UE adaptive beam management method and device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method and system for integrating a fifth generation (5G) communication system supporting a higher data rate than a fourth generation (4G) system with an Internet of Things (IoT) technology. The present disclosure can be applied to smart services based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technologies, such as smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, smart cars, connected cars, healthcare, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. A method for operating an electronic device having multiple antenna modules, wherein at least one of the multiple antenna modules is a service module, comprises: triggering a module scanning operation based on one or more of the following: a reference signal received power (RSRP) of the service module is lower than a dynamic time-varying threshold; when the electronic device is in the same location, the RSRP of the service module is lower than the average RSRP of the service module; the estimated beam arrival angle is at the edge of the coverage area of ​​the service module or outside the coverage area of ​​the service module; an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor indicates that the electronic device has rotated; or the RSRP of the service module cannot support the predicted data demand.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a general electronic device and more particularly to a method and device for adaptive beam management of a user equipment. Background Art

[0002] In order to meet the increased demand for wireless data communication services since the deployment of 4G communication systems, efforts have been made to develop improved 5G or quasi-5G communication systems. Therefore, 5G or quasi-5G communication systems are also referred to as "super 4G networks" or "post-LTE systems". 5G communication systems are implemented in higher frequency (mmWave) bands, such as the 6GHz band, to achieve higher data rates. In order to reduce the propagation loss of radio waves and increase the transmission distance, beamforming, massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, and massive antenna technology are discussed in 5G communication systems. In addition, in 5G communication systems, based on advanced small cells, cloud radio access networks (RAN), ultra-dense networks, device-to-device (D2D) communications, wireless backhaul, mobile networks, collaborative communications, collaborative multi-point (CoMP), receiving-end interference elimination, etc., development of system network improvements is underway. In 5G systems, hybrid FSK and QAM modulation (FQAM) and sliding window superposition coding (SWSC) as advanced coded modulation (ACM), and filter bank multi-carrier (FBMC), non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) and sparse code multiple access (SCMA) as advanced access technologies have been developed.

[0003] The Internet is a human-centered connected network in which humans generate and consume information. The Internet is now developing towards the Internet of Things (IoT), in which distributed entities (such as things) can exchange and process information without human intervention. Among them, IoT technology and big data processing technology have emerged through the Internet of Everything (IoE) combined with cloud server connection. The implementation of IoT requires technical elements such as "sensing technology", "wired / wireless communication and network infrastructure", "service interface technology" and "security technology". Sensor networks, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC) and others have been studied recently. Such an IoT environment can provide intelligent Internet technology services to create new value for human life by collecting and analyzing data generated between connected things. Through integration and combination with existing information technology (IT) and various industrial applications, IoT can be applied to multiple fields such as smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, smart cars or connected cars, smart grids, healthcare, smart appliances and advanced medical services.

[0004] Correspondingly, various attempts have been made to apply 5G communication systems to IoT networks. For example, technologies such as sensor networks, machine type communications (MTC), and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications can be implemented through beamforming, MIMO, and array antennas. The application of cloud radio access networks (RANs) as the above-mentioned big data processing technology can also be considered as an example of the fusion of 5G technology and IoT technology.

[0005] The use of mobile computing technologies such as portable electronic devices (including radio devices) has greatly expanded due to availability, convenience, computing power, etc. Typically, multiple antenna modules are provided on the portable electronic device to avoid coverage holes and enhance robustness with respect to hand / body blocking, and the electronic device uses one or more antenna modules for communication. The electronic device may choose to switch to another antenna module to maintain a good connection with the base station. In order to find an antenna module suitable for communication, module scanning is usually adopted. However, module scanning incurs costs including delays and energy overheads of turning on / off the antenna modules. Summary of the invention

[0006]

Technical issues

[0007] For a more efficient communication system, a method and apparatus for adaptive beam management of user equipment is needed.

[0008] [Solution to the problem]

[0009] In an embodiment of the first aspect, an electronic device is provided, comprising a plurality of antenna modules, wherein at least one of the plurality of antenna modules is a service module. The electronic device also includes a transceiver, which is operably connected to at least one of the plurality of antenna modules. The electronic device also includes a processor, which is operably connected to the transceiver. The processor is configured to trigger a module scanning operation based on one or more of the following: a reference signal received power (RSRP) of the service module is lower than a dynamic time-varying threshold; when the electronic device is in the same position, the RSRP of the service module is lower than the average RSRP of the service module; the estimated beam arrival angle is at the edge of the coverage area of ​​the service module or outside the coverage area of ​​the service module; an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor indicates that the electronic device has rotated; or, the RSRP of the service module cannot support the predicted data demand.

[0010] In another embodiment, a method for operating an electronic device is provided, the electronic device comprising a plurality of antenna modules, wherein at least one of the plurality of antenna modules is a service module. The method comprises: triggering a module scanning operation based on one or more of the following: a reference signal received power (RSRP) of the service module is lower than a dynamic time-varying threshold; when the electronic device is in the same location, the RSRP of the service module is lower than an average RSRP of the service module; the estimated beam arrival angle is at the edge of the coverage area of ​​the service module or outside the coverage area of ​​the service module; an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor indicates that the electronic device has rotated; or, the RSRP of the service module cannot support the predicted data demand.

[0011] Other technical features will become more clear to those skilled in the art through the following drawings, specific implementations and claims.

[0012] [Beneficial effects of the invention]

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method and apparatus for adaptive beam management of a user equipment are provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 An example wireless network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0016] Figure 2 An example electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0017] Figure 3 An example architecture for implementing hybrid beamforming according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0018] Figure 4 An example of an antenna module arrangement according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0019] Figure 5 A flowchart of a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0020] Figure 6 A flowchart of a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0021] Figure 7 A flowchart of a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0022] Figure 8 A flowchart of a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0023] Fig. 9 A flowchart of a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0024] Fig.10 A flowchart of a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0025] Fig.11 A flowchart of a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0026] Fig.12 A flowchart of a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0027] Fig.13 A flowchart of a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0028] Fig.14 An example of periodic module scanning according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0029] Fig.15 A flowchart of a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0030] Fig.16 A flowchart of a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0031] Fig.17 A flowchart of a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0032] Fig.18 A flowchart of a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0033] Fig.19 A flowchart of a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0034] Fig. 20 A flowchart of a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0035] Fig.21 A flowchart of a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0036] Fig. 22 A flowchart of a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0037] Fig.23A flowchart of a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Before entering the following specific embodiments, it may be beneficial to clarify the definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The term "coupling" and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not these elements are in physical contact with each other. The terms "send", "receive" and "communication" and their derivatives include direct and indirect communication. The terms "include" and "comprise" and their derivatives mean including but not limited to. The term "or" is inclusive, meaning and / or. The phrase "associated with..." and its derivatives mean to include, be contained therein, be interconnected, accommodate, be contained therein, be connected to or connected therewith, be coupled to or coupled therewith, be communicative, cooperate, interlace, parallel, approach, be bound to or bound therewith, have, have attributes, be related to or have a relationship therewith, etc. The term "controller" refers to any device, system or part thereof that controls at least one operation. Such a controller can be implemented with hardware or a combination of hardware, software and / or firmware. The functions associated with any particular controller can be centralized or distributed, whether local or remote. The phrase "at least one of" when used with a list of items means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one of the items in the list may be required. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes any combination of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; and A, B, and C.

[0039] In addition, the various functions described below can be implemented or supported by one or more computer programs, each of which is formed by a computer-readable program code and embodied in a computer-readable medium. The terms "application" and "program" refer to one or more computer programs, software components, instruction sets, processes, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or parts thereof that are applicable to implementation in a suitable computer-readable program code. The phrase "computer-readable program code" includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase "computer-readable medium" includes any type of medium that can be accessed by a computer, such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a hard drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. "Non-temporary" computer-readable media does not include wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transmit temporary electrical or other signals. Non-temporary computer-readable media include media that can permanently store data and media that can store data and then rewrite, such as rewritable compact discs or erasable storage devices. Definitions for other specific words or phrases will be proposed in this patent document. Those skilled in the art will understand that in many, if not all instances, such definitions apply to prior as well as future uses of the defined words or phrases.

[0040] Described below Figures 1 to 23 , and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure of this patent document are merely illustrative and should not be interpreted in any way to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles of the present disclosure can be implemented in any appropriately arranged wireless communication system.

[0041] Figure 1 An example wireless network 100 is shown in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The embodiment of the wireless network 100 shown in FIG. 1 is for illustration only. Other embodiments of the wireless network 100 can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, wireless network 100 includes gNB 101, gNB 102, and gNB 103. gNB 101 communicates with gNB 102 and gNB 103. gNB 101 also communicates with at least one network 130, such as the Internet, a proprietary Internet Protocol (IP) network, or other data network.

