elements within the first antenna element array, wherein the second number of antenna elements includes the subset of the second antenna elements.

[0113] In some cases, the distance between the first antenna element array and each lens in the lens array is greater than the far-field length of the first antenna element array. In some cases, each lens in the lens array has a corresponding diameter. In some cases, the width of the first antenna element array is smaller than the corresponding diameter of each lens in the lens array. In some cases, the lens array comprises a two-dimensional lens array. In some cases, the first and second lenses are aligned along a first dimension. In some cases, the first and third lenses of the lens array are aligned along a second dimension.

[0114] Figure 6 A diagram of a system 600 including a device 605 supporting wireless communication using multiple antenna arrays and lens arrays, according to various aspects of this disclosure, is shown. Device 605 may be an example of device 305, device 405, or base station 105 as described herein, or a component including device 305, device 405, or base station 105. Device 605 may include components for bidirectional voice and data communication, including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including a communication manager 610, a network communication manager 615, a transceiver 620, an antenna 625, a memory 630, a processor 640, and an inter-station communication manager 645. These components may communicate electronically via one or more buses (e.g., bus 650).

[0115] The communication manager 610 can guide a first beam between a first antenna element array and a first lens in a lens array, wherein the first antenna element array is one of a set of antenna element arrays, and guide a second beam between a first antenna element array and a second lens in a lens array.

[0116] The network communication manager 615 can manage communication with the core network (e.g., via one or more wired backhaul links). For example, the network communication manager 615 can manage the transmission of data communication for client devices (e.g., one or more UEs 115).

[0117] Transceiver 620 can communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas, wired or wireless links as described above. For example, transceiver 620 can represent a wireless transceiver and can communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. Transceiver 620 may also include a modem for modulating packets and providing the modulated packets to the antenna for transmission, and demodulating packets received from the antenna.

[0118] Antenna 625 may include an antenna array assembly that may be configured in conjunction with a lens assembly as described herein.

[0119] Memory 630 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), or a combination thereof. Memory 630 may store computer-readable code 635 including instructions that, when executed by a processor (e.g., processor 640), cause the device to perform the various functions described herein. In some cases, memory 630 may contain a basic I / O system (BIOS) that controls basic hardware or software operations such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0120] Processor 640 may include intelligent hardware devices (e.g., general-purpose processors, DSPs, CPUs, microcontrollers, ASICs, FPGAs, programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic components, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof). In some cases, processor 640 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some cases, the memory controller may be integrated into processor 640. Processor 640 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 630) to cause device 605 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting wireless communication using multiple antenna arrays and lens arrays).

[0121] Inter-site communication manager 645 can manage communication with other base stations 105 and may include a controller or scheduler for cooperating with other base stations 105 to control communication with UE 115. For example, inter-site communication manager 645 can coordinate the scheduling of transmissions to UE 115 for various interference mitigation techniques such as beamforming or joint transmission. In some examples, inter-site communication manager 645 may provide an X2 interface within LTE / LTE-A wireless communication network technology to facilitate communication between base stations 105.

[0122] Code 635 may include instructions for implementing various aspects of this disclosure, including instructions for supporting wireless communication. Code 635 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or other types of memory. In some cases, code 635 may not be directly executable by processor 640, but may enable a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform the functions described herein.

[0123] Figure 7 A flowchart of a method 700 supporting wireless communication using multiple antenna arrays and lens arrays according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. Operation of method 700 can be implemented by a wireless device (e.g., base station 105) or components thereof as described herein. For example, operation of method 700 can be implemented by, as referenced... Figures 3 to 6 The described communication manager is used to perform this. In some examples, the wireless device may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the wireless device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless device may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the functions described below.

[0124] At 705, the wireless device can guide a first beam between a first antenna element array and a first lens in a lens array, wherein the first antenna element array is one of a set of antenna element arrays. Operation 705 can be performed according to the method described herein. In some examples, it can be achieved by referring to... Figures 3 to 6 The beamguide module described performs various aspects of the operation of 705.

