Base station assisted sidelink beam acquisition

Abstract

Provided is a method for obtaining a sidelink beam for device to device (D2D) communication, comprising: a base station calculating one or more first directions, wherein the one or more first directions are directions of a second electronic device relative to a first electronic device; the base station calculating one or more second directions, wherein the one or more second directions are directions of the first electronic device relative to the second electronic device; the base station sending the one or more first directions to the first electronic device; and the base station sending the one or more second directions to the second electronic device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to sidelink beam acquisition, in particular, beam acquisition with base station assistance in a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) new radio (NR) system to support sidelink beam management. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the 3GPP NR system, downlink beam management and uplink beam management are supported. The downlink refers to the link from the base station to the device. The uplink refers to the link from the device to the base station. SUMMARY

[0003] The present application describes sidelink beam acquisition with base station assistance for device to device (D2D) communication.

[0004] In a first implementation, a method includes: a base station calculating one or more first directions, wherein the one or more first directions are directions in which a second electronic device is located relative to a first electronic device; the base station calculating one or more second directions, wherein the one or more second directions are directions in which the first electronic device is located relative to the second electronic device; the base station sending the one or more first directions to the first electronic device; and the base station sending the one or more second directions to the second electronic device.

[0005] In a second implementation, an electronic device includes: a non-transitory memory storage comprising instructions; and one or more hardware processors in communication with the memory storage, wherein the one or more hardware processors execute the instructions to perform operations comprising: calculating one or more first directions, wherein the one or more first directions are directions in which a second electronic device is located relative to a first electronic device; calculating one or more second directions, wherein the one or more second directions are directions in which the first electronic device is located relative to the second electronic device; sending the one or more first directions to the first electronic device; and sending the one or more second directions to the second electronic device.

[0006] In a third implementation, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer instructions for transmission beam control in data communication, the computer instructions, when executed by one or more hardware processors, cause the one or more hardware processors to perform operations comprising: calculating, by a base station, one or more first directions, wherein the one or more first directions are directions in which a second electronic device is located relative to a first electronic device; calculating, by the base station, one or more second directions, wherein the one or more second directions are directions in which the first electronic device is located relative to the second electronic device; transmitting, by the base station, the one or more first directions to the first electronic device; and transmitting, by the base station, the one or more second directions to the second electronic device.

[0007] The above implementations can be implemented using a method; a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions to perform the method; and a computer-implemented system comprising a computer memory operably coupled with a hardware processor configured to execute the method and instructions stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0008] The details of one or more implementations of the subject matter of this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a block diagram of sidelink beam acquisition for device to device (D2D) communication provided by an implementation.

[0010] Figure 2 is an illustration of a signal received at a base station having two antenna arrays provided by an implementation.

[0011] Figure 3 is an illustration of relative direction estimation between two devices provided by an implementation.

[0012] Figure 4 is an illustration of position estimation in the presence of unknown reflectors provided by an implementation.

[0013] Figure 5 is an illustration of relative direction estimation between two devices in the presence of unknown reflectors provided by an implementation.

[0014] Figure 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for sidelink beam acquisition with base station assistance provided by an implementation.

[0015] Figure 7It is a block diagram of an exemplary computer system, according to one implementation, for providing computational functionality associated with the described algorithms, methods, functions, processes, flows, and programs.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary structure of the terminal described in this invention, provided as one implementation.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary structure of the base station described in this invention, provided as one implementation.

[0018] The same reference numerals and names in the various figures indicate the same elements. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The following detailed description describes base station-assisted sidelink beam acquisition for device-to-device (D2D) communication, and this detailed description is intended to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the disclosed subject matter in the context of one or more particular implementations.

[0020] Various modifications, alterations, and arrangements can be made to the disclosed implementations, and these modifications, alterations, and arrangements will be obvious to those skilled in the art. The defined general principles can be applied to other implementations and applications without departing from the scope of the invention. In some cases, details unnecessary for understanding the described subject matter may be omitted so as not to obscure one or more described implementations, since such details are within the capabilities of those skilled in the art. The invention is not intended to be limited to the described or illustrated implementations, but rather to be endowed with the widest scope consistent with the described principles and features.

[0021] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) New Radio (NR) system supports downlink beam management and uplink beam management. Downlink refers to the link from the base station to the device. Uplink refers to the link from the device to the base station. However, current 3GPP NR systems do not support sidelink beam management (e.g., sidelinks within millimeter-wave frequencies). Sidelinks can be defined as direct D2D communication without going through a base station (e.g., a 5G base station (gNB)).

[0022] This invention describes an exemplary implementation of wireless signal transmission and reception for D2D communication (e.g., in the millimeter-wave band). In this invention, a base station with multiple antenna arrays can estimate the relative direction between a first electronic device and a second electronic device, and transmit the estimated relative direction to the first electronic device, the second electronic device, or both. The estimated relative direction can be used to assist in side-link beam management between the first and second electronic devices.

[0023] The subject matter described in this invention can be implemented in specific ways to achieve one or more of the following advantages. First, the described method can reduce sidelink beam management overhead. For example, with base station assistance, the first electronic device can know the direction of the second electronic device relative to the first electronic device before performing sidelink beam management. The first electronic device can obtain a beam pattern for sidelink communication with the second electronic device based on the direction information. Second, by using multiple antenna arrays, the base station can more accurately estimate the positions of the first and second electronic devices, thereby providing more accurate direction information for sidelink beam management between the first and second electronic devices. Other advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a block diagram 100 providing an implementation of sidelink beamforming for device-to-device (D2D) communication. Block diagram 100 includes a base station 102, user equipment (UE) 104, and UE 106. For example, base station 102 can communicate with UE 104 via downlink 112 and uplink 114. UE 104 can communicate with UE 106 via forward sidelink 116 and reverse sidelink 118. If UE 106 is within the coverage area of ​​base station 102, base station 102 can communicate with UE 106 via downlink 122 and uplink 124. In some implementations, additional, different, or fewer UEs may be included in block diagram 100.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, consider side-link mode 1. In side-link mode 1, the transmitting UE (TxUE) (e.g., UE104) is within the coverage area of ​​base station 102. The receiving UE (RxUE) (e.g., UE106) may or may not be within the coverage area of ​​base station 102. In some implementations, Figure 1 Other side link modes can be considered.