[0043] gNB 102 provides wireless broadband access to network 130 for a first plurality of electronic devices within coverage area 120 of gNB 102. The first plurality of electronic devices include: electronic device 111, which may be located in a small business; electronic device 112, which may be located in an enterprise (E); electronic device 113, which may be located in a WiFi hotspot (HS); electronic device 114, which may be located in a first residence (R); electronic device 115, which may be located in a second residence (R); and electronic device 116, which may be a mobile device (M), such as a cellular phone, a wireless laptop computer, a wireless PDA, etc. gNB 103 provides wireless broadband access to network 130 for a second plurality of electronic devices within coverage area 125 of gNB 103. The second plurality of electronic devices include electronic device 115 and electronic device 116. In some embodiments, one or more of gNBs 101-103 may communicate with each other and with electronic devices 111-116 using 5G, LTE, LTE-A, WiMAX, WiFi, or other wireless communication technologies.

[0044] Depending on the network type, the term "base station" or "BS" may refer to any component (or set of components) configured to provide wireless access to a network, such as a transmission point (TP), a transmission reception point (TRP), an enhanced base station (eNodeB or eNB), a 5G base station (gNB), a macro cell, a femto cell, a WiFi access point (AP), or other wireless-enabled devices. The base station may provide wireless access according to one or more wireless communication protocols, such as 5G, 3GPP New Radio Interface / Access (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE (LTE-A), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Wi-Fi 802.11a / b / g / n / ac, etc. For convenience, the terms "BS" and "TRP" are used interchangeably in this patent document to refer to network infrastructure components that provide wireless access to remote terminals. In addition, depending on the network type, the term "electronic device" may refer to any component, such as a "mobile station", "user station", "remote terminal", "wireless terminal", "reception point", "user equipment" or "UE" or "user device". For convenience, the terms "electronic device," "user equipment," and "UE" are used in this patent document to refer to a remote wireless device that wirelessly accesses a BS, whether the electronic device is a mobile device (such as a mobile phone or a smart phone) or a commonly considered fixed device (such as a desktop computer or a vending machine).

[0045] The dashed lines illustrate the approximate extents of coverage areas 120 and 125, which are shown as approximately circular for purposes of illustration and explanation only. It should be clearly understood that coverage areas associated with gNBs, such as coverage areas 120 and 125, can have other shapes, including irregular shapes, depending on the configuration of the gNB and variations in the radio environment associated with natural and man-made obstacles.

[0046] As described in more detail below, one or more of the electronic devices 111-116 include multiple antenna modules, wherein at least one of the multiple antenna modules is a service module, and includes circuits, programs, or a combination thereof for triggering a module scanning operation based on one or more of the following: a reference signal received power (RSRP) of the service module is lower than a dynamic time-varying threshold; the RSRP of the service module is lower than an average RSRP of the service module when the electronic devices are in the same location; the estimated beam arrival angle is at the edge of the coverage area of ​​the service module or outside the coverage area of ​​the service module; an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor indicates that the electronic device has rotated; or the RSRP of the service module cannot support the predicted data demand.

[0047] although Figure 1 One example of a wireless network 100 is shown, but Figure 1 Various changes may be made. For example, the wireless network may include any number of gNBs and any number of electronic devices in any suitable arrangement. Also, gNB 101 is capable of communicating directly with any number of electronic devices and providing those electronic devices with wireless broadband access to network 130. Similarly, each gNB 102-103 is capable of communicating directly with network 130 and providing electronic devices with direct wireless broadband access to network 130. In addition, gNBs 101, 102, and / or 103 are capable of providing access to other or additional external networks, such as an external telephone network or other type of data network.

[0048] Figure 2 An example electronic device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The electronic device 200 may be a mobile communication device, such as a mobile station, a user station, a wireless terminal, a desktop computer, a portable electronic device, or the like.

[0049] like Figure 2As shown, the electronic device 200 includes a transceiver 210, a transmission (TX) processing circuit 215, a microphone 220, and a reception (RX) processing circuit 225. The transceiver 210 may include, for example, an RF transceiver, a Bluetooth transceiver, a WI-FI transceiver, a ZIGBEE transceiver, an infrared transceiver, for sending or receiving various other wireless communication signals. The electronic device 200 also includes a speaker 230, a processor 240, an input / output (I / O) interface (IF) 245, an input device 250, a display 255, a memory 260, a sensor 265, and a camera 275. The memory 260 includes an operating system (OS) 261 and one or more applications 262.

[0050] The transceiver 210 may include an antenna array including multiple antennas. The transceiver 210 may send a signal or power to or receive a signal or power from the electronic device 200. The transceiver 210 sends a signal to other components in the system and receives an incoming signal sent by other components in the system. For example, the transceiver 110 sends an RF signal (e.g., a Bluetooth signal or a WI-FI signal) to an access point (e.g., a base station, a WI-FI router, a Bluetooth device) of a network (e.g., WI-FI, Bluetooth, cellular, 5G, LTE, LTE-A, WiMAX, or any other type of wireless network) and receives an RF signal from the access point of the network. The received signal is processed by the RX processing circuit 225. The RX processing circuit 225 may send the processed signal to the speaker 230 (e.g., for voice data) or to the processor 240 for further processing (e.g., for web browsing data). The TX processing circuit 215 receives voice data from the microphone 220 or receives other outgoing data from the processor 240. The outgoing data may include network data, email, or interactive video game data. The TX processing circuit 215 processes the outgoing data to generate a processed signal. The transceiver 210 receives the outgoing processed signal from the TX processing circuit 215 and converts the received signal into an RF signal transmitted through an antenna. In other embodiments, the transceiver 210 can send and receive radar signals to detect the potential presence of an object in the surrounding environment of the electronic device 200.

[0051] In this embodiment, one of the one or more transceivers in the transceiver 210 includes a radar transceiver 270, which is configured to send and receive signals for detection and ranging purposes. For example, the radar transceiver 270 can be any type of transceiver, including but not limited to a WiFi transceiver, such as an 802.11ay transceiver. The radar transceiver 270 includes an antenna array, which includes a transmitter and a receiver antenna array. The antenna array may include an antenna including a radiating element composed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). Additional components other than the radiating element (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna array. The radar transceiver 270 can send signals at a frequency less than or equal to 100 GHz. For example, the transmitter 257 can transmit signals at frequencies including but not limited to 6-8 GHz, 28 GHz, 39 GHz, 60 GHz, and 77 GHz. In some embodiments, the signal sent by the radar transceiver 270 may include but is not limited to a millimeter wave (mmWave) signal. Radar transceiver 270 may receive a signal originally transmitted from radar transceiver 270 after the signal has bounced or reflected off a target object in the surrounding environment of electronic device 200. Processor 240 may analyze the time difference between when the signal is transmitted by radar transceiver 270 and when it is received by radar transceiver 270 to measure the distance of the target object from electronic device 200.

[0052] The TX processing circuit 215 receives analog or digital voice data from the microphone 220 or other outgoing baseband data (such as network data, email, or interactive video game data) from the main processor 240. The TX processing circuit 215 encodes, multiplexes, and / or digitizes the outgoing baseband data to generate a processed baseband or IF signal. The RF transceiver 210 receives the outgoing processed baseband or IF signal from the TX processing circuit 215 and up-converts the baseband or IF signal to an RF signal generated via the antenna 205.

[0053] The processor 240 may include one or more processors or other processing devices. The processor 240 may execute instructions (e.g., OS 261) stored in the memory 260 to control the overall operation of the electronic device 200. For example, the processor 240 may control the reception of the forward channel signal and the transmission of the reverse channel signal through the RF transceiver 210, the RX processing circuit 225, and the TX processing circuit 215 according to known principles. The processor 240 may include any suitable number and type of processors or other devices of any suitable arrangement. For example, in some embodiments, the processor 240 includes at least one microprocessor or microcontroller. Example types of the processor 240 include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, field programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits, and discrete circuits. In some embodiments, the processor 240 may include a neural network.

[0054] The processor 240 is also capable of executing other processes and programs resident in the memory 260, such as operations to receive and store data. The processor 240 can move data into or out of the memory 260 as required by the executed process. In some embodiments, the processor 240 is configured to execute one or more applications 262 based on the OS 261 or in response to a signal received from an external source or operator. For example, the application 262 may include an authentication program and a program or file that requires authentication before access.

[0055] The processor 240 is also coupled to an I / O interface 245 that provides the electronic device 200 with the ability to connect to other devices. The I / O interface 245 is the communication path between these accessories and the processor 240.