[0125] At point 710, the wireless device can guide the second beam between the first antenna element array and the second lens in the lens array. Operation 710 can be performed according to the method described herein. In some examples, it can be achieved by referring to... Figures 3 to 6 The beamguide module described performs various aspects of the operation of 710.

[0126] Figure 8 A flowchart of a method 800 supporting wireless communication using multiple antenna arrays and lens arrays according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. The operation of method 800 can be implemented by a wireless device (e.g., base station 105) or components thereof as described herein. For example, it can be implemented by... (See references...) Figures 3 to 6 The described communication manager performs the operations of method 800. In some examples, the wireless device may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the wireless device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless device may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the functions described below.

[0127] At 805, the wireless device can guide a first beam between a first antenna element array and a first lens in a lens array, wherein the first antenna element array is one of a set of antenna element arrays. Operation at 805 can be performed according to the method described herein. In some examples, it can be done by reference... Figures 3 to 6 The described beamguide module performs various aspects of the 805's operation.

[0128] At point 810, the wireless device can guide the second beam between the first antenna element array and the second lens in the lens array. Operation of point 810 can be performed according to the method described herein. In some examples, it can be achieved by referring to... Figures 3 to 6 The beamguide module described performs various aspects of the operation of the 810.

[0129] At point 815, the wireless device can guide a third beam between the second antenna element array and the first lens, wherein the second antenna element array can be another antenna element array in a set of antenna element arrays. Operation of point 815 can be performed according to the method described herein. In some examples, it can be achieved by referring to... Figures 3 to 6 The described beamguide module performs various aspects of the 815's operation.

[0130] Figure 9 A flowchart of a method 900 supporting wireless communication using multiple antenna arrays and lens arrays according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. The operation of method 900 can be implemented by a wireless device (e.g., base station 105) or components thereof as described herein. For example, it can be implemented by... (See references...) Figures 3 to 6 The described communication manager performs the operations of method 900. In some examples, the wireless device may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the wireless device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless device may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the functions described below.

[0131] At 905, the wireless device can guide a first beam between a first antenna element array and a first lens in a lens array, wherein the first antenna element array is one of a set of antenna element arrays. Operation 905 can be performed according to the method described herein. In some examples, it can be done by reference... Figures 3 to 6 The described beamguide module performs various aspects of the 905's operation.

[0132] At point 910, the wireless device can communicate with the UE via the first beam. Operation at point 910 can be performed according to the method described herein. In some examples, it can be done using references... Figures 3 to 6 The described beamguide module performs various aspects of the 910's operation.

[0133] At point 915, the base station can detect the UE's movement. Operations at point 915 can be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, this can be achieved by referring to... Figures 3 to 6 The described motion recognition module performs various aspects of the 915 operation.

[0134] At position 920, the wireless device can guide a third beam between the second antenna element array and the first lens, wherein the second antenna element array can be another antenna element array in a set of antenna element arrays. Operation at position 920 can be performed according to the method described herein. In some examples, it can be achieved by referring to... Figures 3 to 6 The described beamguide module performs various aspects of the 920's operation.

[0135] At point 925, the wireless device can, after communicating with the UE via the first beam, communicate with the UE via the third beam based on the UE's movement. Operation 925 can be performed according to the method described herein. In some examples, aspects of operation 925 can be derived from references... Figures 3 to 6 The described beamguide module is used to perform this.

[0136] The following provides an overview of various aspects of this disclosure:

[0137] Aspect 1: A method for wireless communication, comprising: guiding a first beam between a first lens in a first antenna element array and a lens array, wherein the first antenna element array is one of a plurality of antenna element arrays; and guiding a second beam between a second lens in the first antenna element array and the lens array.

[0138] Aspect 2: The method according to aspect 1 further includes: guiding a third beam between the second antenna element array and the first lens, wherein the second antenna element array is another antenna element array among a plurality of antenna element arrays.

[0139] Aspect 3: According to the method of aspect 2, wherein while guiding the third beam between the second antenna element array and the first lens, guiding the first beam between the first antenna element array and the first lens.