[0026] Figure 2An implementation provides a diagram 200 of signals received at a base station having two antenna arrays. The diagram 200 includes a base station 202, a Tx UE 204, and an Rx UE 206. The base station 202 includes a first antenna array 208 and a second antenna array 210. In some implementations, additional, different, or fewer antenna arrays can be included in the diagram 200.

[0027] As shown, a distance 212 exists between the first antenna array 208 and the second antenna array 210. The distance 212 can be known to the base station 202. The Tx UE 204 and the Rx UE 206 are both within a coverage area of the base station 202. In some implementations, the base station 202 can be a smart television, and the Tx UE 204 and the Rx UE 206 can be smart devices having millimeter wave beamforming capabilities. To simplify the description, it is assumed that a near-field approximation is used to describe the following processes. Figure 2

[0028] In some implementations, it is desirable for the base station 202 to assist in sidelink beam management between the Tx UE 204 and the Rx UE 206. For example, the base station 202 can estimate locations of the Tx UE 204 and the Rx UE 206 based on signals received from the Tx UE 204 and the Rx UE 206, respectively. With the estimated locations, the base station 202 can determine a direction of the Rx UE 206 with respect to the Tx UE 204 and a direction of the Tx UE 204 with respect to the Rx UE 206. The base station 202 can send direction information (e.g., reference direction information in conjunction with angle information) to the Tx UE 204 and the Rx UE 206. The Tx UE 204 can obtain a beam pattern for sidelink communication with the Rx UE 206 based on the direction information. The Rx UE 206 can obtain a beam pattern for sidelink communication with the Tx UE 204 based on the direction information.

[0029] Based on the signal received from the Tx UE 204, the base station 202 can compute (or estimate) an angle of arrival and a path length from the Tx UE 204 to each of the first antenna array 208 and the second antenna array 210. For example, the base station 202 can compute a t 214 (an angle of arrival from the Tx UE 204 to the first antenna array 208), a t 218 (an angle of arrival from the Tx UE 204 to the second antenna array 210), a t 222 (a path length from the Tx UE 204 to the first antenna array 208), and a t 224 (a path length from the Tx UE 204 to the second antenna array 210).

[0030] ​Based on the signals received from the Rx UE 206, the base station 202 can calculate (or estimate) the angle of arrival and path length from the Rx UE 206 to each of the first antenna array 208 and the second antenna array 210. For example, the base station 202 can calculate a r 216 (angle of arrival from the Rx UE 206 to the first antenna array 208), b r 220 (angle of arrival from the Rx UE 206 to the second antenna array 210), L r 226 (path length from the Rx UE 206 to the first antenna array 208), and R r 228 (path length from the Rx UE 206 to the second antenna array 210).

[0031] The Tx UE 204, the Rx UE 206, the first antenna array 208, and the second antenna array 210 can each have their own reference direction. In some implementations, the reference directions of the Tx UE 204, the Rx UE 206, the first antenna array 208, and the second antenna array 210 can be different. In such cases, the Tx UE 204, the Rx UE 206, the first antenna array 208, and the second antenna array 210 can send their reference directions to a common device (e.g., the base station 202) where the information is processed to reach the sidelink beam management recommendations. To simplify the description, it is assumed that a common reference direction (CRD) is used to describe the following processes. For example, the absolute northward geomagnetic direction can be used as the CRD in the azimuth domain.

[0032] In some implementations, the Tx UE 204, the Rx UE 206, the first antenna array 208, and the second antenna array 210 can each be considered to be located at a single point. For example, the first antenna array 208 can be represented by a center point of the first antenna array 208. The second antenna array 210 can be represented by a center point of the second antenna array 210. The Tx UE 204 can be represented by a center point of the Tx UE 204. The Rx UE 206 can be represented by a center point of the Rx UE 206. In this way, the Tx UE 204, the first antenna array 208, and the second antenna array 210 can form a triangle. The Rx UE 206, the first antenna array 208, and the second antenna array 210 can form another triangle.

[0033] In some implementations, to estimate the path lengths (e.g., L t 222, R t 224, L r 226, and R r228), a log distance path loss model can be used. The log distance path loss model can be expressed as:

[0034]

[0035] PL LD is the total path loss, measured in decibels (dB). d is the path length. PL(d0) is the path loss at a reference distance d0. n is the path loss exponent.

[0036] In some implementations, to estimate the angle of arrival (e.g., a t 214, β t 218, a r 216, and β r 220), signal parameters can be estimated by the estimation of signal parameters via rotational invariance techniques (ESPRIT) or multiple signal classification (MUSIC) algorithm. In some implementations, other models, techniques, or algorithms can be used to estimate the path length or the angle of arrival.

[0037] With the estimated path length and angle of arrival, the base station 202 can calculate (or estimate) the locations of the Tx UE 204 and the Rx UE 206. For example, the location of the Tx UE 204 relative to the base station 202 can be estimated based on one or more of a t 214, β t 218, L t 222, R t 224, and the distance 212. In some implementations, only a t 214, β t 218, and the distance 212 are needed to estimate the location of the Tx UE 204, L t 222, and R t 224 are optional. However, using the optional L t 222, and R t 224 can improve the accuracy of the estimated location of the Tx UE 204. Similarly, the location can be estimated using only other variables, such as only a t and L t , or β t and R t , and additional measurements also improve the accuracy of the estimate. In some implementations, the base station 202 can use other positioning methods, such as global positioning system (GPS) or other 3GPP-based positioning methods.

[0038] Figure 3An illustration 300 of relative direction estimation between two devices is provided in an implementation. The illustration 300 includes a base station 302, a Tx UE 304, and a Rx UE 306. The base station 302 includes a first antenna array 308 and a second antenna array 310 that are separated by a distance 312. In some implementations, additional, different, or fewer antenna arrays can be included in the illustration 300.

[0039] As described in Figure 2 The position of the Tx UE 304 and the position of the Rx UE 306 can be estimated relative to the base station 302. Using the estimated positions of the Tx UE 304 and the Rx UE 306, the base station 302 can estimate δ r 314 (the direction of the Rx UE 306 relative to the Tx UE 304) and δ t 316 (the direction of the Tx UE 304 relative to the Rx UE 306). The base station 302 can transmit the estimated δ r 314 and δ t 316 to the Tx UE 304 and the Rx UE 306, respectively. The estimated δ r 314 and δ t 316 can be used to assist in sidelink beam management between the Tx UE 304 and the Rx UE 306.