[0056] The processor 240 is also coupled to an input device 250 and a display 255. An operator of the electronic device 200 can use the input device 250 to enter data or input into the electronic device 200. The input device 250 can be a keyboard, a touch screen, a mouse, a trackball, a voice input, or other devices that can be used as a user interface to allow the user to interact with the electronic device 200. For example, the input device 250 can include a voice recognition process, thereby allowing the user to enter a voice command. In another example, the input device 250 may include a touch panel, a (digital) pen sensor, a key, or an ultrasonic input device. The touch panel can recognize, for example, at least one type of touch input, such as a capacitive type, a pressure-sensitive type, an infrared type, or an ultrasonic type. By providing additional inputs to the processor 240, the input device 250 can be associated with a sensor 265 and / or a camera. In some embodiments, the sensor 265 includes one or more inertial measurement units (IMUs) (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers), motion sensors, optical sensors, cameras, pressure sensors, heart rate sensors, altimeters, etc. The input device 250 may also include a control circuit. In a capacitive manner, the input device 250 can identify touch or proximity. In some embodiments, the input device 250 includes an antenna 205 that can emit a radar signal for authenticating a user.

[0057] Display 255 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED), an active matrix OLED (AMOLED), or other display capable of presenting text and / or images, such as from a website, video, game, image, etc. The size of display 255 may be adapted to the size of the HMD. Display 255 may be a single display screen or multiple display screens capable of creating a stereoscopic display. In some embodiments, display 255 is a head-up display (HUD).

[0058] Memory 260 is coupled to processor 240. A portion of memory 260 may include RAM, while another portion of memory 260 may include flash memory or other ROM. Memory 260 may include persistent memory (not shown), which represents any structure capable of storing and facilitating retrieval of information (e.g., data, program code, and / or other suitable information). Memory 260 may include one or more components or devices that support long-term storage of data, such as read-only memory, a hard drive, flash memory, or an optical disk. Memory 260 may also store sensitive and confidential information that requires user authentication before access.

[0059] The electronic device 200 also includes one or more sensors 265, which can measure physical quantities or detect the activation state of the electronic device 200 and convert the measured or detected information into electrical signals. For example, the sensor 265 may include one or more buttons for touch input, cameras, gesture sensors, IMU sensors (such as gyroscopes or gyro sensors and accelerometers), eye tracking sensors, atmospheric pressure sensors, magnetic sensors or magnetometers, grip sensors, proximity sensors, color sensors, biosensors, temperature / humidity sensors, illumination sensors, ultraviolet (UV) sensors, electromyography (EMG) sensors, electroencephalography (EEG) sensors, electrocardiography (ECG) sensors, IR sensors, ultrasonic sensors, iris sensors, fingerprint sensors, color sensors (such as red, green, and blue (RGB) sensors), etc. The sensor 265 may also include a control circuit for controlling any sensor included therein. Any of these sensors 265 may be located within the electronic device 200, within an auxiliary device operably connected to the electronic device 200, within a head-mounted device (Headset) configured to hold the electronic device 200, or in a single device (the electronic device 200 includes a head-mounted device).

[0060] In some embodiments, the radar transceiver 270 may include a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter may transmit a millimeter wave (mmWave) signal. The receiver may receive the mmWave signal originally sent from the transmitter after the mmWave signal has bounced or reflected off a target object in the surrounding environment of the electronic device 200. The processor 240 may analyze the time difference between when the millimeter wave signal is transmitted and when it is received to measure the distance of the target object from the electronic device 200. Based on the time difference, the processor 240 may generate an image of the object by mapping various distances.

[0061] although Figure 2 An example of the electronic device 200 is shown, but the Figure 2 Make various changes. For example, Figure 2 The various components in the embodiment may be combined, further subdivided, or omitted, and additional components may be added as required. As a specific example, processor 240 may be divided into multiple processors, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more graphics processing units (GPUs), one or more neural networks, etc. In addition, although Figure 2 The electronic device 200 is shown configured as a mobile phone, tablet computer, or smart phone, but the electronic device 200 may be configured to operate as other types of mobile or stationary devices, including, for example, but not limited to, a robot.

[0062] Figure 3An example antenna architecture 300 implementing hybrid beamforming according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 The embodiments shown in the drawings are for illustration only. Other embodiments may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0063] For mmWave frequencies, the number of antenna elements can be large for a given form factor. However, due to hardware limitations (e.g. the feasibility of installing a large number of ADCs / DACs for mmWave frequencies), the number of digital chains is limited, e.g. Figure 3 As shown. For example, a digital chain is mapped to a large number of antenna elements that can be controlled by a set of analog phase shifters 301. Thus, a digital chain can correspond to a subarray that generates a narrow analog beam through analog beamforming. By changing the phase shifter set across the transmission time interval, the analog beam can be configured to scan a wider range of angles. Figure 3 The illustrated hybrid beamforming architecture may be applied to a base station and a user equipment (UE), for example, the electronic device 200 .

[0064] Figure 4 An example of an antenna module arrangement 400 is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 The embodiments shown in the drawings are for illustration only. Other embodiments may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown, multiple antenna modules 402 are placed on an electronic device, such as a 5G terminal or UE, to avoid coverage holes in range and increase robustness against hand / body blocking. Figure 4 Two examples of module settings are provided in . In one example, three modules 402 are respectively set at the right edge, left edge and back of the UE, while in another example, three modules 402 are respectively set at the right edge, left edge and top edge of the UE.

[0066] If the reference signal received power (RSRP) of the serving module (module used for data transmission) is lower than a threshold, or the UE moves / rotates, or the channel changes, or the temperature of the current antenna module is too high, the UE device may choose to switch to another antenna module to maintain a good connection with the BS and / or control the temperature. In order to determine the antenna module suitable for communication, a module scanning operation is usually adopted. One beam (or several beams) from each module is activated to measure the channel quality, such as RSRP, or signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR). After measuring the module, the UE determines which module to switch to based on the measurement results.

[0067] Figure 5A flowchart of a method 500 for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The method may be performed by an electronic device such as the electronic device 116 . Figure 5 The embodiment of method 500 shown in FIG. 5 is for illustration only. Figure 5 The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to any particular implementation.In one embodiment, the modules are activated sequentially.

[0068] like Figure 5 As shown, method 500 begins at step 502. In step 502, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 111-116) shown to measure the RSRP of the serving module.

[0069] In step 504, the electronic device determines whether the RSRP of the service module is lower than the first threshold. If the RSRP of the service module is not lower than the first threshold, the method returns to step 502. If the RSRP of the service module is lower than the first threshold, the method proceeds to step 506.

[0070] In step 506 , the electronic device turns on another module and measures the RSRP of the module.

[0071] In step 508, the electronic device determines whether the RSRP of the other module is greater than the second threshold and / or is higher than the RSRP of the service module by a certain margin. If the RSRP of the other module is not greater than the second threshold and / or is not higher than the RSRP of the service module by a certain margin, the method returns to step 506. If the RSRP of the other module is greater than the second threshold and / or is higher than the RSRP of the service module by a certain margin, the method proceeds to step 510.

[0072] In step 510 , the electronic device switches the service module to the other module.

[0073] The "module scanning" described above incurs costs, including latency and energy overhead of turning antenna modules on / off, and may increase block error rate. If fixed RSRP thresholds (fixed RSRP_th0 and RSRP_th1) are used, beam management may not work properly in dynamic scenarios. A higher RSRP threshold RSRP_th0 will cause frequent and unnecessary module scanning, but will result in a higher RSRP for the serving module, while a lower RSRP threshold will cause less module scanning, but will also result in a lower RSRP for the serving module. A better trade-off, that is, achieving a relatively high RSRP for the serving module and relatively few module scanning at the same time, is preferred.

[0074] Although the RSRP threshold is assumed as the target adaptive parameter in the present disclosure, other metrics representing signal strength may also be used, such as an SNR threshold or a SINR threshold.

[0075] In one embodiment, the electronic device determines beam operation parameters (including but not limited to RSRP_th0, RSRP_th1) based on the most recent electronic device measurement values, rather than setting the parameters to fixed values.

[0076] In one approach, the threshold RSRP_th0 may be determined based on the most recent RSRP measurement value. In one approach, the current RSRP measurement value is determined by the average RSRP. The average RSRP may be a simple moving average, a weighted moving average, an indicative moving average, etc.

[0077] The RSRP of the service module at time t is recorded as: P SM (t)

[0078] 1. For the case of exponential moving average, the short-term average RSRP and the long-term average RSRP can be defined as follows.

[0079] Short-term averages:

[0080] Long term average:

[0081] Estimates the decay rate of the exponential filter for the short-term average / long-term average.

[0082] The advantage is that the exponential moving average does not need to save the original RSRP measurements and therefore requires less memory.

[0083] 2. For the case of a simple moving average, the short-term average RSRP and the long-term average RSRP can be defined as follows.

[0084] Short-term average:

[0085] Long term average:

[0086] M, N (M<N): Window length of moving average

[0087] In the initial period when there are not enough RSRP measurements for evaluation (e.g., t < M), a simple moving average can be calculated over the available measurements. Alternatively, and The default value may be a measured value of an SSB resource corresponding to a PRACH resource sent by the electronic device.