[0140] Aspect 4: The method according to aspect 3 further includes: communicating with the first UE via a first beam and communicating with the first UE via a second beam.

[0141] Aspect 5: The method according to any one of Aspects 2 to 4 further includes: communicating with the UE via a first beam; identifying the movement of the UE; and, after communicating with the UE via the first beam, communicating with the UE via a third beam, at least in part based on the movement of the UE.

[0142] Aspect 6: The method according to aspect 5 further includes: identifying a second movement of the UE; and, after communicating with the UE via the third beam, communicating with the UE via the second beam at least in part based on the second movement of the UE.

[0143] Aspect 7: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein a second beam is guided between the first antenna element array and the first lens while a first beam is guided between the first antenna element array and the first lens.

[0144] Aspect 8: The method according to aspect 7 further includes: communicating with a first UE via a first beam, and communicating with a second UE via a second beam.

[0145] Aspect 9: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 8 further includes: during a first time period, communicating via a first beam using a first number of antenna elements in a first antenna element array; and during a second time period, communicating via a fourth beam using a second number of antenna elements in the first antenna element array.

[0146] Aspect 10: The method according to aspect 9 further includes: identifying a change in target transmit power associated with the first antenna element array between the first time period and the second time period, wherein the change from using the first number of antenna elements to using the second number of antenna elements is at least partially based on the change in target transmit power.

[0147] Aspect 11: The method according to any one of Aspects 9 to 10 further includes: changing from using a first number of antenna elements to using a second number of antenna elements based at least in part on deactivating the first antenna elements and the second antenna elements respectively disposed at the first edge and the second edge of the first antenna element array; or changing from using a first number of antenna elements to using a second number of antenna elements based at least in part on deactivating the first antenna element subset interleaved with the second antenna element subset within the first antenna element array, wherein the second number includes the second antenna element subset.

[0148] Aspect 12: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11, wherein the distance between the first antenna element array and each lens in the lens array is greater than the far-field length for the first antenna element array.

[0149] Aspect 13: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 12, wherein each lens in the lens array has a corresponding diameter; and the width of the first antenna element array is smaller than the corresponding diameter of each lens in the lens array.

[0150] Aspect 14: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 13, wherein the lens array comprises a two-dimensional lens array; a first lens and a second lens are aligned along a first dimension; and the first lens and a third lens of the lens array are aligned along a second dimension.

[0151] Aspect 15: An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform a method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 14.

[0152] Aspect 16: An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: at least one unit for performing the method according to any one of aspects 1 to 14.

[0153] Aspect 17: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication, said code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform a method according to any one of aspects 1 to 14.

[0154] Aspect 18: An apparatus comprising: a lens array including a first lens and a second lens; and a plurality of antenna element arrays, wherein the first antenna element array of the plurality of antenna element arrays includes: a plurality of antenna elements; and a phase shifting circuit operable to guide a first beam between the first antenna element array and the first lens, and to guide a second beam between the first antenna element array and the second lens.

[0155] Aspect 19: The apparatus according to aspect 18 further includes: wherein the second antenna element array of the plurality of antenna element arrays includes: a second plurality of antenna elements; and a second phase shifting circuit operable to guide a third beam between the second antenna element array and the first lens, and to guide a fourth beam between the second antenna element array and the second lens.

[0156] Aspect 20: The apparatus according to any one of aspects 18 to 19, wherein the phase-shifting circuit is operable to guide a second beam between the first antenna element array and the first lens while simultaneously guiding a first beam between the first antenna element array and the first lens.

[0157] Aspect 21: The apparatus according to any one of aspects 18 to 20, wherein each of the plurality of antenna element arrays is operable to simultaneously guide a corresponding beam in a corresponding direction corresponding to the first lens.

[0158] Aspect 22: The apparatus according to any one of aspects 18 to 21, wherein each of the plurality of antenna element arrays is operable to simultaneously guide a corresponding plurality of beams, each of the corresponding plurality of beams corresponding to a corresponding lens in the lens array.