[0040] Figure 4 An illustration 400 of position estimation in the presence of unknown reflectors is provided in an implementation. The illustration 400 includes a base station 402, a UE 404, and a reflector 406. The base station 402 includes a first antenna array 408 and a second antenna array 410 that are separated by a distance 412. In some implementations, additional, different, or fewer reflectors can be included in the illustration 400.

[0041] In Figure 2 and Figure 3 Position estimation is based on line of sight (LOS) transmissions between the Tx UE / Rx UE and the base station. When there is one or more reflectors (e.g., flat walls and glass, which are good reflectors in the mmWave band), the estimated position of the Tx UE / Rx UE can have one or more errors. In addition, the position estimation can not be as accurate as in the LOS case.

[0042] As described in Figure 4As shown, reflector 406 can reflect signals transmitted by UE 404. For example, base station 402 can receive signals transmitted by UE 404 and reflected by reflector 406. In other words, UE 404 can have a corresponding mirror version (UE 416) at base station 402. Therefore, when base station 402 receives a reference signal transmitted by UE 404, base station 402 can have more than one estimated angle of arrival, one corresponding to the real UE 404 and another corresponding to the mirror UE 416. Based on more than one estimated angle of arrival, base station 402 can have more than one estimated position of UE 404.

[0043] Figure 5 This is an illustration 500 illustrating a relative orientation estimation between two devices in the presence of an unknown reflector, as provided in one implementation. Illustration 500 includes a base station 502, a TxUE 504, an RxUE 506, and a reflector 514. Base station 502 includes a first antenna array 508 and a second antenna array 510 spaced 512 apart. In some implementations, additional, different, or fewer reflectors may be included in illustration 500.

[0044] like Figure 5 As shown, reflector 514 can reflect the signal transmitted by TxUE 504. Therefore, base station 502 can have two estimated positions of TxUE 504: one is the actual position of TxUE 504, and the other is the mirror position of mirrored TxUE 516. Based on the estimated position of TxUE 506, base station 502 can estimate δ r1 518 (direction of RxUE 506 relative to TxUE 504), δ r2 520 (direction of RxUE 506 relative to its mirror image TxUE 516), δ t1 522 (the direction of TxUE 504 relative to RxUE 506) and δ t2 524 (the direction of mirrored TxUE 516 relative to RxUE 506). In some implementations, base station 502 may assign a probability to each estimated direction. For example, δ r1 518 can be assigned a probability p1, δ r2 520 can be assigned a probability p2. δ t1 522 can be assigned a probability p1, and δ t2 524 can be assigned a probability p2. If base station 502 determines, for example, based on the received signal strength, that TxUE 504 is more likely to be the real TxUE than the mirrored TxUE 516, then base station 502 can set p1 to be greater than p2. In some implementations, the base station can perform delta analysis on TxUE 504. r1 518 and δ r2520ordering. The base station can order the δ t1 522and δ t2 524ordering. In some implementations, the probability of estimating the direction (or ordering) can be determined based on at least one of a signal path loss or one or more known reflector locations in the environment around the base station. For example, the environment can be a residential, office space, community center, or other structure.

[0045] The base station 502 can transmit one or more of the δ r1 518and δ r2 520to the Tx UE 504. In some implementations, the base station 502 can only transmit the one with greater probability of the δ r1 518and δ r2 520to the Tx UE 504. In some implementations, the base station 502 can transmit the δ r1 518and δ r2 520and their associated probabilities (or ordering information) to the Tx UE 504. In some implementations, the base station 502 can order the δ r1 518and δ r2 520based on their associated probabilities (or ordering information) and transmit the ordered δ r1 518and δ r2 520in the downlink signaling to the Tx UE 504 so that the Tx UE 504 can determine the order in terms of probability. The Tx UE 504 can select one of the δ r1 518and δ r2 520for sidelink beam management with the Rx UE 506. The base station 502 can transmit one or more of the δ t1 522and δ t2 524to the Rx UE 506. In some implementations, the base station 502 can only transmit the one with greater probability of the δ t1 522and δ t2 524to the Rx UE 506. In some implementations, the base station 502 can transmit the δ t1 522and δ t2 524and their associated probabilities (or ordering information) to the Rx UE 506. In some implementations, the base station 502 can order the δ t1 522and δ t2 524based on their associated probabilities (or ordering information) and transmit the ordered δ t1 522and δ t2524 is placed in the downlink signaling to the Rx UE 506 so that the Rx UE 506 can determine the order in terms of probability. The Rx UE 506 can select a t1 522 and one of the t2 524 is used for sidelink beam management with the Tx UE 504.

[0046] In some implementations, the base station 502 can configure the Tx UE 504 and the Rx UE 506 with uplink time or frequency resources for uplink sounding. Then, the Tx UE 504 and the Rx UE 506 can transmit reference signals using the allocated time or frequency resources, and the base station 502 can perform measurements and estimate the locations of the Tx UE 504 and the Rx UE 506. The base station 502 can estimate one or more directions in which the Rx UE 506 is located relative to the Tx UE 504 and transmit the direction information to the Tx UE 504. Thus, the Tx UE 504 can form a transmit / receive beam using the received direction information to communicate with the Rx UE 506. The base station 502 can estimate one or more directions in which the Tx UE 504 is located relative to the Rx UE 506 and transmit the direction information to the Rx UE 506. Thus, the Rx UE 506 can form a transmit / receive beam using the received direction information to communicate with the Tx UE 504.

[0047] In some implementations, a fixed reference direction (e.g., north) can be used when transmitting the direction information. For example, the direction information can be determined based on the fixed reference direction. In some implementations, the LOS direction between the Tx UE / Rx UE and the base station can be used as the reference direction. In such cases, the Tx UE / Rx UE can need multiple antennas to identify the LOS direction.