[0088] The short term average can capture fast channel changes due to hand / body blocking, electronic device rotation, etc. The long term average can capture slow channel changes, i.e. cell center / edge, building blocking, etc. Note that the short term average / long term average is calculated and maintained for each electronic device and each cell. If the electronic device connects to another cell, it needs to recalculate the average RSRP of the serving module.

[0089] In one embodiment, the electronic device determines If the current RSRP is less than Then the electronic device starts to measure other modules, such as Figure 6 shown.

[0090] Figure 6 A flowchart of a method 600 for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The method may be performed by an electronic device such as the electronic device 116 . Figure 6 The embodiment of method 600 shown in FIG. 6 is for illustration only. Figure 6 The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to any particular implementation.

[0091] like Figure 6 As shown, method 600 begins at step 602. At step 602, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 111-116) shown measure the RSRP of the serving module and calculate the long-term average RSRP.

[0092] In step 604, the electronic device determines whether the RSRP of the service module is lower than a first threshold value determined by the long-term average RSRP. If the RSRP of the service module is not lower than the first threshold value determined by the long-term average RSRP, the method returns to step 602. If the RSRP of the service module is lower than the first threshold value determined by the long-term average RSRP, the method proceeds to step 606.

[0093] In step 606 , the electronic device turns on another module and measures the RSRP of the module.

[0094] In step 608, the electronic device determines whether the RSRP of the other module is greater than the second threshold and / or is higher than the RSRP of the service module by a certain margin. If the RSRP of the other module is not greater than the second threshold and / or is not higher than the RSRP of the service module by a certain margin, the method returns to step 606. If the RSRP of the other module is greater than the second threshold and / or is higher than the RSRP of the service module by a certain margin, the method proceeds to step 610.

[0095] In step 610 , the electronic device switches the service module to the other module.

[0096] In another embodiment, the electronic device determines to measure other modules based only on the short-term average RSRP and the long-term average RSRP, such as Figure 7 For example, if The electronics then starts measuring other modules. This approach may work better when the RSRP measurements are very noisy and there is a momentary hand / body blockage.

[0097] Figure 7 A flowchart of a method 700 for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The method may be performed by an electronic device such as the electronic device 116 . Figure 7 The embodiment of method 700 shown in FIG. 7 is for illustration only. Figure 7 The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to any particular implementation.

[0098] like Figure 7 As shown, method 700 begins at step 702. At step 702, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 111-116) shown measure the RSRP of the service module and calculate the long-term average RSRP and the short-term average RSRP.

[0099] In step 704, the electronic device determines whether the short-term average RSRP is less than the long-term average RSRP by a first magnitude. If the short-term average RSRP is not less than the long-term average RSRP by a first magnitude, the method returns to step 702. If the short-term average RSRP is less than the long-term average RSRP by a first magnitude, the method proceeds to step 706.

[0100] In step 706 , the electronic device turns on another module and measures the RSRP of the module.

[0101] In step 708, the electronic device determines whether the RSRP of the other module is greater than the second threshold and / or is higher than the RSRP of the service module by a second margin. If the RSRP of the other module is not greater than the second threshold and / or is not higher than the RSRP of the service module by a second margin, the method returns to step 706. If the RSRP of the other module is greater than the second threshold and / or is higher than the RSRP of the service module by a second margin, the method proceeds to step 710.

[0102] In step 710 , the electronic device switches the service module to the other module.

[0103] In yet another approach, the electronic device determines when to scan modules based on multiple conditions of current RSRP, short-term average RSRP, and long-term average RSRP. For example, the electronic device may check two conditions. Condition 1 is Condition 2 is If one or both conditions are met, the electronic device starts scanning other modules.

[0104] The parameters δ and δ′ add more flexibility to these two operations. By default, the parameters δ and δ′ can be set to zero. Example values ​​for the parameters δ and δ′ can be 0dB, -1dB, -3dB. They can also be determined experimentally. The values ​​of the parameters include It can also depend on the module settings. For example, for a two-module setting, the two modules can be placed on the left and right edges of the phone or on the left (or right) and back of the phone. For different settings, the corresponding parameter values ​​can be searched.

[0105] In another embodiment, RSRP_th1 is also determined by the most recent RSRP measurement value. In one approach, RSRP_th1 is set to RSRP_th0+c, where c is a constant interval between two thresholds. The value of c can be 0, 5dB or other values.

[0106] Figure 8 A flowchart of a method 800 for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The method may be performed by an electronic device such as the electronic device 116 . Figure 8 The embodiment of method 800 shown in FIG. 8 is for illustration only. Figure 8 The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to any particular implementation.

[0107] like Figure 8 As shown, the electronic device determines RSRP_th0 based on the CDF of the currently measured RSRP. Specifically, during operation, the electronic device uses the measured RSRP values ​​to construct a numerical CDF estimate. The electronic device can then determine that RSRP_th0 is at a certain percentile of the CDF, such as the 90% percentile, or the minimum value between the 90% percentile of the CDF and the RSRP required for the highest modulation and coding scheme (MCS) supported by the system. This allows the BM to operate close to the highest RSRP, resulting in high throughput performance. However, there are two problems with this method that need to be solved. First, this method creates a loop between determining RSRP_th0 and collecting RSRP measurements. That is, the collected RSRP measurements are used to determine RSRP_th0, and the selection of RSRP_th0 determines what / how to collect the measurements. The second problem is that the RSRP measurements used to calculate the current empirical estimate of the CDF, and therefore the RSRP measurements used to calculate the 90% percentile, are not outdated.

[0108] like Figure 8As shown, if the timer is currently running, operation continues in normal mode, i.e., RSRP measurements are collected, which are then used to determine RSRP_th0. However, if the timer expires, the timer is reset and the old measurements are discarded. Once the old measurements are discarded, RSRP_th0 is determined. To this end, there can be a default value for RSRP_th0. The default value of RSRP_th0 can be an appropriately large value to ensure high throughput, although this will be at the expense of an increased scanning rate. The default value can be determined based on the RSRP required for the highest MCS supported by the system. Based on this default RSRP_th0 value, the RSRP collection process begins again, and based on the re-collected RSRP value, RSRP_th0 can be determined more accurately.

[0109] In yet another embodiment, the electronic device stores the RSRP measurements in a first-in, first-out (FIFO) buffer. The finite length of the buffer ensures that old RSRP measurements that are no longer relevant are automatically discarded. However, the length of the buffer can be determined based on current operating conditions. If the collected RSRP measurements vary significantly over time, the buffer length can be reduced because measurements collected in the past will quickly become outdated. Similarly, if the collected RSRP measurements have a low variance, the buffer length can be increased to collect a large number of RSRP measurements, thereby obtaining a more reliable numerical CDF estimate.

[0110] In one embodiment, if the RSRP of the serving module is too high, it is clipped. This is to take into account the actual modulation and coding scheme (MCS) supported by the communication system. Mathematically, the RSRP of the serving module at time t is set to min(P SM (t), Clipping threshold). That is, if the RSRP of the service module is too high and greater than the clipping threshold, it can be set to the clipping threshold. The short-term average RSRP and the long-term average RSRP are calculated accordingly based on the RSRP determined by the above minimum operation, which produces the original service RSRP or the clipped service module RSRP.

[0111] In a typical mmWave communication scenario, the clipping threshold can be around -90dBm to -70dBm, depending on the bandwidth, the electronic device noise figure, and the highest MCS supported. The clipping threshold can be fixed or predetermined based on the target or known network configuration and electronic device receiver performance. The clipping threshold can also be a function of system parameters, including one or more of the following: the system bandwidth configured by the network to the electronic device, the highest MCS supported by the network and the electronic device, the highest achievable SNR / SINR, and the electronic device receiver performance indicators (such as the electronic device noise figure).

[0112] 1. In one example, the clipping threshold function can be written as:

[0113] Clipping threshold=W*N 0 +Noise figure+SNR requirement for peak MCS

[0114] W: bandwidth, for example 100 MHz.

[0115] N 0 = kT: thermal noise spectral density, where k is the Boltzmann constant in Joules per Kelvin and T is the receiver system noise temperature in Kelvin.

[0116] Noise figure: The noise figure of an electronic device, with typical values ​​between 9 dB and 15 dB for mmWave frequency bands.

[0117] SNR requirement for peak MCS: 30 dB if QAM 256 is the highest MCS supported.

[0118] 2. In another example, the clipping threshold may be determined based on a mapping table, mapping the value of the system parameter to the clipping threshold. Table 1 shows an example mapping table.

[0119] [Table 1]

[0120]

[0121] In another embodiment, the device can access location information, which can come from a cell location service provided by the network or from some other third-party service such as a global positioning system. The module scanning behavior can be controlled by a set of parameters, which can include but are not limited to RSRP_th0, RSRP_th1. In this embodiment, these parameters are stored in the memory of the device or easily accessible on the network. The parameters can be stored in a tabular structure indexed by location, which can be defined as a grid of a certain size.