[0159] Aspect 23: The apparatus according to any one of aspects 18 to 22 further includes: a control circuit coupled to the plurality of antenna element arrays, wherein the control circuit is configured to: identify a first movement of the UE, wherein a first beam is associated with the UE; stop the first antenna element array from guiding the first beam between the first antenna element array and the first lens, at least in part based on the first movement of the UE; and guide a second antenna element array of the plurality of antenna element arrays to guide a third beam between the second antenna element array and the first lens, wherein the third beam is associated with the UE, at least in part based on the first movement of the UE.

[0160] Aspect 24: The apparatus according to aspect 23, wherein the control circuit is further configured to: identify a second movement of the UE; at least partially based on the second movement of the UE, stop the second antenna element array from guiding a third beam between the second antenna element array and the second lens; and at least partially based on the second movement of the UE, guide a second beam between the first antenna element array and the second lens, wherein the second beam is associated with the UE.

[0161] Aspect 25: The apparatus according to any one of aspects 18 to 24, wherein the distance between the first antenna element array and each lens in the lens array is greater than the far-field length of the first antenna element array.

[0162] Aspect 26: The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 18 to 25, wherein: each lens in the lens array has a corresponding diameter, and the width of the first antenna element array is smaller than the corresponding diameter of each lens in the lens array.

[0163] Aspect 27: The apparatus according to any one of aspects 18 to 26 further includes: a third lens in a lens array, wherein the lens array comprises a two-dimensional lens array, and wherein: the first lens and the second lens are aligned along a first dimension; and the first lens and the third lens are aligned along a second dimension.

[0164] Aspect 28: The apparatus according to any one of aspects 18 to 27 further includes: a switching circuit operable to deactivate a subset of a plurality of antenna elements within a first antenna element array; and control circuitry coupled to the first antenna element array and configured such that the switching circuitry deactivates a subset of the plurality of antenna elements at least in part based on the operating mode of the apparatus.

[0165] Aspect 29: The apparatus according to aspect 28, wherein the subset of the plurality of antenna elements includes: a first antenna element and a second antenna element respectively disposed at a first edge and a second edge of a first antenna element array, or a subset of first antenna elements interspersed with the subset of second antenna elements within the first antenna element array.

[0166] Aspect 30: The apparatus according to any one of aspects 28 to 29, wherein each of the plurality of antenna element arrays is configured to be reciprocal with respect to the transmission and reception of signals.

[0167] It should be noted that the methods described herein depict possible implementations, and the operations and steps can be rearranged or modified in other aspects, and other implementations are possible. Furthermore, multiple aspects from two or more methods can be combined.

[0168] While aspects of LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR systems are described for illustrative purposes, and the terms LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR may be used in most of the description, the techniques described herein can be applied beyond LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR networks. For example, the techniques described can be applied to a variety of other wireless communication systems, such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, and other systems and radio technologies not explicitly mentioned herein.

[0169] The information and signals described herein can be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and methods. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips mentioned in all of the above descriptions can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof.

[0170] The various illustrative blocks and components described in connection with this disclosure may be implemented or performed using a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in alternative embodiments, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0171] The functions described herein can be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions can be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope and spirit of this disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described herein can be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwired, or any combination thereof. Features implementing the functions can also be physically located in multiple locations, including portions distributed such that the functions are implemented at different physical locations. As used herein (including the claims), when the term “and / or” is used in a list of two or more entries, it means that any one of the listed entries can be used alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed entries can be used. For example, if a composition is described as comprising components A, B, and / or C, the composition can comprise A alone; B alone; C alone; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B, and C. Furthermore, as used herein (including the claims), the “or” used in a list of entries (e.g., a list of entries ending with a phrase such as “at least one of…” or “one or more of…”) indicates a separate list, such that a list such as “at least one of A, B or C” means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C).

