Regional calibration and beamforming refinement

Abstract

A wireless device of the present disclosure can reduce the time needed to determine a subarray and / or a beamforming direction to use for mmW communications. In one aspect of the disclosure, a method, a computer-readable medium, and an apparatus are provided. In one aspect, the apparatus can maintain first information associated with a correlation between each of a plurality of wireless device locations and wireless device orientations and a plurality of nodes, at least one subarray, and a corresponding beamforming direction. In another aspect, the apparatus can transmit the first information associated with the correlation to the plurality of nodes.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of patent application No. 201880029218.6, filed on March 20, 2018, entitled "Regional Calibration and Beamforming Refinement".

[0002] Cross-references to related applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 501,593, filed May 4, 2017, entitled “AREACALIBRATION AND BEAMFORMING REFINEMENT”; and U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 925,020, filed March 19, 2018, entitled “AREA CALIBRATION AND BEAMFORMING REFINEMENT”, both of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0004] In summary, this disclosure relates to communication systems, and more specifically, to determining and refining beamforming calibration information when a wireless device is in an operational mode. Background Technology

[0005] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide a variety of telecommunications services such as telephone, video, data, messaging, and broadcasting. Typical wireless communication systems employ multiple access technologies capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources. Examples of such multiple access technologies include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) systems, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) systems, Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) systems, and Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA) systems.

[0006] These multiple access technologies have been adopted in various telecommunications standards to provide a common protocol that enables different wireless devices to communicate at the city, country, region, and even global levels. One example telecommunications standard is 5G New Radio (NR). 5G NR is part of the Continuous Mobile Broadband Evolution program released by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) to meet new requirements associated with latency, reliability, security, scalability (e.g., with the Internet of Things (IoT),) and other requirements. Some aspects of 5G NR can be based on the 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard. There is a need for further improvements to 5G NR technology. These improvements can also be applied to other multiple access technologies and telecommunications standards that adopt them.

[0007] One way to meet the increasing demand for mobile broadband is to utilize millimeter-wave (mmW) spectrum in addition to LTE. Communication using mmW spectrum can experience extremely high path loss and short range. Beamforming can be used to compensate for high path loss and short range. However, due to the potentially large number of antennas at mmW nodes (e.g., mmW base stations, mmW access points (APs), etc.) and the potentially large number of subarrays at wireless devices, the number of possible beamforming directions that may need to be scanned during the beamforming process can be very large. The scanning process for a large number of potential beamforming directions can take an undesirable amount of time and incur significant beaming overhead.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for techniques to reduce the time required to determine the subarray and / or beamforming orientation for mmW communication and to reduce beam opening volume. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The following is a simplified overview of one or more aspects to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This overview is not an exhaustive summary of all anticipated aspects, nor is it intended to identify key or important elements of all aspects, nor to depict the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed descriptions given later.

[0010] One way to meet the increasing demand for mobile broadband is to utilize mmW spectrum in addition to LTE. Communication using mmW spectrum can experience extremely high path loss and short range. Beamforming can be used to compensate for high path loss and short range. For example, virtual reality (VR) devices can be equipped with multiple mmW antenna subarrays for receiving signals from mmW nodes.

[0011] However, due to the potentially large number of antennas at mmW nodes (e.g., mmW base stations, mmW APs, etc.) and the potentially large number of mmW antenna subarrays at wireless devices (e.g., user equipment (UE), VR wireless devices, STA, cellular phones, smartphones, etc.), the number of possible beamforming directions that can be scanned during the beamforming process can be very large. For example, a wireless device may connect to a serving mmW node, and beamforming of one or more subarrays at the wireless device may be performed using the serving mmW node before initiating mmW communication. The scanning process for a large number of potential beamforming directions can take an undesirable amount of time and incur significant beaming overhead.

[0012] Therefore, there is a need for techniques to reduce the time required to determine the subarray and / or beamforming orientation for mmW communication and to reduce beam opening volume.

[0013] This disclosure provides a solution by enabling wireless devices to maintain beamforming calibration information, wherein the beamforming calibration information includes the correlation between at least one of a plurality of wireless device locations and / or wireless device orientations and: a plurality of mmW nodes, at least one mmW subarray at the wireless device, and a corresponding beamforming direction associated with at least one of the specific locations and / or orientations of the wireless device. Using information obtained using sensors located at the wireless device, the wireless device is able to determine the location and / or orientation of the wireless device. The wireless device can then use the beamforming calibration information to select at least one of the beamforming direction, mmW subarray, and / or mmW nodes based on the determined location and / or orientation, without performing a scanning process for each possible beamforming direction.