[0122] In one embodiment, a similar formula as previously shown may be used to calculate only the long term average signal strength However, instead of using an average over time, a measurement is taken at some location index p and entered into the formula. In this case, each entry in the table corresponds to some location p, and it contains the long-term average signal strength at that location. When the device is determined to be at that location, the table can be queried to obtain the long-term average signal strength. This can be used to determine the RSRP for the module scan, such as RSRP_th0. Note that whenever a device is determined to be in that location and a new signal strength measurement becomes available, this table can be updated using one of the moving averages described above. An example table is shown in Table 2.

[0123] In another embodiment, successful parameter selections (eg, using various methods as described in this disclosure) are saved in a table indexed by location. When determining that the device is at that location, the electronic device queries the table to obtain the parameter set to be used at that location.

[0124] [Table 2]

[0125]

[0126] In one embodiment, if the estimated angle of arrival is at the edge (or outside) of the spherical coverage area of ​​the serving module, the electronic device triggers a module scanning operation.

[0127] In one embodiment, the angle of arrival can be estimated based on the RSRP of the measured serving module. The estimation can be performed by maximum likelihood estimation or particle filtering method. If the electronic device is not rotating rapidly, the estimated angle of arrival can be accurate enough, because RSRP delay is not a big problem in this case.

[0128] Assume that the radiation pattern of beam n is given by G n (θ, φ) is given, and the RSRP measurement of beam n is RSRP n The maximum likelihood estimate of the angle of arrival is,

[0129]

[0130] The logic behind the above maximum likelihood estimation is to assume a single-path channel and Gaussian distribution of RSRP measurement errors. The variable C represents the received power of an isotropic electronic device.

[0131] The spherical coverage area of ​​each module can be determined by calculating the beamforming gain of each beam for the sampled directions on the unit sphere. For a given direction, if the beam that achieves the maximum beamforming gain belongs to the serving module, then the given direction falls within the spherical coverage area of ​​the serving module. Mathematically, the coverage area of ​​beam k is defined as a set of directions as shown below.

[0132] S k ={(θ, φ)|k=argmax n G n (θ, φ)}

[0133] The coverage area of ​​the i-th module is defined as R i ={S k | beam k is associated with module i}

[0134] The spherical coverage area may be irregular and not clearly demarcated between modules, which makes the edges of the spherical coverage area difficult to determine.

[0135] exist Fig. 9 In one embodiment, whether a direction is at the edge of the spherical coverage area of ​​the service module is determined by the module association of the adjacent directions. The adjacent directions can be sampled in the spherical area estimated around the arrival angle. For example, the angle between the adjacent direction and the estimated arrival angle is less than 20 degrees. If a minority of these adjacent directions are within the coverage area of ​​the service module or there are no such adjacent directions, the direction is declared to be at the edge (or outside) of the coverage area. The threshold of the minority can be, for example, 60%. That is, if less than 60% of the adjacent points are within the coverage range of the service module, the arrival angle is considered to be at the edge or outside the coverage range of the service module, and the electronic device triggers the module scan.

[0136] Fig. 9 A flowchart of a method 900 for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The method may be performed by an electronic device such as the electronic device 116 . Fig. 9 The embodiment of method 900 shown in FIG. 9 is for illustration only. Fig. 9 The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to any particular implementation.

[0137] like Fig. 9 As shown, method 900 begins at step 902. At step 902, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 111-116) shown in Figure 111-116 estimate the arrival angle of the beam.

[0138] In step 904, the electronic device determines neighboring directions of the direction of the estimated angle of arrival.

[0139] In step 906 , the electronic device determines which module's coverage area the adjacent direction falls within.

[0140] In step 908, the electronic device determines whether the percentage of adjacent directions within the coverage area of ​​the service module is less than a threshold value. If the percentage of adjacent directions within the coverage area of ​​the service module is not less than the threshold value, the electronic device does not trigger the module scanning operation in step 912. If the percentage of adjacent directions within the coverage area of ​​the service module is less than the threshold value, the electronic device triggers the module scanning operation in step 910.

[0141] In another embodiment, if the estimated angle of arrival moves outside the spherical coverage area of ​​the serving module, the electronics triggers a module scan. The electronics monitors the trajectory of the angle of arrival on the sphere and checks whether it moves within the coverage area or towards the edge of the coverage area and outside the coverage area. For this method, the electronics must keep a history of the estimated angle of arrival.

[0142] In yet another embodiment, the electronic device prioritizes the modules based on angle of arrival estimates.

[0143] 1. In one approach, the electronic device determines the module scanning order based on the estimated arrival angle and the distance of the module's coverage area. In the case where more than two modules are installed on the phone, the arrival angle estimation provides the electronic device with a hint of which module is more likely to be the best module. If the electronic device wants to reduce the module scanning delay and stop in the middle of a full module scan, the module whose coverage area contains the estimated arrival angle or is closest to the estimated arrival angle should be scanned first.

[0144] 2. In the second way, if the module scan does not provide a clear choice about the best module, the electronic device selects the module based on the arrival angle estimation. If the module scan results in two candidate modules with the same or similar RSRP values, the module whose coverage area contains the estimated arrival angle or is closest to the estimated arrival angle should be selected because it is more likely to be the true best module.

[0145] IMU sensor outputs (if available and accessible) can be used to make module scanning decisions.

[0146] In one embodiment, a module scan should be performed if the orientation of the electronic device changes significantly within a short period of time. For example, if the IMU sensor indicates that the electronic device has just changed from widescreen mode to portrait mode, or vice versa, the electronic device can trigger a module scan to find new service modules.

[0147] In another embodiment, the electronic device may predict the best module based on the RSRP measurement of the serving module and the rotation angle of the electronic device. For example, the RSRP measurement of the serving module may be used to estimate the angle of arrival before the electronic device rotates. Based on the angle of arrival estimate and the rotation of the electronic device, the electronic device may predict the angle of arrival after the electronic device rotates. The electronic device may then predict the best module and give a high priority to the predicted best module in beam scanning, for example, scanning the module first, or selecting the module if there is no clear winner in the RSRP measurement, such as Fig.10 shown.

[0148] Fig.10 A flowchart of a method 1000 for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The method may be performed by an electronic device such as the electronic device 116 . Fig.10 The embodiment of method 1000 shown in FIG. 1 is for illustration only. Fig.10 The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to any particular implementation.

[0149] like Fig.10 As shown, method 1000 begins at step 1002. At step 1002, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 111-116) shown estimate the beam arrival angle before the electronic device rotates based on the measurement value of the serving module RSRP.

[0150] In step 1004 , the electronic device predicts the beam arrival angle after the electronic device is rotated based on the previous arrival angle estimation and the IMU sensor information about the rotation of the electronic device.

[0151] In step 1006, the electronic device checks which module's coverage area the predicted arrival angle falls within.

[0152] In step 1008, the electronic device determines that a module whose coverage area includes the predicted arrival angle has a higher priority in the module scanning operation.

[0153] In another embodiment, the electronic device tracks the change in the angle of arrival based on the RSRP measurements and the measurements of the electronic device direction by the IMU sensor. Various methods can be used. For example, a particle filter method, which uses a set of particles to represent the posterior distribution of some random process given a noise observation, and an RNN (recurrent neural network), which is used to predict the future based on a previously observed sequence.

[0154] In another embodiment, the electronic device may adjust the beam operation parameters based on the data requirements of the electronic device. If the electronic device is running an application (or multiple applications) that requires high throughput / RSRP, the electronic device may select beam operation parameters for achieving higher throughput / RSRP and not considering power saving. On the other hand, if no application that requires high throughput / RSRP is running, the electronic device may select beam operation parameters for reducing the module scanning rate while maintaining minimum throughput / RSRP and saving power. Fig.11 As shown, the electronic device compares the required throughput / RSRP with the current throughput / RSRP of the serving module and decides whether to start module scanning.

[0155] Fig.11 A flowchart of a method 1100 for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The method may be performed by an electronic device such as the electronic device 116 . Fig.11 The embodiment of method 1100 shown in FIG. 1 is for illustration only. Fig.11 The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to any particular implementation.

[0156] like Fig.11 As shown, method 1100 begins at step 1102. At step 1102, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 111-116) shown measure the RSRP of the serving module and monitor the throughput / RSRP demand from the running applications.

[0157] In step 1104, the electronic device determines whether the RSRP of the service module is lower than the requirement of the running application. If the RSRP of the service module is not lower than the requirement of the running application, the method returns to step 1102. If the RSRP of the service module is lower than the requirement of the running application, the method proceeds to step 1106.

[0158] In step 1106 , the electronic device turns on other modules and measures RSRP.

[0159] In step 1108, the electronic device determines whether the throughput / RSRP of the new module is higher than the demand of the running application and / or higher than the service module by a certain margin. If the throughput / RSRP of the module is not higher than the demand of the running application and / or higher than the service module by a certain margin, the method returns to step 1106. If the throughput / RSRP of the module is higher than the demand of the running application and / or higher than the service module by a certain margin, the method proceeds to step 1110.