[0172] Computer-readable media include non-transitory computer storage media and communication media, with communication media including any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Non-transitory storage media can be any usable medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. Exemplarily, and not limitingly, non-transitory computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, optical disc (CD) ROM or other optical disc storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transitory medium capable of carrying or storing required program code modules in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor. Furthermore, any connection is appropriately referred to as computer-readable media. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of media. As used herein, disks and optical discs include CDs, laser discs, optical discs, DVDs, floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, where disks typically reproduce data magnetically, while optical discs reproduce data optically using lasers. Combinations of these are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0173] As used herein (including the claims), the word "or" as used in a list of entries (e.g., a list of entries ending with phrases such as "at least one of..." or "one or more of...") indicates an inclusive list, such that a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an exemplary operation described as "based on condition A" may be based on conditions A and B without departing from the scope of this disclosure. That is, as used herein, the phrase "based on" will be interpreted in the same manner as the phrase "at least partially based on".

[0174] In the accompanying drawings, similar components or features may have the same reference numerals. Furthermore, multiple components of the same type may be distinguished by a dash following the reference numeral and a second reference numeral to differentiate them. If only the first reference numeral is used in the description, the description applies to any similar component having the same first reference numeral, regardless of the second or other subsequent reference numerals.

[0175] This document describes exemplary configurations in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but does not represent all examples that can be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The term "exemplary" as used herein means "serving as an example, illustration, or description," and not "preferred" or "superior to other examples." Detailed descriptions include specific details to provide an understanding of the techniques. However, these techniques can be implemented without these specific details. In some cases, known structures and devices are shown in graphical form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the examples.

[0176] This disclosure is provided to enable those skilled in the art to implement or use the content thereof. Various modifications to this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but should be given the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: A lens array, comprising a first lens and a second lens; as well as Multiple antenna arrays, each of which includes a plurality of antenna elements and a corresponding phase-shifting circuit, wherein each of the multiple antenna arrays is operable to simultaneously guide a corresponding beam in a corresponding direction. The first antenna array in the plurality of antenna arrays is configured as follows: A first beam is guided between the first antenna array and the first lens, at least partially based on the location of the first user equipment (UE), and a second beam is guided between the first antenna array and the second lens, at least partially based on the location of the second user equipment (UE). The second antenna array of the plurality of antenna arrays is configured to guide the first beam between the first antenna array and the first lens, at least in part based on the position of the third user equipment (UE) relative to the position of the first user equipment (UE).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The second antenna array of the plurality of antenna arrays is operable to guide a fourth beam between the second antenna array and the second lens.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first antenna array is operable to guide a second beam between the first antenna array and the second lens, while simultaneously guiding the first beam between the first antenna array and the first lens.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of antenna arrays can also be operated to simultaneously guide a second plurality of corresponding beams in the corresponding directions pointing to the second lens.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of antenna arrays is operable to simultaneously guide a corresponding plurality of beams, each of the corresponding plurality of beams pointing to a corresponding lens in the lens array.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A control circuit, coupled to the plurality of antenna arrays, wherein the control circuit is configured to: Identify a first movement of the second user equipment (UE), wherein the second beam is associated with the second user equipment (UE); At least in part based on the first movement of the second user equipment (UE), the first antenna array is stopped from guiding the second beam between the first antenna array and the second lens; and Based at least in part on the first movement of the second user equipment (UE), the second antenna array of the plurality of antenna arrays guides a fourth beam between the second antenna array and the second lens, wherein the fourth beam is associated with the second user equipment (UE).

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The control circuit is also configured to: Identify the second movement of the second user equipment (UE); At least in part based on the second movement of the second user equipment (UE), the second antenna array is stopped guiding the fourth beam between the second antenna array and the second lens; as well as Based at least in part on the second movement of the second user equipment (UE), the first antenna array guides a fifth beam between the first antenna array and the second lens, wherein the fifth beam is associated with the second user equipment (UE).