[0014] Therefore, the wireless devices of this disclosure can reduce the time required to determine the subarray and / or beamforming direction to be used for mmW communication.

[0015] In one aspect of this disclosure, a method, a computer-readable medium, and an apparatus are provided. In one aspect, the apparatus can maintain first information associated with each of a plurality of wireless device locations and wireless device orientations, and with a correlation between multiple nodes, at least one subarray, and a corresponding beamforming direction. In another aspect, the apparatus can transmit the first information associated with the correlation to multiple nodes.

[0016] To achieve the foregoing and related objectives, one or more aspects include the features fully described below and specifically pointed out in the claims. The following description and drawings set forth certain illustrative features of one or more aspects in detail. However, these features indicate only a few of the various ways in which the principles of each aspect may be employed, and this description is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication system and access network.

[0018] Figure 2A , 2B Figures 2C and 2D are examples illustrating the DL frame structure, the DL channel within the DL frame structure, the UL frame structure, and the UL channel within the UL frame structure, respectively.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a base station and a UE in an access network.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating communication between the base station and the UE.

[0021] Figures 5A-5E The data flow between a wireless device and multiple nodes is shown in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 6 A beamforming process according to certain aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 7 A predictive beamforming process based on certain aspects of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0024] Figures 8A-8C This is a flowchart of a wireless communication method.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a conceptual data flow diagram illustrating the data flow between different units / components in an exemplary device.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for a device employing a processing system. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The detailed description set forth below with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of various configurations, and not as representing only the configurations in which the concepts described herein can be practiced. To provide a thorough understanding of the various concepts, the detailed description includes specific details. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring such concepts.

[0028] Several aspects of a telecommunications system will now be described with reference to various apparatuses and methods. These apparatuses and methods will be described in detail below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, by way of various blocks, components, circuits, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as "elements"). These elements can be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or any combination thereof. Whether such an element is implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0029] For example, an element, or any part of an element, or any combination of elements, can be implemented as a "processing system" that includes one or more processors. Examples of processors include: microprocessors, microcontrollers, graphics processing units (GPUs), central processing units (CPUs), application processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processors, system-on-a-chip (SoCs), baseband processors, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functions described herein. One or more processors in a processing system can execute software. Whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or other names, software should be interpreted broadly as meaning instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subroutines, software components, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc.

[0030] Accordingly, in one or more example embodiments, the described functionality may be implemented in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functionality may be stored on or encoded as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. A computer-readable medium includes a computer storage medium. The storage medium may be any available medium accessible by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such a computer-readable medium may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, other magnetic storage devices, combinations of computer-readable media of the types described above, or any other medium capable of storing computer-executable code in the form of instructions or data structures accessible by a computer.

[0031] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates an example of a wireless communication system and access network 100. The wireless communication system (also referred to as a wireless wide area network (WWAN)) includes base station 102, UE 104, and evolved packet core (EPC) 160. Base station 102 may include macro cells (high-power cellular base stations) and / or small cells (low-power cellular base stations). Macro cells include base stations. Small cells include femtocells, picocells, and microcells.

[0032] Base station 102 (collectively referred to as the Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN)) is interfaced with EPC 160 via backhaul link 132 (e.g., S1 interface). Among other functions, base station 102 may perform one or more of the following: transmission of user data, radio channel encryption and decryption, integrity protection, header compression, mobility control functions (e.g., handover, dual connectivity), inter-cell interference coordination, connection establishment and release, load balancing, distribution of Non-Access Stratum (NAS) messages, NAS node selection, synchronization, Radio Access Network (RAN) sharing, Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS), subscriber and device tracking, RAN Information Management (RIM), paging, location, and delivery of warning messages. Base station 102 may communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via EPC 160) on backhaul link 134 (e.g., X2 interface). Backhaul link 134 may be wired or wireless.

