Method for adapting beam sweeping frequency in millimeter wave systems

Abstract

The techniques herein selectively adjust the frequency at which beam sweeping is performed. The systems and methods herein determine a current condition of the UE and determine whether adjusting the current frequency of beam sweeping is desirable.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the granted invention patent, filed on March 5, 2018, with application number 201880019783.4 and entitled "Method for Adapting Beam Scanning Frequency in Millimeter Wave Systems".

[0002] Cross-reference to related applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 476,325, filed March 24, 2017, entitled “METHODS FOR ADAPTING BEAM SCANNING FREQUENCIES IN MILLIMETER WAVE SYSTEMS”; and U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 15 / 910,485, filed March 2, 2018, entitled “METHODS FOR ADAPTING BEAMSCANNING FREQUENCIES IN MILLIMETER WAVE SYSTEMS”, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, as fully set forth below and for all applicable purposes. Technical Field

[0004] In summary, aspects of this disclosure relate to wireless communication systems, and more specifically, aspects of this disclosure relate to selectively adjusting the frequency at which beam scanning is performed. Certain embodiments of the techniques discussed below determine when it is necessary to reduce, increase, or maintain the current frequency of beam scanning and allow the system to adjust the frequency accordingly. Background Technology

[0005] Over time, the use of wireless communication devices has diversified, and users expect an increasing number of services on their user equipment (UE). UEs are no longer limited to telephone calls and email access. Specifically, users are more likely to use their devices for live video calls, streaming high-definition multimedia, playing real-time interactive games, and more. Wireless communication systems are responsible for uplinking and downlinking significantly more data in a significantly shorter amount of time to keep pace with the new UE applications required by users.

[0006] In response, the industry has moved to the Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard to keep pace with the increasing demand for data. LTE-enabled communication systems are increasing the amount of data being transmitted over the air, but the spectrum used by LTE is no longer sufficient to meet user demand. Constrained by spectrum that is too congested to support the ever-increasing data transmission, LTE communications have been plagued by high latency issues and a limited amount of space available for data transmission. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The following outlines some aspects of this disclosure to provide a basic understanding of the techniques discussed. This overview is not an exhaustive summary of all anticipated features of this disclosure, nor is it intended to identify key or essential elements of all aspects of this disclosure, nor to depict the scope of any or all aspects of this disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of this disclosure in an overview form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

[0008] In one aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided for selectively adjusting a beam scan frequency for wireless transmission. For example, the method may include performing a beam scan at an assigned frequency. Furthermore, the method may include determining a rate of change; and adjusting the frequency at which the beam scan is performed, at least based on the determined rate of change. For example, the method may include performing a beam scan at a frequency lower than the assigned frequency by skipping one or more scheduled scans at the assigned frequency; and / or performing a beam scan at a frequency lower than the assigned frequency by changing the assigned frequency to the lower frequency. Subsequently, in various embodiments, the method may include returning the execution of the beam scan to the assigned frequency.

[0009] In various embodiments, the determined rate of change is a mobility rate of change, and the method compares the determined rate of change of mobility with a mobility threshold range, wherein the adjustment is based at least on the comparison. Furthermore, the determined rate of change may be a beam variance rate of change, and the method may compare the determined beam variance rate of change with a beam variance threshold range, wherein the adjustment is based at least on the comparison. Additionally, in some embodiments, the method may decide to maintain the assigned frequency, rather than changing the frequency at any given time based on the determined rate of change.

[0010] In an additional aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided for selectively adjusting the beam scanning frequency for wireless transmission. For example, the apparatus may include a unit for performing a beam scan at an assigned frequency. Furthermore, the apparatus may include a unit for determining a rate of change and adjusting the frequency at which the beam scan is performed, at least based on the determined rate of change. For example, the apparatus may include a unit for performing a beam scan at a frequency lower than the assigned frequency by skipping one and / or more scheduled scans at the assigned frequency; and / or performing a beam scan at a frequency lower than the assigned frequency by changing the assigned frequency to the lower frequency. Subsequently, in various embodiments, the apparatus may include a unit for returning the execution of the beam scan to the assigned frequency.

[0011] In various embodiments, the determined rate of change is a mobility rate of change, and the apparatus compares the determined rate of change of mobility with a mobility threshold range, wherein the adjustment is based at least on the comparison. Furthermore, the determined rate of change may be a beam variance rate of change, and the apparatus may include a unit for comparing the determined beam variance rate of change with a beam variance threshold range, wherein the adjustment is based at least on the comparison. Additionally, in some embodiments, the apparatus may decide to maintain the assigned frequency rather than changing the frequency at any given time based on the determined rate of change.

[0012] In a further aspect of this disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium having program code recorded thereon is provided. The program code may include code for selectively adjusting the beam scanning frequency for wireless transmission. For example, the program code may perform a beam scan at an assigned frequency. Furthermore, the program code may determine a rate of change and adjust the frequency at which the beam scan is performed, at least based on the determined rate of change. For example, the program code may perform a beam scan at a frequency lower than the assigned frequency by skipping one or more scheduled scans at the assigned frequency; and / or by changing the assigned frequency to the lower frequency. Additionally, in various embodiments, the program code may return the execution of the beam scan to the assigned frequency.

[0013] In various embodiments, the determined rate of change is a mobility rate of change, and the program code compares the determined rate of change of mobility with a mobility threshold range, wherein the adjustment is based at least on the comparison. Furthermore, the determined rate of change may be a beam variance rate of change, and the apparatus may include a unit for comparing the determined rate of change of beam variance with a beam variance threshold range, wherein the adjustment is based at least on the comparison. Additionally, in some embodiments, the program code may decide to maintain the assigned frequency rather than changing the frequency at any given time based on the determined rate of change.

[0014] In a further aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus for selectively adjusting the beam scan frequency for wireless transmission is provided. The apparatus includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the processor. For example, the processor may perform a beam scan at an assigned frequency. Furthermore, the processor may determine a rate of change and adjust the frequency at which the beam scan is performed, at least based on the determined rate of change. For example, the processor may perform a beam scan at a frequency lower than the assigned frequency by skipping one or more scheduled scans at the assigned frequency; and / or by changing the assigned frequency to the lower frequency. Subsequently, in various embodiments, the processor may return the execution of the beam scan to the assigned frequency.

[0015] In various embodiments, the determined rate of change is a mobility rate of change, and the processor compares the determined rate of change of mobility with a mobility threshold range, wherein the adjustment is based at least on the comparison. Alternatively, the determined rate of change may be a beam variance rate of change, and the processor may compare the determined beam variance rate of change with a beam variance threshold range, wherein the adjustment is based at least on the comparison. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the processor decides to maintain the assigned frequency rather than changing the frequency at any given time based on the determined rate of change.