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The distance between the first antenna array and each lens in the lens array is greater than the far-field length of the first antenna array.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: Each lens in the lens array has a corresponding diameter; and The width of the first antenna array is smaller than the corresponding diameter of each lens in the lens array.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The third lens in the lens array, wherein the lens array comprises a two-dimensional lens array, and wherein: The first lens and the second lens are aligned along a first dimension; and The first lens and the third lens are aligned along the second dimension.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first antenna array includes a first plurality of antenna elements, and the device further includes: A switching circuit, operable to deactivate a subset of the first plurality of antenna elements within the first antenna array; and A control circuit, coupled to the first antenna array and configured such that the switching circuit deactivates the subset of the first plurality of antenna elements at least in part based on the operating mode of the device.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The subset of the first plurality of antenna elements includes: The first antenna element and the second antenna element are respectively disposed at the first edge and the second edge of the first antenna array; or The first subset of antenna elements is interleaved with the second subset of antenna elements within the first antenna array.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The plurality of antenna arrays are each configured to be reciprocal in terms of signal transmission and reception.

14. A method for wireless communication, comprising: At least in part based on the location of the first user equipment (UE), a first beam is guided between a first lens in a first antenna array and a lens array, wherein the first antenna array is one of a plurality of antenna arrays; A second beam is guided between the first antenna array and the second lens in the lens array, at least in part based on the location of the second user equipment (UE); and Based at least in part on the position of the third user equipment (UE) relative to the first user equipment (UE), a first beam is guided between the first antenna array and the first lens, while a third beam is guided between the second antenna array and the first lens, wherein the second antenna array is another antenna array among the plurality of antenna arrays.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein: The first beam is guided between the second antenna array and the first lens while simultaneously guiding the third beam between the second antenna array and the first lens.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: The device communicates with the first user equipment (UE) via the first beam. as well as It communicates with the first user equipment (UE) via the second beam.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising: The device communicates with the first user equipment (UE) via the first beam. Identify the movement of the first user equipment (UE); as well as After communicating with the first user equipment (UE) via the first beam, the third beam is used to communicate with the first user equipment (UE) at least in part based on the movement of the first user equipment (UE).

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: Identify the second movement of the first user equipment (UE); as well as After communicating with the first user equipment (UE) via the third beam, the second beam is used to communicate with the first user equipment (UE) at least in part based on the second movement of the first user equipment (UE).

19. The method of claim 14, wherein: The first beam is guided between the first antenna array and the first lens while simultaneously guiding the second beam between the first antenna array and the second lens.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: The device communicates with the first user equipment (UE) via the first beam. as well as It communicates with the second user equipment (UE) via the second beam.

21. The method of claim 14, further comprising: During the first time period, a first number of antenna elements within the first antenna array communicate via the first beam. as well as During the second time period, communication is conducted via a fourth beam using a second number of antenna elements within the first antenna array.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: Between the first time period and the second time period, a change in the target transmit power associated with the first antenna array is identified, wherein the change from using the first number of antenna elements to using the second number of antenna elements is at least in part based on the change in the target transmit power.

23. The method of claim 21, further comprising: At least in part, based on deactivating the first antenna element and the second antenna element respectively disposed at the first edge and the second edge of the first antenna array, the use of the first number of antenna elements is changed to the use of the second number of antenna elements; or The change from using the first number of antenna elements to using the second number of antenna elements is based at least in part on deactivating a subset of first antenna elements that intersects with a subset of second antenna elements within the first antenna array, wherein the second number of antenna elements includes the second subset of antenna elements.

24. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The distance between the first antenna array and each lens in the lens array is greater than the far-field length of the first antenna array.

25. The method of claim 14, wherein: Each lens in the lens array has a corresponding diameter; and The width of the first antenna array is smaller than the corresponding diameter of each lens in the lens array.

26. The method of claim 14, wherein: The lens array includes a two-dimensional lens array; The first lens and the second lens are aligned along a first dimension; and The first and third lenses of the lens array are aligned along the second dimension.

27. An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: processor; The memory is coupled to the processor; as well as Instructions, which are stored in the memory and can be executed by the processor, to cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 14-26.

28. An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: Units for performing the method according to any one of claims 14-26.

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