[0048] In some implementations, a known beam direction between the Tx UE / Rx UE and the base station can be used to transmit the direction information. For example, if a known uplink beam between the Tx UE / Rx UE and the base station is used as a reference, the base station can transmit angle information a and an index of the known uplink beam to the Tx UE / Rx UE. The angle information a and the index of the known uplink beam can indicate that the other UE is in a direction a degrees relative to the known uplink beam direction. In some implementations, the direction information can include clockwise or counterclockwise information of the angle information a relative to the reference direction.

[0049] In some implementations, the signaling between the TxUE / RxUE and the base station can use 3GPP compliant messages (e.g., downlink control information (DCI) using the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH)), data packets using the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), or non-3GPP compatible messages (e.g., upper-layer messages).

[0050] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of an exemplary method 600 for base station-assisted side-link beam acquisition, provided as an implementation. For clarity, the following description generally describes method 600 within the context of other figures in this description. Method 600 can be provided by a base station (e.g., Figure 3 The base station 302 shown is used for implementation. However, it should be understood that, for example, method 600 can be performed, as appropriate, by any suitable system, environment, software and hardware, or a combination of system, environment, software and hardware. In some implementations, the various steps of method 600 can be performed in parallel, in combination, cyclically, or in any order.

[0051] Method 600 begins with 602, wherein the base station calculates one or more first directions. The one or more first directions may be the direction of the second electronic device relative to the location of the first electronic device. For example, the base station may include a smart TV, and the first and second electronic devices may include smartphones with millimeter-wave beamforming capabilities.

[0052] In some implementations, the base station may include a 5G base station (gNB) with multiple antenna arrays. Both the first electronic device and the second electronic device can be within the coverage area of ​​the base station. The first electronic device, the second electronic device, and the multiple antenna arrays may use the same reference orientation. In some cases, the first electronic device, the second electronic device, and the multiple antenna arrays may use different reference orientations.

[0053] At position 604, the base station calculates one or more second directions. These one or more second directions may be the directions of the first electronic device relative to the second electronic device. In some implementations, the one or more first directions and the one or more second directions may be calculated based on one or more first estimated positions of the first electronic device and one or more second estimated positions of the second electronic device.

[0054] At 606, the base station transmits one or more first directions to the first electronic device. The one or more first directions can be transmitted with first reference direction information including a fixed reference direction, one or more line of sight (LOS) directions between the first electronic device and the base station, or one or more known beam directions between the first electronic device and the base station.

[0055] At 608, the base station transmits one or more second directions to the second electronic device. The one or more second directions can be transmitted with second reference direction information including a fixed reference direction, one or more LOS directions between the second electronic device and the base station, or one or more known beam directions between the second electronic device and the base station.

[0056] In some implementations, when the one or more first directions include two or more first directions: the base station can rank the two or more first directions and transmit the two or more first directions and ranking information to the first electronic device. When the one or more second directions include two or more second directions: the base station can rank the two or more second directions and transmit the two or more second directions and ranking information to the second electronic device.

[0057] In some implementations, the one or more first directions and the one or more second directions can be used to form a transmit beam pattern or a receive beam pattern on a sidelink between the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

[0058] In some implementations, prior to 602, the base station can transmit a configuration of first uplink resources for first uplink probes to the first electronic device. The base station can measure the first uplink probes transmitted by the first electronic device and compute at least one of one or more first angles of arrival or one or more first path lengths based on the measured first uplink probes. One or more first estimated positions of the first electronic device can be computed based on at least one of the one or more first angles of arrival, the one or more first path lengths, or one or more distances between the plurality of antenna arrays.

[0059] In some implementations, the base station can transmit a configuration of second uplink resources for second uplink probes to the second electronic device. The base station can measure the second uplink probes transmitted by the second electronic device and compute at least one of one or more second angles of arrival or one or more second path lengths based on the measured second uplink probes. One or more second estimated positions of the second electronic device can be computed based on at least one of the one or more second angles of arrival, the one or more second path lengths, or one or more distances between the plurality of antenna arrays.

[0060] Figure 7 is a block diagram of an exemplary computer system 700 for providing computational functionality associated with the described algorithms, methods, functions, processes, flows, and procedures in accordance with an implementation. The computer system 700 or one or more computer systems 700 can be used to implement the electronic devices previously described in the present disclosure, such as Figure 3 the base station 302.

[0061] In some aspects, the computer 702 can include a computer that includes an input device, such as a keypad, keyboard, touch screen, or other device that can receive user information, and an output device that transmits information (including digital data, visual or audio information (or combinations thereof)) associated with the operation of the computer 702, or a graphical user interface (GUI).

[0062] The computer 702 can operate in a client-server, network component, server, database or other persistent device, or any other component of a computer system (or combinations thereof) for performing the subject matter described in the present disclosure. The computer 702 shown is communicably coupled with the network 730. In some implementations, one or more components of the computer 702 can be used to operate in a cloud computing-based environment, a local environment, a global environment, or other environment (or combinations thereof), among others.

[0063] At a high level, the computer 702 is an electronic computing device operable to receive, transmit, process, store, or manage data and information associated with the subject matter described in the present disclosure. According to some implementations, the computer 702 can also include, or be communicably coupled with, an application server, an email server, a web server, a cache server, a streaming data server, or other server (or combinations thereof).

[0064] The computer 702 can receive requests from client applications (e.g., running on another computer 702) over the network 730 and respond to the received requests by processing the received requests using appropriate software applications. Further, requests can also be sent to the computer 702 from internal users (e.g., from a command console or through other suitable access methods), external or third-parties, other automated applications, and any other suitable entities, individuals, systems, or computers.

[0065] Each of the components of the computer 702 can communicate using a system bus 703. In some implementations, any or all of the components, hardware, or software (or a combination of both hardware and software) of the computer 702 can interface or connect through an application programming interface (API) 712 or service layer 713 (or a combination of the API 712 and service layer 713) using the system bus 703 or an interface 704 (or a combination of both). The API 712 can include specifications for routines, data structures, and object classes. The API 712 can be either computer language-independent or dependent, and refer to either a complete interface, a single function, or a group of APIs. The service layer 713 provides software services to the computer 702 or other components (whether illustrated or not) that can be communicatively coupled to the computer 702. All

[0066] The computer 702 includes an interface 704. While an interface 704 is Figure 7 illustrated as a single interface 704, two or more interfaces 704 can be used according to the needs of the particular computer 702, the desires of a designer, or particular implementations. The interface 704 is used by the computer 702 for communicating with other systems that are connected to the network 730 in a distributed environment. Generally, the interface 704 includes logic encoded in software or hardware (or a combination of software and hardware) and is operable to communicate with the network 730. More specifically, the interface 704 can include software supporting one or more communication protocols associated with communications such that the network 730 or hardware of the interface 704 is operable to communicate physical signals with the computer 702 over the network 730.