[0160] In step 1110 , the electronic device switches to the new module.

[0161] The throughput requirement can be converted to RSRP requirement by various methods. For example, the Shannon data rate formula can be used. In another example, a mapping table between throughput and RSRP can be generated based on experiments and can be used to map the throughput requirement to the RSRP requirement.

[0162] In yet another embodiment, the electronic device may determine module scanning based on the average throughput / RSRP from the physical layer and the APP requirements from higher layers. In one approach, the electronic device may calculate the average throughput / RSRP of the service module and compare it with the throughput / RSRP required in the near future. If the average throughput / RSRP of the service module is lower than the expected requirement in the near future, module scanning is performed in advance to find a better module. The average throughput / RSRP may be an exponentially filtered throughput / RSRP. The throughput / RSRP required by the application in the near future may be obtained from the application or estimated based on the application usage history, such as Fig.12 shown.

[0163] Fig.12 A flowchart of a method 1200 for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The method may be performed by an electronic device such as the electronic device 116 . Fig.12 The embodiment of method 1200 shown in FIG. 1 is for illustration only. Fig.12 The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to any particular implementation.

[0164] like Fig.12 As shown, method 1200 begins at step 1202. At step 1202, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 111-116) shown predict the throughput requirements of the application in the near future.

[0165] In step 1204 , the electronic device maps the throughput requirement to the RSRP requirement.

[0166] In step 1206 , the electronic device compares the short-term average RSRP with the requirement to determine whether to scan other modules.

[0167] In such Fig.13In another embodiment shown, the electronic device can adaptively adjust the beam operation parameters based on the form factor state of the electronic device (e.g., folded / unfolded, rolled up / unfolded, etc.). If the electronic device is not folded (or unfolded), the electronic device can select beam operation parameters for achieving higher throughput / RSRP and not considering power saving. On the other hand, if folded / (or rolled up), the electronic device can select beam operation parameters for reducing the module scanning rate while maintaining minimum throughput / RSRP and saving power. The electronic device can predict (or determine) the throughput requirement based on the state of the electronic device in the near future. The electronic device can map the throughput requirement to the RSRP requirement. The electronic device can compare the short-term average RSRP with the requirement to decide whether to scan other modules.

[0168] Fig.13 A flowchart of a method 1300 for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The method may be performed by an electronic device such as the electronic device 116 . Fig.13 The embodiment of method 1300 shown in FIG. 1 is for illustration only. Fig.13 The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to any particular implementation.

[0169] like Fig.13 As shown, method 1300 begins at step 1302. At step 1302, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 111-116) shown to check whether the electronic device is folded / unfolded or rolled / unrolled.

[0170] In step 1304, the electronic device determines whether the electronic device is unfolded or unfolded. If the electronic device is not unfolded or unfolded, the method proceeds to step 1308, and the electronic device selects a beam operation parameter for reducing the module scanning rate and maintaining the minimum throughput / RSRP. If the electronic device is unfolded or unfolded, the method proceeds to step 1306, and the electronic device selects a beam operation parameter for achieving a higher throughput / RSRP and not considering power saving.

[0171] In such Fig.14 In one embodiment shown, the electronic device periodically scans the modules.

[0172] Fig.14 An example of a periodic module scan 1400 that may be performed by an electronic device (eg, electronic device 116 ) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Fig.14 The embodiment of periodic module scanning 1400 shown in FIG. 1 is for illustration only. Fig.14 The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to any particular implementation.

[0173] Fig.14 An example is shown in which an electronic device having three antenna modules is arranged with a period T MS Scan the module periodically. The period T can be adjusted dynamically. MS This provides a good trade-off between fewer scans and high RSRP / throughput performance.

[0174] In one embodiment, if a sudden drop in RSRP is detected, the electronic device reduces the module scanning period. The detection of a sudden drop in RSRP can be performed as described above, where instantaneous RSRP, short-term average RSRP, and long-term average RSRP are used to detect RSRP drop.

[0175] In another embodiment, if the RSRP is stable in the most recent measurement, the electronic device increases the module scanning period. For example, the short-term average RSRP is close to the long-term average RSRP.

[0176] In one embodiment, if the estimated angle of arrival is at the edge (or outside) of the spherical coverage area of ​​the serving module, the electronic device reduces the module scanning period.

[0177] In another embodiment, if the estimated angle of arrival is near the center of the spherical coverage area of ​​the serving module, the electronic device increases the module scanning period.

[0178] In another embodiment, if the electronic device is rotating rapidly, the electronic device reduces the module scanning rate; and if the electronic device is not rotating or is rotating slowly, the module scanning rate is increased.

[0179] In yet another embodiment, the electronic device reduces the module scanning period if the electronic device is unfolded or unfolded; and increases the module scanning period if the electronic device is folded or rolled up.

[0180] The conditions for decreasing / increasing the module scan period are summarized in Table 3.

[0181] The module scan period may have lower and upper limits, and dynamic adjustments are limited within these limits.

[0182] [Table 3]

[0183]

[0184] As described above, if the electronic device moves / rotates or the channel changes or the temperature of the current antenna module is too high, the electronic device may choose to switch to another antenna module to maintain a good connection with the BS and / or control the temperature. In order to find an antenna module suitable for communication, a module scanning operation may be performed, such as Fig.15As shown. One beam (or several beams) from each module is activated to measure the channel quality, such as the received signal reference power (RSRP). After a complete scan of all modules, the electronic device determines which module to switch to based on the measurement results. In one embodiment, the modules are activated sequentially.

[0185] Fig.15 A flowchart of a method 1500 for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The method may be performed by an electronic device such as the electronic device 116 . Fig.15 The embodiment of method 1500 shown in FIG. 1 is for illustration only. Fig.15 The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to any particular implementation.

[0186] like Fig.15 As shown, method 1500 begins at step 1502. At step 1502, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 111-116) shown in FIG. 111-116 determine switching to another antenna module.

[0187] In step 1504 , the electronic device selects a module that has not been measured.

[0188] In step 1506, the electronic device measures a beam (or beams) of the selected module.

[0189] At step 1508, the electronic device determines whether all modules have been measured. If all modules have not been measured, the method returns to step 1504. If all modules have been measured, the method proceeds to step 1510.

[0190] In step 1510, the electronic device determines which module to switch to based on the measurement results from each module.

[0191] In one embodiment, the module scanning operation is performed only on a subset of antenna modules. For example, if the electronic device decides to switch to another module to exchange data / control with the BS, a subset of antenna modules is selected for measurement. Then, one or more beams from each module in the subset are activated in sequence to perform channel measurements. Finally, the electronic device decides to switch to the best channel to exchange data / control with the BS. The determination of the subset of modules to be measured can be fixed or adaptive.

[0192] Fig.16 A flowchart of a method 1600 for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The method may be performed by an electronic device such as the electronic device 116 . Fig.16 The embodiment of method 1600 shown in FIG. 1 is for illustration only. Fig.16The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to any particular implementation.In one embodiment, the modules are activated sequentially.

[0193] like Fig.16 As shown, method 1600 begins at step 1602. At step 1602, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 111-116) shown in FIG. 111-116 determine switching to another antenna module.

[0194] In step 1604, the electronic device determines a subset of modules to be measured.

[0195] In step 1606 , the electronic device selects a module from the subset that has not been measured.

[0196] In step 1608, the electronic device measures a beam (or beams) of the selected module.

[0197] At step 1610, the electronic device determines whether all modules in the subset have been measured. If all modules in the subset have not been measured, the method returns to step 1606. If all modules have been measured, the method proceeds to step 1612.

[0198] In step 1612, the electronic device determines which module to switch to based on the measurement results from each module.

[0199] In one embodiment, the selection of the subset of antenna modules is adaptive. In one approach, if the electronic device estimates the channel quality of certain antenna modules before actually activating these modules for measurement, it can configure the subset (and the associated measurement beams) to antenna modules that are likely to provide better measurement results.

[0200] In one approach, channel quality prediction may be made based on a history of RSRP / RSRQ / SINR, electronic device orientation information from an inertial measurement unit sensor, electronic device location information from GPS, etc. For example, if a module was the second best module in the last module scan, it may be included in the subset for the upcoming scan, as long as the last module scan is not too out of date.

[0201] In another method, if the electronic device is triggered to switch modules, the electronic device can first perform beam measurements of the serving module and infer a subset of modules with better channel quality. The beams beamformed toward the spherical coverage area of ​​other modules can be selected for measurement, thereby providing an estimate of the channel quality of other modules.

[0202] Fig.17A flowchart of a method 1700 for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The method may be performed by an electronic device such as the electronic device 116 . Fig.17 The embodiment of method 1700 shown in FIG. 1 is for illustration only. Fig.17 The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to any particular implementation.