[0016] Other aspects, features, and embodiments of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when they review the following description of specific exemplary embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. While features of the invention may be discussed below with respect to certain embodiments and figures, all embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, while one or more embodiments may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used according to various embodiments of the invention discussed herein. Similarly, while exemplary embodiments may be discussed below as embodiments of devices, systems, or methods, it should be understood that such exemplary embodiments may be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods. Attached Figure Description

[0017] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of this disclosure can be achieved by referring to the following figures. In the figures, similar components or features may have the same reference numerals. Furthermore, various components of the same type can be distinguished by a dash and a second reference numeral following the reference numeral, the second reference numeral used to distinguish between similar components. If only the first reference numeral is used in the specification, the description applies to any of the similar components having the same first reference numeral, regardless of the second reference numeral.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating details of a wireless communication system according to some embodiments.

[0019] Figure 2A This is a conceptual block diagram illustrating the design of a base station / eNB / gNB and a UE configured according to some embodiments.

[0020] Figure 2B This is a conceptual block diagram illustrating a UE configured according to some embodiments.

[0021] Figure 3 This is an exemplary method for adjusting the beam scanning frequency according to some embodiments.

[0022] Figure 4A This is an exemplary method for adjusting the beam scanning frequency according to some embodiments.

[0023] Figure 4B This is an exemplary method for adjusting the beam scanning frequency according to some embodiments.

[0024] Figure 4C This is an exemplary method for adjusting the beam scanning frequency according to some embodiments.

[0025] Figure 5 This is an exemplary method for adjusting the beam scanning frequency according to some embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The detailed description that follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is intended as a description of various possible configurations and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Specifically, the detailed description includes particular details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject matter of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these particular details are not necessary in every case, and that in some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form for clarity.

[0027] User demand for more data continues to grow. Therefore, an increase in available spectrum is expected. More spectrum is available in millimeter-wave frequencies, which occupy approximately 30 GHz to 300 GHz. Compared to microwave frequencies, which occupy only up to 30 GHz, millimeter-wave frequencies offer significantly more spectrum. In short, millimeter-wave frequencies offer eight times more spectrum real estate. Therefore, millimeter-wave frequencies provide the available spectrum that wireless users are looking for.

[0028] Millimeter frequencies (also known as millimeter bands) encompass waves with lengths of millimeters, such as wavelengths in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm. Millimeter wave systems can be abbreviated as mmW. Millimeter bands not only offer more spectral space, but mmW also allows for higher data digital rates compared to microwaves. For example, mmW provides over 10 gigabits per second, while microwaves are typically limited to around 1 gigabits per second. The millimeter band provides significantly more frequencies for use in data transmission and offers much higher data rates, resulting in ultra-low latency communications.

[0029] That said, mmW experiences more demanding propagation conditions compared to microwave frequencies. For example, due to its short waveform length, mmW exhibits high atmospheric attenuation and is more easily absorbed by gases in the atmosphere. The power loss of millimeter waves is at least one of the reasons why the spectrum has not previously been used for wireless communication. This power loss results in poor throughput and previously rendered the mmW spectrum virtually unusable.

[0030] Precise beamforming provides a solution to the propagation problem of mmW. In various embodiments, a codebook can be used to focus on the strongest mmW cluster. For example, the codebook may include a list of beam weights that take beam directivity into account. For example, each beam in the codebook may have a directivity difference based on degrees (e.g., a 15-degree difference between beams). The UE and its serving base station may share the codebook. In various embodiments, the UE and its base station may scan the codebook to determine which of these beams is pointing to the optimal mmW cluster at that time. By forming beams with directionality pointing to one of the optimal mmW clusters at that time, the propagation problem of mmW can be solved.

[0031] That being said, mmW channels lack stability. Therefore, the selected mmW cluster changes more frequently compared to LTE. In time... t 1 A powerful mmW cluster can suffer from severe propagation problems and be absorbed by the atmosphere within milliseconds. Therefore, once a beam is selected from the codebook, it can quickly lose its effectiveness.

[0032] For example, increasing the frequency of beam selection via codebook scanning provides a solution to the channel instability experienced by mmW. In short, the system and method of this paper overcome mmW instability by performing beam sweeps (aka beam scanning) more frequently compared to LTE technology. LTE performs beam scanning approximately every 320 ms. The embodiments of this paper increase the beam scanning frequency for mmW by reducing the time interval between corresponding scans. For example, beam scans can be performed frequently, such as every 1 ms, 5 ms, 10 ms, 15 ms, 20 ms, etc. The frequency of beam scanning (e.g., beam scanning frequency) is established within the time interval between corresponding beam scans.

[0033] That said, increased beam scanning leads to hardware processing problems. Beam scanning consumes significant processing resources, power, and time. Therefore, increasing beam scanning (e.g., 64 times or more) results in significant battery consumption. This battery drain leads to reduced device runtime and user dissatisfaction. Furthermore, the increased processing causes an increase in ambient hardware temperature. Increased ambient hardware temperature can lead to hardware failure and further user dissatisfaction.

[0034] The embodiments described herein provide solutions to these processing problems by selectively adjusting the beam scanning frequency when appropriate. For example, the systems and methods of this invention can determine an ideal beam scanning frequency and adjust the processor's beam scanning frequency to match it. For example, the systems and methods can determine the rate of change of the beam and adjust the scanning frequency based at least on that rate of change. In various embodiments, an estimated rate of change can be determined, and the scanning frequency can be increased or decreased based on the estimated rate of change.

[0035] The determination of the rate of change can be performed in various ways. For example, the system and method can determine the rate of change based on the location of the UE with reference to its serving base station and / or cluster. Alternatively, the rate of change can be based on the number of beam changes performed within multiple beam sweeps. Alternatively, the rate of change can be based on the UE's orientation (e.g., lateral versus longitudinal, north versus east, etc.). Various methods for determining the rate of change are disclosed herein.

[0036] Scan frequency adjustment can be performed in various ways. For example, selectable scan frequencies may include time periods of 1 ms, 5 ms, 10 ms, 15 ms, 20 ms, etc. In such an example, the system and method can select a time period that matches the ideal scan frequency at that time. Alternatively, adjusting the scan frequency may involve skipping scheduled scans. For example, the system and method can choose to skip one or more scheduled beam scans and / or for each n Each scheduled scan performs one beam scan. For example, if the scan period is set to 10 ms, the processor can skip nine out of every ten scans, thus operating efficiently within a 100 ms scan period. This paper discloses various methods for adjusting the scan frequency.

[0037] In various embodiments, the technologies and apparatus described can be used in wireless communication networks such as: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) networks, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) networks, Orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA) networks, Single Carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA) networks, LTE networks, GSM networks, 5G networks, Internet of Things (IoT) networks, and Internet of Things (IoT) networks. As described herein, the terms "network" and "system" are used interchangeably.

[0038] CDMA networks can implement radio technologies such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) and cdma2000. UTRA includes Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) and Low Chip Rate (LCR). cdma2000 covers the IS-2000, IS-95, and IS-856 standards.