[0067] The computer 702 includes a processor 705. While an Figure 7The processor 705 is shown as a single processor, but two or more processors can be used according to the particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the computer 702. Generally, the processor 705 executes instructions and manipulates data to perform the operations of the computer 702 and any algorithms, methods, functions, processes, flows, and procedures as described in the present application.

[0068] The computer 702 also includes a database 706, which can hold data for the computer 702 or other components (whether illustrated or not) that can be connected to the network 730 (or a combination of both). For example, the database 706 can be an in-memory database, a traditional database, or other type of storage that stores data consistent with the present application. In some implementations, the database 706 can be a combination of two or more different database types (e.g., a hybrid in-memory and traditional database) according to the particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the computer 702 and the described functionality. Although the database 706 is illustrated as an integral component of the computer 702, in alternative implementations, the database 706 can be external to the computer 702. Figure 7 Although the database 706 is illustrated as a single database, two or more databases (of the same or of different types) can be used according to the particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the computer 702 and the described functionality. Although the database 706 is illustrated as an integral component of the computer 702, in alternative implementations, the database 706 can be external to the computer 702.

[0069] The computer 702 also includes a memory 707, which can hold data for the computer 702 or other components (whether illustrated or not) that can be connected to the network 730 (or a combination of both). For example, the memory 707 can be a random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), optical memory, magnetic memory, etc., that stores data consistent with the present application. In some implementations, the memory 707 can be a combination of two or more different types of memory (e.g., a combination of RAM and magnetic memory) according to the particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the computer 702 and the described functionality. Although the memory 707 is illustrated as an integral component of the computer 702, in alternative implementations, the memory 707 can be external to the computer 702. Figure 7 Although the memory 707 is illustrated as a single memory, two or more memories 707 (of the same or of different types) can be used according to the particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the computer 702 and the described functionality. Although the memory 707 is illustrated as an integral component of the computer 702, in alternative implementations, the memory 707 can be external to the computer 702.

[0070] The application 708 is an algorithmic software engine providing functionality as particular needed, desired, or specific to the computer 702, particularly with respect to the functionality described in the present application. For example, the application 708 can function as one or more components, modules, or applications. Further, although illustrated as a single application 708, the application 708 can be implemented as multiple applications 708 on the computer 702. Also, although illustrated as integrated with the computer 702, in alternative implementations the application 708 can be external to the computer 702.

[0071] The computer 702 can also include a power supply 714. The power supply 714 can include a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery that can be configured to be either user- replaceable or not user-replaceable. In some implementations, the power supply 714 can include power- conversion or management circuits (including recharging, standby, or other power management functionality). In some implementations, the power supply 714 can include a power plug to allow the computer 702 to be plugged to a wall socket or other power source to, for example, supply power to the computer 702 or to recharge a rechargeable battery.

[0072] There can be any number of computers 702 associated with or external to a computer system that includes computer 702, each computer 702 communicating over network 730. Further, the terms "client," "user," and other appropriate terminology can be used interchangeably as appropriate, without departing from the scope of the present application. Moreover, the present application contemplates that many users can use one computer 702, or that one user can use multiple computers 702.

[0073] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary structure of the terminal 800 described in the present application provided by an implementation. The terminal 800 includes a receiving circuit 802 and a transmitting circuit 806. In some implementations, the terminal 800 can also include one or more circuits for performing any one step or combination of multiple steps described in the present application.

[0074] The receiving circuit 802 is configured to receive one or more directions from a base station. The one or more directions can be directions of another terminal relative to the terminal.

[0075] The transmitting circuit 806 is configured to transmit a reference signal to the base station.

[0076] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary structure of the base station 900 described in the present application provided by an implementation. The base station 900 includes a receiving circuit 902, an estimating circuit 904, and a transmitting circuit 906. In some implementations, the base station 900 can also include one or more circuits for performing any one step or combination of multiple steps described in the present application.

[0077] The receiving circuit 902 is configured to receive reference signals from two or more terminals.

[0078] The estimating circuit 904 is configured to estimate positions of the two or more terminals. Based on the estimated positions, relative directions between the two or more terminals can be estimated.

[0079] The sending circuit 906 is configured to send direction information to the two or more terminals.

[0080] The described implementations of the subject matter can include one or more of the following features, alone or in combination.

[0081] In a first implementation, a method includes: a base station computing one or more first directions, wherein the one or more first directions are directions of a second electronic device relative to a first electronic device; the base station computing one or more second directions, wherein the one or more second directions are directions of the first electronic device relative to the second electronic device; the base station sending the one or more first directions to the first electronic device; and the base station sending the one or more second directions to the second electronic device.

[0082] The above and other described implementations can each be optionally combined with one or more of the following features.

[0083] A first feature, combinable with any of the above or below features, wherein: the one or more first directions and the one or more second directions are computed based on one or more first estimated positions of the first electronic device and one or more second estimated positions of the second electronic device; and the one or more first directions and the one or more second directions are used to form a transmit beam pattern or a receive beam pattern on a sidelink between the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

[0084] A second feature, combinable with any of the above or below features, wherein: the base station comprises a 5G base station (gNB) having a plurality of antenna arrays; the first electronic device and the second electronic device are within a coverage of the base station; and the first electronic device, the second electronic device, and the plurality of antenna arrays use a same reference direction.

[0085] A third feature, combinable with any of the above or below features, wherein the method further comprises: sending, by the base station, a configuration of a first uplink resource for a first uplink probe to the first electronic device; measuring, by the base station, the first uplink probe sent by the first electronic device; calculating, by the base station, one or more first angles of arrival based on the measured first uplink probe, wherein the one or more first estimated positions of the first electronic device are calculated based on at least one of the one or more first angles of arrival and one or more distances between the multiple antenna arrays.