[0033] Base station 102 can communicate wirelessly with UE 104. Each base station 102 in the base station 102 can provide communication coverage for a corresponding geographic coverage area 110. Overlapping geographic coverage areas 110 may exist. For example, a small cell 102' may have a coverage area 110' that overlaps with the coverage areas 110 of one or more macro base stations 102. A network that includes both small cells and macro cells can be referred to as a heterogeneous network. The heterogeneous network may also include evolved home node B (eNB) (HeNB), which can provide services to restricted groups referred to as closed user groups (CSG). The communication link 120 between base station 102 and UE 104 may include uplink (UL) (also referred to as reverse link) transmission from UE 104 to base station 102 and / or downlink (DL) (also referred to as forward link) transmission from base station 102 to UE 104. The communication link 120 may use multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technology, which includes spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and / or transmit diversity. The communication link can be via one or more carriers. Base station 102 / UE 104 can use a spectrum of up to Y MHz (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20, 100 MHz, etc.) bandwidth allocated per carrier in carrier aggregation for transmission in each direction. Carriers can be adjacent to each other or can be non-adjacent. Carrier allocation can be asymmetric with respect to DL and UL (e.g., more or fewer carriers can be allocated to DL compared to UL). Component carriers can include primary component carriers and one or more secondary component carriers. The primary component carrier can be referred to as the primary cell (PCell), and the secondary component carriers can be referred to as secondary cells (SCells).

[0034] Some UEs 104 can communicate with each other using device-to-device (D2D) communication link 192. D2D communication link 192 can use DL / UL WWAN spectrum. D2D communication link 192 can use one or more sidelink channels, such as Physical Sidelink Broadcast Channel (PSBCH), Physical Sidelink Discovery Channel (PSDCH), Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH), and Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH). D2D communication can be achieved through a variety of wireless D2D communication systems, such as FlashLinQ, WiMedia, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi based on the IEEE 802.11 standard, LTE, or NR.

[0035] The wireless communication system may also include a Wi-Fi access point (AP) 150, which communicates with a Wi-Fi station (STA) 152 via a communication link 154 in the 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum. When communicating in the unlicensed spectrum, the STA 152 / AP 150 may perform a free channel assessment (CCA) before communication to determine whether the channel is available.

[0036] Small cell 102' can operate in licensed and / or unlicensed spectrum. When operating in unlicensed spectrum, small cell 102' can employ NR and use the same 5GHz unlicensed spectrum as that used by Wi-Fi AP 150. Small cell 102' employing NR in unlicensed spectrum can improve coverage and / or increase the capacity of the access network.

[0037] The next-generation node B (gNB) 180 can operate in millimeter-wave (mmW) frequencies and / or near-mmW frequencies to communicate with UE 104. When gNB 180 operates in mmW or near-mmW frequencies, gNB 180 can be referred to as an mmW base station. Extremely high frequency (EHF) is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum of radio frequency (RF). EHF has a range from 30 GHz to 300 GHz and wavelengths between 1 mm and 10 mm. Radio waves in this band can be referred to as millimeter waves. Near-mmW can extend down to frequencies of 3 GHz with wavelengths of 100 mm. Ultra-high frequency (SHF) bands extend between 3 GHz and 30 GHz and are also referred to as centimeter waves. Communication using mmW / near-mmW RF bands has extremely high path loss and short range. mmW base station 180 can utilize beamforming 184 with UE 104 to compensate for the extremely high path loss and short range.

[0038] EPC 160 may include Mobility Management Entity (MME) 162, other MMEs 164, Serving Gateway 166, Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) Gateway 168, Broadcast Multicast Service Center (BM-SC) 170, and Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway 172. MME 162 can communicate with Home Subscriber Server (HSS) 174. MME 162 is the control node that handles signaling between UE 104 and EPC 160. Typically, MME 162 provides bearer and connection management. All user Internet Protocol (IP) packets are transmitted through Serving Gateway 166, which is itself connected to PDN Gateway 172. PDN Gateway 172 provides UE IP address allocation and other functions. PDN Gateway 172 and BM-SC 170 are connected to IP Service 176. IP Service 176 may include the Internet, intranet, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), PS streaming service, and / or other IP services. The BM-SC 170 can provide functions for the provisioning and delivery of MBMS user services. The BM-SC 170 can act as an entry point for MBMS transmissions for content providers, authorize and initiate MBMS bearer services within a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), and schedule MBMS transmissions. The MBMS gateway 168 can distribute MBMS services to base stations 102 belonging to Multicast-Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) areas belonging to broadcast-specific services, and can be responsible for session management (start / stop) and collecting billing information related to eMBMS.