[0039] TDMA networks can implement radio technologies such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). 3GPP defines the standard for the GSM EDGE (GSM Evolution Enhanced Data Rate) Radio Access Network (RAN) (also referred to as GERAN). GERAN is the GSM / EDGE radio component along with the network that combines base stations (e.g., Ater and Abis interfaces) and base station controllers (interfaces, etc.). The Radio Access Network represents the components of a GSM network that route telephone calls and packet data from the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and the Internet to user handsets (also known as user terminals or user equipment (UEs)) and from user handsets to the PSTN and the Internet. A mobile phone operator's network may include one or more GREANs; in the case of UMTS / GSM networks, GERAN can be coupled with UTRAN. Operator networks may also include one or more LTE networks and / or one or more other networks. Different network types may use different Radio Access Technologies (RATs) and Radio Access Networks (RANs).

[0040] OFDMA networks can implement radio technologies such as Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.16, IEEE 802.20, and Flash-OFDM. UTRA, E-UTRA, and GSM are part of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). Specifically, Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a version of UMTS using E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, GSM, UMTS, and LTE are described in documents from an organization called the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), and cdma2000 is described in documents from an organization called 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2). These various radio technologies and standards are either known or under development. For example, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is a collaboration among various telecommunications association groups aimed at defining globally applicable third-generation (3G) mobile phone specifications. 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a 3GPP initiative aimed at improving the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) mobile phone standard. 3GPP can define specifications for next-generation mobile networks, mobile systems, and mobile devices. For clarity, certain aspects of devices and technologies may be described below with reference to LTE implementations or in an LTE-centric manner, and LTE terminology may be used as illustrative examples in the sections described below; however, this description is not intended to be limited to LTE applications. In fact, this disclosure relates to shared access to radio spectrum between networks using different radio access technologies or radio air interfaces. Various types of networks can be used as embodiments and prerequisites for deploying the technologies discussed herein.

[0041] New carrier types based on LTE / LTE-A, including unlicensed spectrum (which can be compatible with carrier-level WiFi), have also been proposed, making LTE / LTE-A with unlicensed spectrum an alternative to WiFi. When operating in unlicensed spectrum, LTE / LTE-A can leverage LTE concepts and can introduce modifications to the physical layer (PHY) and media access control (MAC) aspects of the network or network devices to provide efficient operation in unlicensed spectrum and meet regulatory requirements. For example, the range of unlicensed spectrum used can range from hundreds of megahertz (MHz) to tens of gigahertz (GHz). During operation, such LTE / LTE-A networks can operate using any combination of licensed or unlicensed spectrum, depending on load and availability. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the systems, apparatus, and methods described herein can be applied to other communication systems and applications.

[0042] The system design can support various time-frequency reference signals for both downlink and uplink to facilitate beamforming and other functions. Reference signals are signals generated based on known data and may also be referred to as pilots, preambles, training signals, probe signals, etc. Reference signals can be used by receivers for various purposes, such as channel estimation, coherent demodulation, channel quality measurement, signal strength measurement, etc. MIMO systems using multiple antennas typically provide coordination for the transmission of reference signals between antennas; however, LTE systems typically do not provide coordination for the transmission of reference signals from multiple base stations or eNBs.

[0043] In some implementations, the system can utilize Time Division Duplex (TDD). With TDD, the downlink and uplink share the same spectrum or channel, and downlink and uplink transmissions are sent on the same spectrum. The downlink channel response can therefore be correlated with the uplink channel response. Reciprocity allows the estimation of the downlink channel based on transmissions sent via the uplink. These uplink transmissions can be reference signals or uplink control channels (which can be used as reference signals after demodulation). Uplink transmissions can allow for estimation of spatially selective channels via multiple antennas.

[0044] In LTE implementations, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) is used for the downlink (i.e., from the base station, access point, or evolved Node B (eNB) to the user terminal or UE). The use of OFDM meets LTE's requirements for spectrum flexibility and enables cost-effective solutions for very wide carriers with high peak rates; it is a well-established technology. For example, OFDM is used in standards such as IEEE 802.11a / g, 802.16, High Performance Radio LAN-2 (where LAN stands for Local Area Network), Data Video Broadcasting (DVB) published by ETSI's Joint Technical Committee, and others.

[0045] In OFDM systems, a time-frequency physical resource block (also referred to herein as a resource block, or for brevity as "RB") can be defined as a group of transport carriers (e.g., subcarriers) or intervals assigned for transmitting data. RBs are defined over time and frequency periods. A resource block includes time-frequency resource elements (also referred to herein as resource elements, or for brevity as "RE"), which can be defined by time and frequency indices within a time slot. Further details regarding LTE RBs and REs are described in 3GPP specifications (e.g., 3GPP TS 36.211).

[0046] UMTS LTE supports scalable carrier bandwidth from 20 MHz down to 1.4 MHz. In LTE, a Resource Block (RB) is defined as 12 subcarriers when the subcarrier bandwidth is 15 kHz, or 24 subcarriers when the subcarrier bandwidth is 7.5 kHz. In one exemplary implementation, a defined radio frame exists in the time domain, which is 10 ms long and consists of 10 subframes, each 1 ms long. Each subframe consists of 2 time slots, each 0.5 ms long. In this case, the subcarrier spacing in the frequency domain is 15 kHz. Twelve of these subcarriers (each time slot) together form an RB, so in this implementation, a Resource Block is 180 kHz. Six Resource Blocks adapt to a 1.4 MHz carrier, while 100 Resource Blocks adapt to a 20 MHz carrier.

[0047] Figure 1 A wireless network 100 for communication is shown, which may be an LTE-A network (or utilize other types of networks). The wireless network 100 includes multiple evolved Node Bs (eNBs) 105, gNBs, and other network entities. The eNBs and / or gNBs may be stations communicating with the UE and may also be referred to as base stations, Node Bs, access points, etc. Each eNB 105 and / or gNB 105 can provide communication coverage for a specific geographic area. The term "cell" may refer to that specific geographic coverage area of ​​the eNB and / or the eNB subsystem serving that coverage area, depending on the context in which the term is used.

[0048] An eNB can provide communication coverage for macrocells or small cells (e.g., picocells or femtocells) and / or other types of cells. Macrocells typically cover a relatively large geographic area (e.g., a radius of several kilometers) and allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions to a network provider. Small cells, such as picocells, typically cover a relatively small geographic area and allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions to a network provider. Small cells, such as femtocells, also typically cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., residential areas) and, in addition to unrestricted access, provide restricted access by UEs associated with that femtocell (e.g., UEs in a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG), UEs for users in a residential area, etc.). An eNB used for macrocells may be referred to as a macro eNB. An eNB used for small cells may be referred to as a small cell eNB, pico eNB, femtocell eNB, or home eNB. Figure 1In the example shown, eNBs 105a, 105b, and 105c are macro eNBs for macro cells 110a, 110b, and 110c, respectively. eNBs 105x, 105y, and 105z are small cell eNBs, which may include pico or femto eNBs serving small cells 110x, 110y, and 110z, respectively. An eNB may support one or more (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) cells.