[0203] like Fig.17 As shown, method 1700 begins at step 1702. At step 1702, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 111-116) shown in FIG. 111-116 determine switching to another antenna module.

[0204] In step 1704, the electronic device activates the beam from the current serving module for measurement.

[0205] In step 1706, the electronic device selects a subset of modules to measure based on the beam measurements from the serving module.

[0206] In step 1708 , the electronic device selects a module from the subset that has not been measured.

[0207] In step 1710, the electronic device measures a beam (or beams) of the selected module.

[0208] At step 1712, the electronic device determines whether all modules in the subset have been measured. If all modules in the subset have not been measured, the method returns to step 1708. If all modules have been measured, the method proceeds to step 1714.

[0209] In step 1714, the electronic device determines which module to switch to based on the measurement results.

[0210] In another approach, an artificial intelligence agent can be trained to configure this subset.

[0211] In another embodiment, the selection of the subset changes with the shape of the foldable device. That is, when the foldable device changes the folding angle, the selection of the subset of modules will also change. The size of the subset can also change with the folding angle. For example, when the device is fully opened, the beam of a single module mounted on the back of the device is measured to determine which module to switch to; or when the device is fully folded, the beams of two modules mounted on the back of two screens are measured to determine which module to switch to.

[0212] Fig.18 A flowchart of a method 1800 for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The method may be performed by an electronic device such as the electronic device 116 . Fig.18The embodiment of method 1800 shown in FIG. 1 is for illustration only. Fig.18 The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to any particular implementation.

[0213] like Fig.18 As shown, method 1800 begins at step 1802. At step 1802, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 111-116) shown in FIG. 111-116 determine switching to another antenna module.

[0214] In step 1804, the electronic device predicts the channel qualities of all other antenna modules.

[0215] In step 1806, the electronic device determines a subset of modules having better predicted channel quality.

[0216] At step 1808 , the electronic device selects the module from the subset that has the highest probability of being the best and not measured.

[0217] In step 1810, the electronic device measures a beam (or beams) of the selected module.

[0218] At step 1812, the electronic device determines whether all modules in the subset have been measured. If all modules in the subset have not been measured, the method returns to step 1808. If all modules have been measured, the method proceeds to step 1814.

[0219] In step 1814, the electronic device determines which module to switch to based on the measurement results.

[0220] In another embodiment, a single module that is capable of beamforming toward the coverage area of ​​other modules is selected for measurement. For example, a middle module (a module at the top edge or a module at the back) can be selected for measurement based on this criterion. The middle module is capable of generating a beam that is directed to the right or left side of the electronic device, so the measurement from the middle module beam can provide an estimate of the channel quality of the right or left module.

[0221] Fig.19 A flowchart of a method 1900 for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The method may be performed by an electronic device such as the electronic device 116 . Fig.19 The embodiment of method 1900 shown in FIG. 1 is for illustration only. Fig.19 The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to any particular implementation.

[0222] like Fig.19 As shown, method 1900 begins at step 1902. At step 1902, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 1111-116) shown in FIG. 111-116 determine switching to another antenna module.

[0223] In step 1904, the electronic device selects a single module that is capable of beamforming toward the coverage areas of all other modules.

[0224] In step 1906, the electronic device measures several beams of the selected module.

[0225] In step 1908, the electronic device determines which module to switch to based on the measurement results from the single module.

[0226] In one embodiment, the measurement method for the beam codebook design of the intermediate module is as follows. Assume that the electronic device beam codebook for the data / control channel is where k L , k R , k M are the codebook sizes of the left / right / middle modules respectively. The electronic device first identifies the beam patterns of the three codebooks, namely W R , W L , W M Next, the electronic device determines the coverage areas of the three modules. The coverage area of ​​a module is defined as a spherical area where the codebook of the module obtains a greater gain than all other modules. Then, one or more beams are designed to cover the coverage area of ​​each codebook. For example, beam 1d has the same coverage area as codebook W. L Similar coverage area, beam 2d has the same codebook W R Similar coverage area, beam 3d has the same codebook W M Similar coverage areas.

[0227] Fig. 20 A flowchart of a method 2000 for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The method may be performed by an electronic device such as the electronic device 116 . Fig. 20 The embodiment of method 2000 shown in FIG. 2 is for illustration only. Fig. 20 The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to any particular implementation.

[0228] like Fig. 20 As shown, method 2000 begins at step 2002. At step 2002, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 111-116) shown identify the radiation pattern of the beam codebook.

[0229] In step 2004, the electronic device determines the coverage area of ​​each module.

[0230] In step 2006, the electronic device generates one or more beams that respectively cover the coverage area of ​​each module.

[0231] In another embodiment, the electronic device may stop antenna module scanning if a good enough module is found. The electronic device includes all modules as candidate modules, measures each module one by one, but stops once a module that meets its requirements is found. The requirements may be RSRP / RSRQ / SINR above a certain threshold (and temperature below another threshold).

[0232] like Fig.21 As shown, method 2100 begins at step 2102. At step 2102, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 111-116) shown in FIG. 111-116 determine switching to another antenna module.

[0233] In step 2104, the electronic device selects a module that has not been measured.

[0234] In step 2106, the electronic device measures a beam (or beams) of the selected module.

[0235] In step 2108, the electronic device determines whether a module satisfying its requirements is found. If no module satisfying the requirements of the electronic device is found, the method returns to step 2104. If a module satisfying the requirements of the electronic device is found, the method proceeds to step 2110.

[0236] In step 2110, the electronic device determines which module to switch to based on the measurement result.

[0237] In one embodiment, the order of scanning modules depends on the estimated channel quality of the modules. The electronic device scans the antenna modules in descending order of estimated channel quality. The channel quality can be estimated based on the history of RSRP / RSRQ / SINR, the electronic device orientation information from the inertial measurement unit sensor, the electronic device location information from GPS, etc.

[0238] In one embodiment, the order of scanning modules depends on the probability that the antenna module provides the best channel quality. The electronic device scans the antenna modules in descending order of probability. The probability can be based on the history of RSRP / RSRQ / SINR, the electronic device orientation information from the inertial measurement unit sensor, the electronic device location information from GPS, etc. The probability can be obtained by applying a SoftMax function to the estimated channel quality.

[0239] Fig. 22 A flowchart of a method 2200 for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The method may be performed by an electronic device such as the electronic device 116 . Fig. 22 The embodiment of method 2200 shown in FIG. 2 is for illustration only. Fig. 22 The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to any particular implementation.

[0240] like Fig. 22 As shown, method 2200 begins at step 2202. At step 2202, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 111-116) shown in FIG. 111-116 determine switching to another antenna module.

[0241] In step 2204, the electronic device determines a subset of modules to be measured.

[0242] In step 2206, the electronic device selects a module that has not been measured from the subset.

[0243] In step 2208, the electronic device measures a beam (or beams) of the selected module.

[0244] In step 2210, the electronic device determines whether a module satisfying its requirements is found. If no module satisfying the requirements of the electronic device is found, the method proceeds to step 2212. If a module satisfying the requirements of the electronic device is found, the method proceeds to step 2214.

[0245] In step 2212, the electronic device determines whether all modules in the subset have been measured. If all modules in the subset have not been measured, the method returns to step 2206. If all modules in the subset have been measured, the method proceeds to step 2214.

[0246] In step 2214, the electronic device determines which module to switch to based on the measurement results.

[0247] Fig.23 A flowchart of a method 2300 for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The method may be performed by an electronic device such as the electronic device 116 . Fig.23 The embodiment of method 2300 shown in FIG. 2 is for illustration only. Fig.23 The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to any particular implementation.

[0248] like Fig.23 As shown, method 2300 begins at step 2302. At step 2302, an electronic device (eg, Figure 1111-116) shown triggers a module scanning operation, wherein at least one antenna module among the plurality of antenna modules is a service module. The module scanning operation is triggered based on one or more of the following: the reference signal received power (RSRP) of the service module is lower than a dynamic time-varying threshold; when the electronic device is in the same location, the RSRP of the service module is lower than the average RSRP of the service module; the estimated beam arrival angle is at the edge of the coverage area of ​​the service module or outside the coverage area of ​​the service module; the inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor indicates that the electronic device has rotated; or the RSRP of the service module cannot support the predicted data demand.

[0249] In one embodiment, the electronic device calculates the short-term average RSRP of the service module; calculates the long-term average RSRP of the service module; wherein the short-term average RSRP is a simple moving average or an exponential moving average, and the long-term average RSRP is a simple moving average or an exponential moving average; if the instantaneous RSRP measurement value of the service module is lower than the long-term average RSRP of the service module, or the short-term average RSRP of the service module is lower than the long-term average RSRP of the service module, a module scanning operation is triggered.