[0086] A fourth feature, combinable with any of the above or below features, wherein the method further comprises: calculating, by the base station, one or more first path lengths based on the measured first uplink probe, wherein the one or more first estimated positions of the first electronic device are calculated based on at least one of the one or more first angles of arrival, the one or more first path lengths, and the one or more distances between the multiple antenna arrays.

[0087] A fifth feature, combinable with any of the above or below features, wherein the method further comprises: when the one or more first directions include two or more first directions: ordering, by the base station, the two or more first directions; and sending, by the base station, the two or more first directions and ordering information to the first electronic device.

[0088] A sixth feature, combinable with any of the above or below features, wherein: the one or more first directions are sent with first reference direction information, the first reference direction information including a fixed reference direction, one or more line of sight (LOS) directions between the first electronic device and the base station, or one or more known beam directions between the first electronic device and the base station.

[0089] A seventh feature, combinable with any of the above or below features, wherein the base station comprises a smart television, and the first electronic device and the second electronic device comprise a smart phone with millimeter wave beamforming capability.

[0090] In a second implementation, an electronic device includes: a non-transitory memory storage comprising instructions; and one or more hardware processors in communication with the memory storage, where the one or more hardware processors execute the instructions to perform operations comprising: computing one or more first directions, where the one or more first directions are directions of a second electronic device relative to a first electronic device; computing one or more second directions, where the one or more second directions are directions of the first electronic device relative to the second electronic device; transmitting the one or more first directions to the first electronic device; and transmitting the one or more second directions to the second electronic device.

[0091] The above-described and other described implementations can each be optionally combined with one or more other implementations.

[0092] A first feature, combinable with any of the above or below features, wherein: the one or more first directions and the one or more second directions are computed based on one or more first estimated positions of the first electronic device and one or more second estimated positions of the second electronic device; and the one or more first directions and the one or more second directions are used to form a transmit beam pattern or a receive beam pattern over a sidelink between the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

[0093] A second feature, combinable with any of the above or below features, wherein: the electronic device comprises a 5G base station (gNB) having a plurality of antenna arrays, the first electronic device and the second electronic device are within a coverage of the gNB, and the first electronic device, the second electronic device, and the plurality of antenna arrays use a same reference direction.

[0094] A third feature, combinable with any of the above or below features, wherein the operations further comprise: transmitting, to the first electronic device, a configuration of first uplink resources for a first uplink sounding; measuring the first uplink sounding transmitted by the first electronic device; and computing one or more first angles of arrival based on the measured first uplink sounding, where the one or more first estimated positions of the first electronic device are computed based on at least one of the one or more first angles of arrival and one or more distances between the plurality of antenna arrays.

[0095] In a fourth implementation, the operations further include calculating one or more first path lengths based on the measured first uplink probes, wherein the one or more first estimated positions of the first electronic device are calculated based on at least one of the one or more first angles of arrival, the one or more first path lengths, and the one or more distances between the plurality of antenna arrays.

[0096] In a fifth implementation, the operations further include, when the one or more first directions include two or more first directions: ranking the two or more first directions; and transmitting, to the first electronic device, the two or more first directions and ranking information.

[0097] In a sixth implementation, the one or more first directions are transmitted with first reference direction information, the first reference direction information including a fixed reference direction, one or more line of sight (LOS) directions between the first electronic device and the electronic device, or one or more known beam directions between the first electronic device and the electronic device.

[0098] In a seventh implementation, the electronic device includes a smart television, and the first electronic device and the second electronic device include a smart phone with millimeter wave beamforming capability.

[0099] In a third implementation, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer instructions for transmission beam control in data communication, the computer instructions, when executed by one or more hardware processors, cause the one or more hardware processors to perform operations comprising: calculating, by a base station, one or more first directions, wherein the one or more first directions are directions of a second electronic device relative to a first electronic device; calculating, by the base station, one or more second directions, wherein the one or more second directions are directions of the first electronic device relative to the second electronic device; transmitting, by the base station, the one or more first directions to the first electronic device; and transmitting, by the base station, the one or more second directions to the second electronic device.

[0100] The above and other described implementations can each optionally include one or more of the following features.

[0101] The first feature, combinable with any of the following features, wherein: the one or more first directions and the one or more second directions are computed based on one or more first estimated positions of the first electronic device and one or more second estimated positions of the second electronic device; the one or more first directions and the one or more second directions are used to form a transmit beam pattern or a receive beam pattern over a sidelink between the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

[0102] The second feature, combinable with any of the above or below features, wherein: the base station comprises a 5G base station (gNB) having a plurality of antenna arrays, the first electronic device and the second electronic device are within a coverage of the base station, the first electronic device, the second electronic device and the plurality of antenna arrays use a same reference direction.

[0103] The third feature, combinable with any of the above or below features, wherein the operations further comprise: the base station sending, to the first electronic device, a configuration of first uplink resources for a first uplink sounding; the base station measuring the first uplink sounding sent by the first electronic device; the base station computing one or more first angles of arrival based on the measured first uplink sounding, wherein the one or more first estimated positions of the first electronic device are computed based on at least one of the one or more first angles of arrival and one or more distances between the plurality of antenna arrays.

[0104] The fourth feature, combinable with any of the above or below features, wherein the operations further comprise: the base station computing one or more first path lengths based on the measured first uplink sounding, wherein the one or more first estimated positions of the first electronic device are computed based on at least one of the one or more first angles of arrival, the one or more first path lengths and the one or more distances between the plurality of antenna arrays.

[0105] The fifth feature, combinable with any of the above or below features, wherein the operations further comprise: when the one or more first directions comprise two or more first directions: the base station ranking the two or more first directions; the base station sending, to the first electronic device, the two or more first directions and ranking information.

[0106] A sixth feature, combinable with any of the above or below features, where: the one or more first directions are sent with first reference direction information, the first reference direction information including fixed reference directions, one or more line of sight (LOS) directions between the first electronic device and the base station, or one or more known beam directions between the first electronic device and the base station.

[0107] A seventh feature, combinable with any of the above or below features, where the base station includes a smart television, and the first and second electronic devices include a smart phone with millimeter wave beamforming capability.