[0049] Wireless network 100 can support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, eNBs can have similar frame timings, and transmissions from different eNBs can be approximately time-aligned. A synchronous network can organize cells into areas, where an area comprises multiple cells. Areas of the wireless network can allocate area-specific resources, allowing a UE to move freely throughout the area using the same area-specific resources as it travels from one cell to another. For asynchronous operation, eNBs can have different frame timings, and transmissions from different base stations can be time-disaligned.

[0050] UE 115 can be distributed throughout the entire wireless network 100, and each UE can be stationary or mobile. UEs can also be referred to as terminals, mobile stations, user units, stations, etc. UEs can be cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless modems, wireless communication devices, handheld devices, tablet computers, laptop computers, cordless phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, watches, etc. Regarding the Internet of Things (IoT), UEs can be referred to as IoT UEs, which can be appliances, thermostats, water meters, electricity meters, gas meters, sprinkler systems, refrigerators, water heaters, ovens, automobiles, navigation systems, pacemakers, implantable medical devices, location trackers, bicycle computers, entertainment devices, televisions, monitors, vehicle components, vending machines, medical devices, etc. UEs can communicate with macro eNBs, pico eNBs, femto eNBs, repeaters, etc. Figure 1 In the context of a lightning bolt (e.g., communication link 125), a lightning bolt indicates a desired transmission between the UE and the serving eNB (which is an eNB designated to serve the UE on the downlink and / or uplink), or a desired transmission between eNBs.

[0051] LTE / -A utilizes Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) on the downlink and Single-Carrier Frequency Division Multiplexing (SC-FDM) on the uplink. OFDM and SC-FDM divide the system bandwidth into multiple (K) orthogonal subcarriers, which are often also referred to as tones, frequency bands, etc. Data can be used to modulate each subcarrier. Typically, modulation symbols are transmitted using OFDM in the frequency domain and SC-FDM in the time domain. The spacing between adjacent subcarriers can be fixed, and the total number of subcarriers (K) can depend on the system bandwidth. For example, for system bandwidths of 1.4, 3, 5, 10, 15, or 20 MHz, K can be equal to 72, 180, 300, 600, 900, and 1200, respectively. The system bandwidth can also be divided into subbands. For example, subbands can cover 1.08 MHz, and for corresponding system bandwidths of 1.4, 3, 5, 10, 15, or 20 MHz, there can be 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 subbands respectively. Figure 1 The device shown is operable to perform the techniques and operations described herein.

[0052] As stated above, the ever-increasing demand for mobile broadband access has led to an increase in communication between the eNB and the UE. Traditionally, all Mobile Station Initiated (MO) data transmission steps are performed before each MO transmission, and each Mobile Station Termination (MT) transmission step is performed before each MT transmission. Typically, all these setup steps are repeated many times within an hour, consuming a considerable amount of network bandwidth and UE battery life. Furthermore, because these steps are repeated for each transmission, the setup steps increase data latency. Therefore, it is desirable to have systems and methods that allow for the reduction of the aforementioned steps and communications preceding MO and / or MT communications. That said, however, due to the type of data being transmitted, the UE's mobility, and / or the UE's state, there are times when performing most or all of the preceding steps may be appropriate. Therefore, it is further desirable to have systems and methods operable to determine which steps and communications are appropriate in a given situation, and to configure the UE to perform a reduced set of steps and communications when appropriate, and a robust set of steps and communications when appropriate.

[0053] Figure 2A The base station / gNB / eNB 105 and UE 115 are shown (they can be...). Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the design of one of the base stations / eNBs and one of the UEs. For restricted association scenarios, eNB 105 can be... Figure 1In the small cell eNB105z, UE 115 can be UE 115z, wherein, in order to access the small cell eNB 105z, UE 115z will be included in the list of accessible UEs for the small cell eNB 105z. eNB 105 can also be some other type of base station. eNB105 can be equipped with antennas 234a to 234t, and UE 115 can be equipped with antennas 252a to 252r.

[0054] At eNB 105, transmit processor 220 can receive data from data source 212 and control information from controller / processor 240. Control information may be for PBCH, PCFICH, PHICH, PDCCH, etc. Data may be for PDSCH, etc. Transmit processor 220 can process (e.g., encoding and symbol mapping) the data and control information separately to obtain data symbols and control symbols. Transmit processor 220 can also generate reference symbols, for example, for PSS, SSS, and cell-specific reference signals. Transmit (TX) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) processor 230 can perform spatial processing (e.g., precoding, if applicable) on data symbols, control symbols, and / or reference symbols, and can provide output symbol streams to modulators (MODs) 232a to 232t. Each modulator 232 can process the corresponding output symbol stream (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain an output sample stream. Each modulator 232 can further process (e.g., convert to analog, amplify, filter, and up-convert) the output sample stream to obtain a downlink signal. Downlink signals from modulators 232a to 232t can be transmitted via antennas 234a to 234t respectively.

[0055] At UE 115, antennas 252a to 252r can receive downlink signals from eNB 105 and can provide the received signals to demodulators (DEMODs) 254a to 254r respectively. Each demodulator 254 can adjust (e.g., filter, amplify, down-convert, and digitize) its respective received signal to obtain an input sample. Each demodulator 254 can further process the input sample (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain received symbols. MIMO detector 256 can obtain received symbols from all demodulators 254a to 254r, perform MIMO detection on the received symbols (if applicable), and provide the detected symbols. Receiver processor 258 can process (e.g., demodulate, deinterleave, and decode) the detected symbols, provide decoded data for UE 115 to data sink 260, and provide decoded control information to controller / processor 280.

[0056] On the uplink, at UE 115, transmit processor 264 can receive and process data from data source 262 (e.g., for PUSCH) and control information from controller / processor 280 (e.g., for PUCCH). Transmit processor 264 can also generate reference symbols for reference signals. Symbols from transmit processor 264 can be pre-encoded (if applicable) by TX MIMO processor 266, further processed by demodulators 254a to 254r (e.g., for SC-FDM, etc.), and transmitted to eNB 105. At eNB 105, uplink signals from UE 115 can be received by antenna 234, processed by demodulator 232, detected by MIMO detector 236 (if applicable), and further processed by receive processor 238 to obtain decoded data and control information transmitted by UE 115. Processor 238 can provide decoded data to data sink 239 and decoded control information to controller / processor 240.