[0250] In one embodiment, when calculating the short-term average RSRP of the service module or the long-term average RSRP of the service module, the electronic device limits (Clips) the RSRP of the service module to a threshold above which the throughput is saturated, wherein the threshold above which the throughput is saturated includes a function of system parameters, and the system parameters include one or more of the following: system bandwidth configured by the network; modulation and coding scheme (MCS) configured by the network and the electronic device; achievable signal-to-noise ratio / signal-to-interference and noise ratio (SNR / SINR); or a receiver performance indicator of the electronic device.

[0251] In one embodiment, the electronic device stores the long-term average RSRP of the service module and the location information of the electronic device; obtains the current RSRP of the service module at the current location of the electronic device; if the current RSRP of the service module is lower than the long-term average RSRP of the service module at the current location, a module scanning operation is triggered.

[0252] In one embodiment, the electronic device estimates the angle of arrival based on the beam measurement value and the beam radiation pattern of the serving module, and triggers a module scanning operation if the estimated beam arrival angle is at the edge of the coverage area of ​​the serving module or outside the coverage area.

[0253] In one embodiment, the electronic device selects beam operation parameters based on predicted data requirements from higher layers and the form factor state of the electronic device.

[0254] In one embodiment, the electronic device determines the priority order of antenna modules; performs a module scanning operation according to the descending order of the priorities of the antenna modules; if the result of the module scanning operation is not sufficient to determine the selection of the service antenna module, the antenna module with the highest priority in the priority order is selected as the service module.

[0255] In one embodiment, the electronic device periodically triggers a module scanning operation; and dynamically adjusts the period of the module scanning operation based on one or more of the following: the RSRP of the service module is lower than a dynamic time-varying threshold; the RSRP of the service module is lower than the average RSRP of the service module when the electronic device is in the same location; the estimated beam arrival angle is at the edge of the coverage area of ​​the service module or outside the coverage area; the inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor indicates that the electronic device has rotated; or the RSRP of the service module cannot support the predicted data demand.

[0256] In one embodiment, the electronic device, in response to a module scanning operation being triggered: scans a subset of a plurality of antenna modules during the module scanning operation; and predicts which module of the subset of antenna modules should be selected as a serving module.

[0257] In one embodiment, the electronic device responds to a module scanning operation being triggered by: selecting a module among multiple antenna modules that is configured to perform beamforming toward a coverage area of ​​one or more unselected modules among the multiple antenna modules; measuring the beam of the selected module; and selecting a service module based on the measured beam.

[0258] Although the present disclosure has been described by exemplary embodiments, various changes and modifications may be proposed to those skilled in the art. The present disclosure is intended to cover such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the appended claims. Any description in this application should not be construed as implying that any particular element, step or function is an essential element that must be included within the scope of the claims. The scope of the subject matter for which the patent right is obtained is defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An electronic device (200), comprising: A plurality of antenna modules (205), wherein at least one antenna module among the plurality of antenna modules is a service module; a transceiver (250), the transceiver being operably connected to at least one antenna module among the plurality of antenna modules; as well as A processor (240), the processor being operatively connected to the transceiver, the processor being configured to: Calculating a short-term average reference signal received power RSRP of the service module at a first time, wherein the short-term average RSRP is an exponential moving average calculated based on the RSRP of the service module at the first time and a previous short-term average RSRP at a second time, and wherein the second time is before the first time; Calculating a long-term average RSRP of the service module at the first time, wherein the long-term average RSRP is an exponential moving average calculated based on the RSRP and a previous long-term average RSRP at the second time; identifying a threshold based on a long-term average RSRP of the service module; identifying whether at least one condition for triggering a module scanning operation is satisfied; and If the at least one condition is met, triggering the module scanning operation, Wherein, if the short-term average RSRP of the service module is lower than the threshold, the at least one condition is met.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is further configured to: comparing a clipping threshold with the RSRP of the serving module at the first time, and If the RSRP of the service module at the first time is higher than the clipping threshold, determining the clipping threshold as the RSRP of the service module at the first time, Wherein, the clipping threshold comprises a function of system parameters, and the system parameters include: a system bandwidth configured by the network (100); a modulation and coding scheme MCS configured by the network and the electronic device; Achievable signal-to-noise ratio / signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SNR / SINR); and A receiver performance indicator of the electronic device.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is further configured to: storing a plurality of long-term average RSRPs of the service module and location information of the electronic device, each of the plurality of long-term average RSRPs corresponding to a specific location, and obtaining the RSRP of the service module at the location of the electronic device at the first time, and Wherein, if the RSRP of the serving module at the location is lower than a long-term average RSRP of the serving module at the location, then the at least one condition is satisfied.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is further configured to: estimating the angle of arrival of the beam based on the beam measurements and the beam radiation pattern of the serving module, wherein the at least one condition is satisfied if the estimated angle of arrival of the beam is at the edge of the coverage area of ​​the service module or outside the coverage area of ​​the service module, and Wherein, beam operation parameters are selected based on predicted data demand from higher layers and a form factor status of the electronic device.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is further configured to: Determining a priority order of the plurality of antenna modules based on an angle of arrival of each antenna module and a coverage area of ​​each antenna module; performing the module scanning operation based on the descending order of priority of the plurality of antenna modules; as well as If the result of the module scanning operation is insufficient to determine the selection of the service module, the antenna module with the highest priority in the priority order is selected as the service module.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is further configured to: Periodically triggering the module scanning operation, and Based on the difference between the long-term average RSRP and the short-term average RSRP, a period of the module scanning operation is dynamically adjusted.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, The processor is further configured to: In response to the module scanning operation being triggered, scanning a subset of the plurality of antenna modules during the module scanning operation, and predicting which module to select as the serving module from a subset of the plurality of antenna modules, or Wherein, the processor is further configured to: In response to the module scanning operation being triggered, selecting a module among the plurality of antenna modules that is configured to perform beamforming toward a coverage area of ​​one or more modules among the plurality of antenna modules that are not selected, Measure the beam of the selected module, and The serving module is selected according to the measured beam.

8. A method performed by an electronic device (200), the electronic device having a plurality of antenna modules (250), wherein at least one antenna module among the plurality of antenna modules is a service module, the method comprising: Calculating a short-term average reference signal received power RSRP of the service module at a first time, wherein the short-term average RSRP is an exponential moving average calculated based on the RSRP of the service module at the first time and a previous short-term average RSRP at a second time, and wherein the second time is before the first time; Calculating a long-term average RSRP of the service module at the first time, wherein the long-term average RSRP is an exponential moving average calculated based on the RSRP and a previous long-term average RSRP at the second time; identifying a threshold based on a long-term average RSRP of the service module; identifying whether at least one condition for triggering a module scanning operation is satisfied; and If the at least one condition is met, triggering the module scanning operation, Wherein, if the short-term average RSRP of the service module is lower than the threshold, the at least one condition is met.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: comparing a clipping threshold with the RSRP of the serving module at the first time; as well as If the RSRP of the service module at the first time is higher than the clipping threshold, determining the clipping threshold as the RSRP of the service module at the first time, Wherein, the clipping threshold comprises a function of system parameters, and the system parameters include: The system bandwidth configured by the network; a modulation and coding scheme MCS configured by the network and the electronic device; Achievable signal-to-noise ratio / signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SNR / SINR); and A receiver performance indicator of the electronic device.

10. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: storing a plurality of long-term average RSRPs of the service module and location information of the electronic device, each of the plurality of long-term average RSRPs corresponding to a specific location; as well as Acquire the RSRP of the service module at the location of the electronic device at the first time; as well as The at least one condition is satisfied if the RSRP of the serving module at the location is lower than a long term average RSRP of the serving module at the location.

11. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: estimating the angle of arrival of the beam based on the beam measurements and the beam radiation pattern of the serving module, wherein the at least one condition is satisfied if the estimated angle of arrival of the beam is at the edge of the coverage area of ​​the service module or outside the coverage area of ​​the service module, and Wherein, beam operation parameters are selected based on predicted data demand from higher layers and a form factor status of the electronic device.

12. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: Determining a priority order of the plurality of antenna modules based on an angle of arrival of each antenna module and a coverage area of ​​each antenna module; performing the module scanning operation based on the descending order of priority of the plurality of antenna modules; as well as If the result of the module scanning operation is insufficient to determine the selection of the service module, the antenna module with the highest priority in the priority order is selected as the service module.

13. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: Periodically triggering the module scanning operation; as well as Based on the difference between the long-term average RSRP and the short-term average RSRP, a period of the module scanning operation is dynamically adjusted.

14. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: In response to the module scanning operation being triggered: scanning a subset of the plurality of antenna modules during the module scanning operation; as well as A prediction is made as to which module from a subset of the plurality of antenna modules is to be selected as the serving module.

15. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: In response to the module scanning operation being triggered: selecting a module of the plurality of antenna modules that is configured to perform beamforming toward a coverage area of ​​one or more of the plurality of antenna modules that are not selected, Measure the beam of the selected module, and The serving module is selected according to the measured beam.

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