[0108] Implementations of the subject matter and the functional operations described in this specification can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, in tangibly-embodied computer software or firmware, in computer hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them. Implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented as one or more computer programs, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a tangible non-transitory computer-readable computer storage medium for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus. Alternatively or additionally, the program instructions can be encoded in an artificially generated propagated signal, e.g., a machine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal that is generated to encode information for transmission to suitable receiver apparatus for execution by a data processing apparatus. The computer storage medium can be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a random or serial access memory device, or a combination of one or more of them.

[0109] The terms “real-time,” “real time,” “realtime,” “real (fast) time (RFT),” “near (ly) real-time (NRT),” “quasi-real-time,” or similar terms (as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art) mean that the action and the response are close in time such that an individual perceives the action and the response as occurring substantially simultaneously. For example, the time difference between an individual’s action of accessing data and the response of data display (or display initiation) can be less than 1 ms, less than 1 second, or less than 5 seconds. While the requested data need not be displayed (or initiated for display) immediately, the requested data is displayed (or initiated for display) without any intentional delay, given the processing limitations of the computing system and the time required to collect, measure accurately, analyze, process, store, or transmit the data, etc.

[0110] The terms“data processing apparatus,”“computer,” or“electronic computer device” (or equivalent as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art) refer to data processing hardware and encompass all kinds of apparatus, devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example, a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple processors or computers. The apparatus can also be, or further include, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In some implementations, the data processing apparatus or special purpose logic circuitry (or a combination of the data processing apparatus or special purpose logic circuitry) can be hardware-based or software-based (or a combination of hardware and software), and the apparatus can optionally include a code that creates an execution environment for computer programs, e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of

[0111] A computer program, which can also be referred to or described as a program, software, a software application, a module, a software module, a script, or code, can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, or declarative or procedural languages, and can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data, e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document, in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files, e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub programs, or portions of code. A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and networks. Although the various parts of the program are illustrated as separate modules in the various figures, the program can alternatively be implemented as one or more modules that perform the functions of the various parts. The features and functionality of the various parts can alternatively be combined into a single part. Thresholds used to make computational decisions can be static, dynamic, or both.

[0112] The methods, processes, or logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable computers executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. The methods, processes, or logic flows can also be performed by special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA or an ASIC, or by a combination of special purpose logic circuitry and one or more programmed computers.

[0113] Computers suitable for the execution of a computer program can be based on general or special purpose microprocessors, both, or any other kind of CPUs. Generally, a CPU receives instructions and data from a ROM, a random access memory (RAM), or both. The essential elements of a computer are a CPU for performing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer also includes, or is operatively coupled to, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical, or optical disks, or a computer can be operatively coupled to one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical, or optical disks. However, a computer need not have such devices. Moreover, a computer can be embedded in another device, e.g., a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile audio or video player, a game console, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, or a portable storage device (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive), etc.

[0114] Computer-readable media (transitory or non-transitory) suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory devices, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; CD-ROM, DVD+ / -R, DVD-RAM, and DVD-ROM disks. The memory can store various objects or data, including caches, classes, frameworks, applications, backup data, jobs, web pages, web page templates, database tables, repositories of dynamic information, and any other appropriate information including any parameters, variables, algorithms, instructions, rules, constraints, or references thereto. Additionally, the memory can include any other appropriate data such as logs, policies, security or access data, reporting files, and any other data. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0115] To provide for interaction with a user, implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diode (LED), or plasma monitor, for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse, trackball, or trackpad, by which the user can provide input to the computer. A touch screen, e.g., a tablet computer surface with pressure sensitivity, a multi-touch screen using capacitive or electric sense, or other type of touch screen, can also be used to provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. In addition, a computer can interact with a user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device used by the user; for example, by sending web pages to a web browser on a user's client device in response to requests received from the web browser.

[0116] The term "graphical user interface" or "GUI" can be used in the singular or plural to describe one or more graphical user interfaces and each display of a particular graphical user interface. Therefore, a GUI can represent any graphical user interface that processes information and efficiently presents the results of that information to a user, including but not limited to web browsers, touchscreens, or command-line interfaces (CLI). Typically, a GUI may include multiple user interface (UI) elements, some or all of which are associated with a web browser, such as interactive fields, dropdown lists, and buttons. These and other UI elements may be related to or represent the functionality of a web browser.

[0117] The implementation of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented in a computing system that includes backend components (e.g., as a data server), middleware components (e.g., an application server), or frontend components (e.g., a client computer with a graphical user interface or a web browser). Users can interact with the implementation of the subject matter described in this specification, or any combination of one or more such backend, middleware, or frontend components, through said computing system. The components of the system can be interconnected via any form or medium of wired or wireless digital data communication (or a combination of data communications), such as a communication network. Examples of communication networks include local area networks (LANs), radio access networks (RANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), wide area networks (WANs), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX), wireless local area networks (WLANs) (e.g., using 802.11a / b / g / n or 802.20 (or combinations of 802.11x and 802.20 or other protocols consistent with this invention)), all or part of the Internet, or any other communication system (or combination of communication networks) in one or more locations. For example, a network can communicate between network addresses with Internet Protocol (IP) packets, Frame Relay frames, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) cells, voice, video, data, or other suitable information (or combinations of communication types).

[0118] The computing system can include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

[0119] While this specification includes many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope or range of any invention, but rather as descriptions of particular implementations of specific inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combinations with each other. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0120] Particular implementations of the subject matter have been described. Other implementations, alterations, and permutations of the described implementations are within the scope of the appended claims as interpreted in accordance with the patent laws, and it is intended that the true scope of at least one implementation be defined by the appended claims. Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims can be