[0057] Controllers / processors 240 and 280 can respectively direct operations at eNB 105 and UE 115. Controllers / processors 240 and / or other processors and modules at eNB 105 can execute or direct various processes using the techniques described herein. Controllers / processors 280 and / or other processors and modules at UE 115 can also execute or direct operations at... Figure 3-5 The functional blocks shown herein and / or other processes used in the techniques described herein are executed. Memory 242 and 282 may store data and program code for eNB 105 and UE 115, respectively. Scheduler 244 may schedule the UE for data transmission on the downlink and / or uplink.

[0058] Figure 2B This is a conceptual block diagram illustrating a UE configured according to some embodiments. UE 115 includes one or more antenna subarrays 202a-202n. Antenna subarray 202a may include multiple individual antennas 203a-203n. Antenna subarray 202a may be controlled by RFIC 201a. UE 115 may include multiple radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), each RFIC controlling a corresponding antenna subarray. For example, RFID 201a may control antenna subarray 202a; RFID 201b may control antenna subarray 202b; RFID 201c may control antenna subarray 202c; and RFID 201n may control antenna subarray 202n.

[0059] One or more of RFICs 201a-201n can be configured to support dual connectivity, whereby the RFIC can transmit and receive information according to more than one connectivity scheme. For example, RFIC 201a can switch modes to support communication as desired at any given time, based on a 3G scheme (e.g., microwave), an LTE scheme (e.g., microwave), and / or a 5G scheme (e.g., mmW). One or more of RFICs 201a-201n can operate to form beams in different directions. The ability to form beams in different directions increases the opportunity to form beams in directions that support high-quality communication.

[0060] Base station 105 and UE 115 may share one or more common codebooks. The codebooks may be stored in the memory of UE 115 (e.g., memory 282). The codebooks may include beam codes that differ at least in direction. During beam scanning, a processor (e.g., controller / processor 280) can process the beam codes in the codebook. Based at least on one or more Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) metrics, Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) metrics, and / or Reference Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) metrics, the processor can determine the current characteristics of each beam at that time. After determining the current state of each beam at that time, the processor can determine which of these beams shows the highest probability of successful communication compared to the other beams.

[0061] Because base station 105 and UE 115 share a common codebook, the processors of base station 105 and UE 115 can each perform beam scanning independently. The controller / processor 280 of UE 115 can perform independent beam scanning for each corresponding RFIC. For example, controller / processor 280 can perform beam scanning specifically for RFIC 201a; controller / processor 280 can perform beam scanning specifically for RFIC 201b; controller / processor 280 can perform beam scanning specifically for RFIC 201c; and controller / processor 280 can perform beam scanning specifically for RFIC 201n. Furthermore, beam scanning can be supported across multiple connections. For example, beam scanning can be performed via LTE connections. Additionally, beam scanning can be performed via 5G connections.

[0062] UE 115 may also include one or more sensors. Exemplary sensors include, but are not limited to, motion sensor 206, gyroscope 205, accelerometer 204, and Doppler sensor 207. UE 115 can locate any of the various sensors throughout the UE and can include one or more of the various sensors (e.g., multiple motion sensors, multiple gyroscopes, etc.). Figure 2BSome or all of the components shown can be used to perform the methods described below.

[0063] Figure 3 An exemplary method 300 for adjusting beam scanning based at least on the rate of change using the system disclosed herein is illustrated. In various embodiments, a beam scanning frequency is assigned to a UE 115. For example, the assigned frequency may be statically stored in the UE. In another example, a base station 105 sends a beam scanning frequency assignment to the UE 115. In this example, the base station may send the beam scanning assignment when it becomes the serving base station for the UE (e.g., when the UE 115 is powered on, when the UE is delivered to the base station 105, etc.). In various embodiments, the base station 105 may assign one or more UEs to beam scanning frequencies of 5 ms, 10 ms, 20 ms, etc. In the example of a 5 ms scanning frequency, the UE 115 performs the assigned beam scanning by performing beam scanning in 5 ms intervals. The initially assigned beam scanning frequency may be normalized (e.g., 10 ms). The initially assigned beam scanning frequency may be based on transmission conditions (e.g., atmospheric conditions, data traffic, etc.) determined by the base station or the UE. And / or, the initial assignment can be based on a combination of standardization and transmission conditions. In this example, at step 301, UE115 performs beam scanning according to the assigned beam scanning frequency.

[0064] In step 302, the processor determines the rate of change. In various embodiments, the controller processor 280 of UE 115 determines the rate of change. Alternatively, the controller processor 240 of base station 105 may determine the rate of change. Then, in step 303, based on the determined rate of change or a combination of determined rates of change, the controller processor 280 of UE 115 and / or the controller processor 240 of base station 105 adjusts the beam scanning frequency. UE 115 and / or base station 105 may adjust the beam scanning frequency by increasing the frequency, decreasing the frequency, or maintaining the current frequency.

[0065] Base station 105 can increase or decrease the beam scanning frequency by assigning different beam scanning frequencies. For example, base station 105 can change the assigned beam scanning frequency from 10 ms to 5 ms. In another example, base station 105 can change the assigned beam scanning frequency from 10 ms to 20 ms. Furthermore, base station 105 can instruct UE 115 to skip n scans for every N assigned scans, where n is a subset of N.

[0066] UE 115 can increase or decrease its beam scanning frequency by adjusting the time intervals between beam scans it performs. For example, UE 115 can reduce the time interval between beam scans from 10 ms to 5 ms. In another example, UE 115 can increase the time interval between scans from 10 ms to 20 ms. Furthermore, UE 115 can decrease its beam scanning frequency by skipping one or more of its assigned scans (e.g., scans assigned by the base station). For example, if the base station assigns a 10 ms scan frequency, UE 115 can decide to skip three of four consecutive assigned frequency scans (e.g., a ¾ ratio). In effect, even if the base station assigns a 10 ms beam scanning frequency, UE 115 will perform beam scans in 40 ms intervals. In another example, a UE 115 that is skipping beam scans (e.g., according to a ratio, such as 3 / 4) can increase its beam scanning frequency by reducing the skip rate (e.g., reducing the skip rate, such as reducing it to 1 / 2).

[0067] The beam scan frequency can be changed in single increments. Alternatively, the change in beam scan frequency can be incremental, for example, at a constant rate of change or a ramp / ramp rate (e.g., increasing / decreasing by a coefficient or exponentially each time). For example, UE 115 can change its current beam scan frequency to the assigned beam scan frequency in single increments (e.g., switching from a 5 ms time period to a 10 ms time period). In the example of incremental changes, if UE 115 is currently skipping three out of four assigned beam scans (3 / 4), UE 115 can increase the current beam scan frequency by skipping two out of four assigned beam scans (2 / 4) over a period of time, then skipping one out of four assigned beam scans (1 / 4) over a period of time, and then skipping zero out of four assigned frequency scans (0 / 4). This incremental approach can be used to test various beam scan frequencies, allowing for test-based beam scan frequency determination.

[0068] Figure 4AAn exemplary method 400a is illustrated, wherein the rate of change is based on mobility (e.g., the mobility of the UE). In step 401a, the processor determines the mobility rate of change. In various embodiments, the controller processor 280 of the UE 115 uses a motion sensor 206, a gyroscope 205, an accelerometer 204, and / or any combination thereof to determine and / or estimate its relative motion from the serving base station 105. Alternatively, the Doppler sensor or detector 207 of the UE 115 uses a Doppler estimation algorithm to determine and / or estimate its relative motion from the primary cluster in the current channel. Next, it is desired to adjust the current beam scan frequency based on the determined rate of change. In step 402a, based on the determined mobility rate of change, the controller processor 280 of the UE 115 determines whether reducing the current beam scan frequency is desirable. For example, if the controller processor 280 of UE 115 determines that the mobility change rate is higher than a mobility threshold range, then method 400a proceeds to step 403a, where the controller processor 280 reduces the current beam scanning frequency. An example of beam scanning frequency reduction has been described above. Thereafter, the method proceeds to what will be explained in more detail below. Figure 4B .

[0069] If, in step 402a, the controller processor 280 of UE 115 determines that the current beam scan frequency should not be decreased, then method 400a proceeds to step 404a. In step 404a, based on the determined mobility change rate, the controller processor 280 of UE 115 decides whether the current beam scan frequency should be increased. For example, if the controller processor 280 of UE 115 determines that the mobility change rate is below a mobility threshold, then method 400a proceeds to step 405a, where the controller processor 280 increases the current beam scan frequency. An example of increasing the beam scan frequency has been described above. If, in step 404a, the controller processor 280 of UE 115 determines that the mobility change rate is within a mobility threshold, then method 400a proceeds to step 406a, where the current beam scan frequency is maintained (e.g., neither increased nor decreased). Thereafter, method 400a can be repeated as needed (e.g., periodically, when a change in condition is detected, etc.).

[0070] Figure 4BAn exemplary method 400b for reducing beam scan frequency is illustrated. Reducing beam scan frequency (e.g., increasing the time interval between beam scans) can be referred to as a low mobility mode. In various embodiments, multiple levels of low mobility modes may exist, wherein a lower mobility change rate corresponds to a lower low mobility mode level. At step 401b, similar to step 403a, controller processor 280 determines that a reduction in scan frequency is desirable. In step 402b, controller processor 280 of UE 115 determines whether to request a reduced scan frequency assignment from base station 105. UE 115 may make this determination based on all sensor data it has collected over the past few time intervals. If UE 115 decides to request a reduced beam scan frequency from base station 105, then transmit processor 264 of UE 115 may send a scan frequency assignment reduction request to receive processor 238 of base station 105. Upon receiving the request, in step 403b, control processor 240 of base station 105 determines whether to reduce the current beam scan frequency of UE 115. Base station 105 can make this determination based on all requests from all UEs served by the base station within the cell. If the controller processor 240 of base station 105 decides to reduce the current beam scanning frequency assignment of UE 115, the transmitting processor 230 of base station 105 sends a new beam scanning frequency assignment to the receiving processor 258 of UE 115. The sent new beam scanning frequency assignment is reduced compared to the current scanning frequency assignment. After receiving the new beam scanning frequency assignment, UE 115 adjusts its scanning frequency accordingly in step 404b. As explained above, UE 115 can switch to the new beam scanning frequency assignment or incrementally reach the new beam scanning frequency assignment. Thereafter, future beam scanning is performed according to the new scanning frequency assignment.

[0071] If, at step 402b, UE 115 decides to reduce its current beam scanning frequency without requesting a new scanning frequency assignment from base station 105, the UE proceeds to step 407b. UE 115 may make this determination based on whether it would benefit from notifying the base station that it needs to reduce its beam scanning frequency. In step 407b, UE 115 autonomously reduces its current beam scanning frequency. As explained above, UE 115 may switch to a new beam scanning frequency or incrementally reach a new beam scanning frequency. UE 115 may or may not notify base station 105 of the frequency reduction. Thereafter, method 400a may be repeated as needed (e.g., periodically, when a change in condition is detected, etc.).

[0072] If, at step 403b, base station 105 decides to reject UE 115's request to reduce its scan frequency assignment, then at step 408b, UE 115 determines whether to autonomously adjust its beam scan frequency. UE 115 may make this determination based on the premise that such an autonomous scan frequency change does not violate any beam assignments made by the base station (such as those concerning CQI, PMI, and RI). If UE 115 accepts base station 105's rejection, then at step 409b, the UE's beam scan frequency is maintained (e.g., kept the same). UE 115 may make this determination based on the potential violation of any base station assignments when the scan frequency changes. Thereafter, method 400a may be repeated as needed (e.g., periodically, when a change in condition is detected, etc.).

[0073] If UE 115 decides to reduce its beam scanning frequency despite the rejection by base station 105, then method 400b proceeds to step 407b. In step 407b, UE 115 autonomously reduces its current beam scanning frequency. As explained above, UE 115 may switch to a new beam scanning frequency or incrementally reach a new beam scanning frequency. UE 115 may or may not notify base station 105 of this reduction. Thereafter, method 400a may be repeated as needed (e.g., periodically, when a change in status is detected, etc.).

[0074] Figure 4CAn exemplary method 400c for increasing beam scanning frequency is illustrated. Increasing beam scanning frequency (e.g., reducing the time interval between beam scans) can be referred to as a high mobility mode. The determination factors described above can be used in method 400c. In various embodiments, multiple levels of high mobility modes can exist, wherein the higher the rate of change in mobility, the higher the level of high mobility mode. At step 401c, similar to step 405a, controller processor 280 determines that an increase in scanning frequency is desired. In step 402c, controller processor 280 of UE 115 determines whether to request an increased scanning frequency assignment from base station 105. If UE 115 decides to request an increased beam scanning frequency from base station 105, then transmit processor 264 of UE 115 can send a scanning frequency assignment increase request to control processor 238 of base station 105. After receiving the request, in step 403b, control processor 240 of base station 105 determines whether to increase the current beam scanning frequency of UE 115. If the controller processor 240 of base station 105 decides to increase the current beam scanning frequency assignment of UE 115, the transmitting processor 230 of base station 105 sends a new beam scanning frequency assignment to the receiving processor 258 of UE 115. The sent new beam scanning frequency assignment is an increase compared to the current scanning frequency assignment. After receiving the new beam scanning frequency assignment, UE 115 adjusts its scanning frequency accordingly in step 404c. As explained above, UE 115 can switch to the new beam scanning frequency assignment or incrementally reach the new beam scanning frequency assignment. The above is an example. Thereafter, future beam scans are performed according to the new scanning frequency assignment.