[0121] Further, the separation or integration of various system modules and components in the previously described implementations should not be understood as requiring such separation or integration, and should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0122] Accordingly, the previously described example implementations do not limit or restrict the present invention. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0123] Moreover, any of the claimed implementations are considered applicable to at least one method; a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions to perform the method; and a computer system including a computer memory interoperably coupled with a hardware processor, the hardware processor configured to perform the method or the instructions stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: comprising: calculating, by a base station, one or more first directions, wherein the one or more first directions are directions of a second electronic device relative to a first electronic device; calculating, by the base station, one or more second directions, wherein the one or more second directions are directions of the first electronic device relative to the second electronic device; sending, by the base station, the one or more first directions to the first electronic device; sending, by the base station, the one or more second directions to the second electronic device; the one or more first directions and the one or more second directions are calculated based on one or more first estimated positions of the first electronic device and one or more second estimated positions of the second electronic device; the one or more first directions and the one or more second directions are used to form a transmit beam pattern or a receive beam pattern on a sidelink between the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, the base station comprises a 5G base station (gNB) having a plurality of antenna arrays, the first electronic device and the second electronic device are within a coverage of the base station, and the first electronic device, the second electronic device and the plurality of antenna arrays use a same reference direction.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, the method further comprises: sending, by the base station, a configuration of a first uplink resource for a first uplink probe to the first electronic device; measuring, by the base station, the first uplink probe sent by the first electronic device; calculating, by the base station, one or more first angles of arrival based on the measured first uplink probe, wherein the one or more first estimated positions of the first electronic device are calculated based on at least one of the one or more first angles of arrival and one or more distances between the plurality of antenna arrays.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, the method further comprises: calculating, by the base station, one or more first path lengths based on the measured first uplink probe, wherein the one or more first estimated positions of the first electronic device are calculated based on at least one of the one or more first angles of arrival, the one or more first path lengths and the one or more distances between the plurality of antenna arrays.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, the method further comprises: when the one or more first directions comprise two or more first directions: ordering, by the base station, the two or more first directions; sending, by the base station, the two or more first directions and ordering information to the first electronic device.

6. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein: the one or more first directions are sent together with first reference direction information, the first reference direction information comprising a fixed reference direction, one or more line of sight (LOS) directions between the first electronic device and the base station, or one or more known beam directions between the first electronic device and the base station.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, the base station comprises a smart television, and the first electronic device and the second electronic device comprise a smart phone having a millimeter wave beamforming capability.

8. A communication device, characterized by comprising: a non-transitory memory comprising instructions; one or more hardware processors in communication with the memory, wherein the one or more hardware processors execute the instructions to perform operations comprising: computing one or more first directions, wherein the one or more first directions are directions in which a second electronic device is located relative to the first electronic device; computing one or more second directions, wherein the one or more second directions are directions in which the first electronic device is located relative to the second electronic device; sending the one or more first directions to the first electronic device; sending the one or more second directions to the second electronic device; the one or more first directions and the one or more second directions are computed based on one or more first estimated positions of the first electronic device and one or more second estimated positions of the second electronic device; the one or more first directions and the one or more second directions are used to form a transmit beam pattern or a receive beam pattern over a sidelink between the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

9. The communication device of claim 8, wherein, the communication device comprises a 5G base station (gNB) having a plurality of antenna arrays, the first electronic device and the second electronic device are within a coverage of the gNB, the first electronic device, the second electronic device and the plurality of antenna arrays use a same reference direction.

10. The communication device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by the operations further comprise: sending, to the first electronic device, a configuration of a first uplink resource for a first uplink probe; measuring the first uplink probe sent by the first electronic device; computing one or more first angles of arrival based on the measured first uplink probe, wherein the one or more first estimated positions of the first electronic device are computed based on at least one of the one or more first angles of arrival and one or more distances between the plurality of antenna arrays.

11. The communication device of claim 10, wherein, the operations further comprise: computing one or more first path lengths based on the measured first uplink probe, wherein the one or more first estimated positions of the first electronic device are computed based on at least one of the one or more first angles of arrival, the one or more first path lengths and the one or more distances between the plurality of antenna arrays.

12. The communication device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by the operations further comprise: when the one or more first directions comprise two or more first directions: ordering the two or more first directions; sending, to the first electronic device, the two or more first directions and ordering information.

13. The communication device of claim 8 or 9, wherein: the one or more first directions are sent together with first reference direction information, the first reference direction information comprises a fixed reference direction, one or more line of sight (LOS) directions between the first electronic device and the electronic device, or one or more known beam directions between the first electronic device and the electronic device.

14. The communication device of claim 8 or 9, wherein, the communication device comprises a smart television, the first electronic device and the second electronic device comprise a smart phone having a millimeter wave beamforming capability.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer instructions, wherein the computer instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising: The computer instructions, when executed by one or more hardware processors, cause the one or more hardware processors to perform operations comprising: calculating, by a base station, one or more first directions, wherein the one or more first directions are directions of a second electronic device relative to a first electronic device; calculating, by the base station, one or more second directions, wherein the one or more second directions are directions of the first electronic device relative to the second electronic device; transmitting, by the base station to the first electronic device, the one or more first directions; transmitting, by the base station to the second electronic device, the one or more second directions; the one or more first directions and the one or more second directions are calculated based on one or more first estimated positions of the first electronic device and one or more second estimated positions of the second electronic device; the one or more first directions and the one or more second directions are used to form a transmit beam pattern or a receive beam pattern on a sidelink between the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein, the base station comprises a 5G base station (gNB) having a plurality of antenna arrays, the first electronic device and the second electronic device are within a coverage of the base station, and the first electronic device, the second electronic device and the plurality of antenna arrays use a same reference direction.

17. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15 or 16, wherein, the operations further comprise: transmitting, by the base station to the first electronic device, a configuration of a first uplink resource for a first uplink sounding; measuring, by the base station, the first uplink sounding transmitted by the first electronic device; calculating, by the base station based on the measured first uplink sounding, one or more first angles of arrival, wherein the one or more first estimated positions of the first electronic device are calculated based on at least one of the one or more first angles of arrival and one or more distances between the plurality of antenna arrays.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein, the operations further comprise: calculating, by the base station based on the measured first uplink sounding, one or more first path lengths, wherein the one or more first estimated positions of the first electronic device are calculated based on at least one of the one or more first angles of arrival, the one or more first path lengths and the one or more distances between the plurality of antenna arrays.

19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15 or 16, wherein, the operations further comprise: when the one or more first directions comprise two or more first directions: ordering, by the base station, the two or more first directions; transmitting, by the base station to the first electronic device, the two or more first directions and ordering information.

20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15 or 16, wherein: the one or more first directions are transmitted together with first reference direction information, the first reference direction information comprising a fixed reference direction, one or more line of sight (LOS) directions between the first electronic device and the base station, or one or more known beam directions between the first electronic device and the base station.

21. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15 or 16, wherein, The base station includes a smart television, and the first electronic device and the second electronic device include a smart phone having a millimeter wave beamforming capability.

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