[0075] If, at step 402c, UE 115 decides to increase its current beam scanning frequency without requesting a new scanning frequency assignment from base station 105, the UE proceeds to step 407b. In step 407c, UE 115 autonomously increases its current beam scanning frequency. As explained above, UE 115 may switch to a new beam scanning frequency or incrementally reach a new beam scanning frequency. UE 115 may or may not notify base station 105 of the frequency increase. Thereafter, method 400a may be repeated as needed (e.g., periodically, when a change in status is detected, etc.).

[0076] If, at step 403c, base station 105 decides to reject UE 115's request to increase the scanning frequency assignment, then at step 408b, UE 115 determines whether to autonomously adjust the beam scanning frequency. If UE 115 accepts base station 105's rejection, then at step 409c, the UE's beam scanning frequency is maintained (e.g., kept the same). Thereafter, method 400a can be repeated as needed (e.g., periodically, when a change in condition is detected, etc.).

[0077] If UE 115 decides to increase its beam scanning frequency despite the rejection by base station 105, then method 400c proceeds to step 407c. In step 407c, UE 115 autonomously increases its current beam scanning frequency. As explained above, UE 115 can switch to a new beam scanning frequency or incrementally reach a new beam scanning frequency. The above is an example. UE 115 may or may not notify base station 105 of this increase. Thereafter, method 400a can be repeated as needed (e.g., periodically, when a change in condition is detected, etc.).

[0078] Figure 5 An exemplary method 500 is shown, wherein the rate of change is based on the beam variance (e.g., the beam in...). x (The variation within the next beam scan). In step 501, the processor determines the beam variance variation rate. In various embodiments, the controller processor 280 of the UE 115 determines in x The amount of beam change that occurs during each beam sweep. If necessary, the beam changes counted each time can be weighted by a factor representing the significance of the beam change, where the beam selection is compared with its neighboring beam selection. In step 502, based on the determined beam variance change rate, the controller processor 280 of the UE 115 determines whether reducing the current beam scan frequency is desirable. For example, if the controller processor 280 of the UE 115 determines that the beam variance change rate is higher than a beam variance threshold range, then method 500 proceeds to step 503, where the controller processor 280 reduces the current beam scan frequency. The above is an example of reduction.

[0079] If, in step 502, the controller processor 280 of UE 115 determines that the current beam scanning frequency should not be decreased, then method 500 proceeds to step 504. In step 504, based on the determined beam variance change rate, the controller processor 280 of UE 115 determines whether the current beam scanning frequency should be increased. For example, if the controller processor 280 of UE 115 determines that the beam variance change rate is below a beam variance threshold, then method 500 proceeds to step 505, where the controller processor 280 increases the current beam scanning frequency. An example of increasing the beam scanning frequency has been described above. If, in step 504, the controller processor 280 of UE 115 determines that the beam variance change rate is within a beam variance threshold, then method 500 proceeds to step 506, where the current beam scanning frequency is maintained (e.g., neither increased nor decreased). Thereafter, method 500 can be repeated as needed (e.g., periodically, when a change in condition is detected, etc.).

[0080] In some embodiments, UE 115 may determine that the beam variance is above a refined beam variance threshold range (even though its beam scanning frequency has been reduced). In this case, UE 115 may notify base station 105 that it is in a high mobility mode or maximum mobility mode (e.g., a short period between beam scans, such as 5 ms, 1 ms, etc.). UE 115 may also send a request for beam refinement to base station 105 via CSI-RS (Channel State Information Reference Signal). If base station 105 determines that beam refinement is necessary, base station 105 sends beam refinement information to UE 115, which UE 115 uses to refine its beam.

[0081] Of course, UE 115 can combine methods 400a and 500 to adjust the beam scanning frequency based on a combination of mobility and beam variance. Furthermore, UE 115 can adjust its beam scanning frequency based on historical and / or statistical information of beam changes over time (corresponding to mobility tracking over time).

[0082] Furthermore, different antenna arrays 202a-202n within a single UE 115 can employ different scanning frequencies. For example, UE 115 has multiple antenna arrays 202a-202n, and one or more antenna arrays in the array can perform beam scanning at frequencies different from those of one or more other antenna arrays. For example, 202a can perform beam scanning at the same or different frequencies compared to 202b, 202c, and 202n. UE 115 can, as desired, employ two, three, four, or more different beam scanning frequencies simultaneously according to any of the methods described above.

[0083] In various embodiments, UE 115 can use azimuth changes to trigger an active determination of whether to adjust the scanning frequency of one or more antenna subarrays 203a-203n. For example, after performing one of the methods described above, UE 115 can determine that a reduction in the scanning frequency of antenna subarray 302a is desired. In various embodiments, UE 115 then reduces the scanning frequency of antenna subarray 302a. Subsequently, if gyroscope 205 detects that the azimuth of UE 115 has changed (e.g., rotated 90 degrees from the lateral to the longitudinal direction), UE 115 can actively determine whether adjusting the scanning frequency of antenna subarray 302a is desired. To act proactively, UE 115 can adjust the beam scanning frequency of antenna subarray 302a before violating one of the threshold ranges described above. Similarly, UE 115 can use this technique to independently and actively adjust the scanning frequencies of other antenna subarrays 202n-202n.

[0084] In various embodiments, UE 115 can use the methods described above to adjust the scanning frequencies of various antenna subarrays. Alternatively, UE 115 may rely on historical data and / or statistical data when adjusting the antenna subarrays. For example, if in the recent past (e.g., 100 ms, 2 seconds, 10 seconds, etc.), this new longitudinal orientation of UE 115 benefited from a known scanning frequency, then UE 115 can recover those known beneficial scanning frequencies for the corresponding antenna arrays. For example, when UE 115 is in a lateral orientation, antenna subarray 302a is operating at a 5 ms scanning frequency, and antenna subarray 302b is operating at a lower beam scanning frequency (e.g., 10 ms). Then, when UE 115 is flipped to a lateral orientation, gyroscope 205 detects rotation. The controller processor 280 can determine, or has previously determined, that such an azimuth change results in antenna subarray 302a operating effectively at a low beam scan frequency (e.g., 20 ms) and antenna subarray 302b operating effectively at a relatively high beam scan frequency (e.g., 5 ms). In this example, the controller processor 280 can proactively change the scan frequency of the individual antenna arrays before violating mobility thresholds, beam variance thresholds, and / or refined beam variance thresholds.

[0085] The foregoing concepts apply to various communication system and network element configurations. For example, the exemplary implementations discussed can be utilized for network elements with single-input single-output (SISO), single-input multiple-output (SIMO), multiple-input single-output (MISO), and / or multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configurations. With MIMO beamforming, uplink-downlink mixed interference is likely to have a smaller impact, partly because transmit beamforming allows the transmitter to control the directivity of its signal, receiver nulling allows the receiver to make its desired signal stand out relative to interference, and / or 3D antenna array configurations allow for further interference suppression due to elevation angle separation. However, applying the interference map to a MIMO configuration is similar to applying it to a SISO configuration. However, some refinements to consider regarding MIMO configurations include the option to remember the beamforming direction of mixed interference to reduce its impact (e.g., beam selection can be performed in a way that maximizes the signal-to-leakage ratio), the comparison of IoT generated from the optimal beamforming direction with tolerable IoT to determine power backoff, and the need to take MIMO beamforming, receiver nulling, and elevation angle separation into account in IoT computation.

[0086] Those skilled in the art will understand that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and methods. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be mentioned throughout the above description can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, light fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0087] The functional blocks and modules described in the figures may include: processors, electronic devices, hardware devices, electronic components, logic circuits, memory, software code, firmware code, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0088] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithmic steps described in conjunction with the disclosure herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability between hardware and software, the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been generally described above in relation to their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the system as a whole. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality in alternative ways for each specific application, but such implementation decisions should not be construed as departing from the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will also readily recognize that the order or combination of components, methods, or interactions described herein is merely illustrative, and components, methods, or interactions of various aspects of this disclosure can be combined or performed in ways different from those shown and described herein.

[0089] The various illustrative logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure herein can be implemented or executed using a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0090] The steps of the methods or algorithms described in conjunction with the disclosure herein can be directly embodied in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or a combination of both. The software module can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from and write information to the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium can be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. The ASIC can reside in a user terminal. Alternatively, the processor and storage medium can exist as discrete components in the user terminal.

[0091] In one or more exemplary designs, the described functionality can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functionality can be stored as one or more instructions or code on or transmitted through a computer-readable medium. A computer-readable medium includes both computer storage media and communication media, wherein the communication medium includes any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such a computer-readable medium can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disc storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code units in the form of instructions or data structures, and accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor. Furthermore, a connection can be appropriately referred to as a computer-readable medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, or digital subscriber line (DSL), then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, or DSL is included in the definition of medium. As used herein, disks and optical discs include compact optical discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile optical discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs. Disks typically copy data magnetically, while optical discs typically use lasers to copy data optically. The combinations described above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0092] The foregoing description of this disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to implement or use this disclosure. Various modifications to this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described herein, but is to be given the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method for selectively adjusting the beam scanning frequency used for wireless transmission, comprising: Perform radio frequency (RF) communication beam scanning for wireless transmission at the current beam scanning frequency; Determine the number of beam changes that occur in several beam sweeps; as well as The RF communication beam scan for wireless transmission is performed at an adjusted frequency, the adjusted frequency being based at least on the determined number of beam changes occurring in several beam scans, and is maintained, increased, or decreased relative to the current beam scan frequency.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The adjusted frequency is based at least on the determined number of beam changes occurring in several beam sweeps, and is increased or decreased relative to the current beam scan frequency.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The adjusted frequency is reduced relative to the current beam scan frequency by skipping one or more scheduled scans associated with the current beam scan frequency.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The adjusted frequency is increased relative to the current beam scanning frequency, such that it is equal to the assigned frequency assigned by the base station.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The current beam scanning frequency is an assigned frequency assigned by the base station, and the adjusted frequency is reduced relative to the assigned frequency.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The determined rate of change of beam variance in several beam sweeps is compared with a beam variance threshold range, wherein the adjusted frequency is maintained, increased or decreased relative to the current beam sweep frequency, at least based on the comparison.

7. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having program code recorded thereon, the program code causing a user equipment to selectively adjust a beam scanning frequency for wireless transmission, the program code comprising: Code used to perform radio frequency (RF) communication beam scanning for wireless transmission at the current beam scanning frequency; Code used to determine the number of beam changes that occur in several beam sweeps; as well as Code for performing the RF communication beam scan for wireless transmission at an adjusted frequency, the adjusted frequency being based at least on the determined number of beam changes occurring in several beam sweeps, and being maintained, increased, or decreased relative to the current beam scan frequency.

8. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 7, wherein, The code used to perform the RF communication beam scan for wireless transmission at the adjusted frequency includes: Code for performing the RF communication beam scan for wireless transmission at the adjusted frequency, based at least on the determined number of beam changes occurring in several beam sweeps.

9. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 7, wherein, The code used to perform the RF communication beam scan for wireless transmission at the adjusted frequency includes: Code for performing the RF communication beam scan for wireless transmission at the adjusted frequency, which is reduced relative to the current beam scan frequency, by skipping one or more scheduled scans associated with the current beam scan frequency.

10. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 9, wherein, The code used to perform the RF communication beam scan for wireless transmission at the adjusted frequency includes: Code for increasing the adjusted frequency relative to the current beam scanning frequency so that it equals the assigned frequency assigned by the base station.

11. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 7, wherein, The current beam scanning frequency is an assigned frequency assigned by the base station, and the adjusted frequency is reduced relative to the current beam scanning frequency.

12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 7, further comprising: Code for comparing a determined rate of change of beam variance across several beam sweeps with a beam variance threshold range, wherein the adjusted frequency is maintained, increased, or decreased relative to the current beam sweep frequency, at least based on the comparison.

13. A wireless communication user equipment (UE) that selectively adjusts the beam scanning frequency for wireless transmission, comprising: The control processor is configured as follows: Perform radio frequency (RF) communication beam scanning for wireless transmission at the current beam scanning frequency; Determine the number of beam changes occurring in several beam sweeps; and RF communication beam scanning for wireless transmission is performed at an adjusted frequency, the adjusted frequency being based at least on the determined number of beam changes occurring in several beam sweeps, and being maintained, increased, or decreased relative to the current beam scanning frequency.

14. The UE according to claim 13, wherein, The control processor performs the RF communication beam scan for wireless transmission at an adjusted frequency that is increased or decreased relative to the current beam scan frequency, based at least on the determined number of beam changes occurring in several beam sweeps.

15. The UE according to claim 14, wherein, The control processor performs the RF communication beam scan for wireless transmission at an adjusted frequency that is increased relative to the current beam scan frequency to make it equal to the assigned frequency assigned by the base station.

16. The UE according to claim 13, wherein, The current beam scanning frequency is an assigned frequency assigned by the base station, and the control processor configured to perform the RF communication beam scanning for wireless transmission at the adjusted frequency includes the control processor configured to perform the RF communication beam scanning for wireless transmission at a frequency reduced relative to the assigned frequency.

17. The UE according to claim 13, wherein, The control processor compares the determined rate of change of beam variance in several beam sweeps with a beam variance threshold range, wherein the control processor performs RF communication beam sweeps for wireless transmission at the adjusted frequency based at least on the comparison.

18. The UE according to claim 13, further comprising: A plurality of antenna subarrays, wherein the control processor configured to perform the RF communication beam scan for wireless transmission at the adjusted frequency comprises: the processor configured to perform the RF communication beam scan for wireless transmission at the adjusted frequency at one of the plurality of antenna subarrays, independent of the frequency at another of the plurality of antenna subarrays.

Images