[0039] A base station may also be referred to as a gNB, Node B, Evolved Node B (eNB), access point, base transceiver, radio base station, radio transceiver, transceiver functional unit, Basic Services Set (BSS), Extended Services Set (ESS), or some other suitable term. Base station 102 provides UE 104 with access to EPC 160. Examples of UE 104 include cellular phones, smartphones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, laptops, personal digital assistants (PDAs), satellite radio units, global positioning systems, multimedia devices, video devices, digital audio players (e.g., MP3 players), cameras, game consoles, tablet devices, smart devices, wearable devices, vehicles, meters, air pumps, toasters, large or small kitchen appliances, healthcare devices, implants, displays, or any other similarly functional devices. Some UE 104 devices may be referred to as IoT devices (e.g., parking meters, air pumps, toasters, vehicles, heart monitors, etc.). UE 104 may also be referred to as a station, mobile station, subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, mobile phone, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other suitable term.

[0040] Refer again Figure 1 In some respects, wireless devices (such as UE 104 / STA 152 / base station 180) can be configured to maintain and / or refine first information, which is associated with each of a plurality of wireless device locations and wireless device orientations with the following correlations: a plurality of nodes, at least one subarray, and a corresponding beamforming direction (198), for example, in conjunction with the following. Figure 2A-10 Any diagram described therein.

[0041] Figure 2A Figure 200 shows an example of a DL frame structure. Figure 2B Figure 230 shows an example of a channel within a DL frame structure. Figure 2C Figure 250 shows an example of a UL frame structure. Figure 2DFigure 280 illustrates an example of a channel within a UL frame structure. Other wireless communication technologies may have different frame structures and / or different channels. A frame (10 ms) can be divided into 10 equal-sized subframes. Each subframe may include two consecutive time slots. A resource grid can be used to represent two time slots, each time slot including one or more time-concurrent resource blocks (RBs) (also known as physical RBs (PRBs)). The resource grid is divided into multiple resource elements (REs). For a normal cyclic prefix, an RB may contain 12 consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain and 7 consecutive symbols in the time domain (for DL, OFDM symbols; for UL, SC-FDMA symbols), for a total of 84 REs. For an extended cyclic prefix, an RB may contain 12 consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain and 6 consecutive symbols in the time domain, for a total of 72 REs. The number of bits carried by each RE depends on the modulation scheme.

[0042] like Figure 2A As shown, some REs in the REs carry DL reference (pilot) signals (DL-RS) for channel estimation at the UE. DL-RS may include cell-specific reference signals (CRS) (sometimes also called common RS), UE-specific reference signals (UE-RS), and channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS). Figure 2A The CRS (indicated as R0, R1, R2 and R3) for antenna ports 0, 1, 2 and 3 are shown, the UE-RS (indicated as R5) for antenna port 5 is shown, and the CSI-RS (indicated as R) for antenna port 15 is shown.

[0043] Figure 2B Examples of various channels within a frame's DL subframe are shown. The Physical Control Format Indicator Channel (PCFICH) is in symbol 0 of slot 0 and carries an indication of whether the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) occupies 1, 2, or 3 symbols. Figure 2B The control format indicator (CFI) of a PDCCH occupying 3 symbols is shown. The PDCCH carries downlink control information (DCI) within one or more control channel elements (CCEs). Each CCE includes nine RE groups (REGs), and each REG includes four consecutive REs in an OFDM symbol. The UE can be configured with a UE-specific enhanced PDCCH (ePDCCH) that also carries DCI. The ePDCCH can have 2, 4, or 8 RB pairs (…). Figure 2BTwo RB pairs are shown, each subset comprising one RB pair. The Physical Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ) (HARQ) Indicator Channel (PHICH) is also located in symbol 0 of slot 0 and carries a HARQ indicator (HI) based on the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) to indicate HARQ acknowledgment (ACK) / negative ACK (NACK) feedback. The Primary Synchronization Channel (PSCH) is located in symbol 6 of slot 0 within subframes 0 and 5 of the frame. The PSCH carries the Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) used by UE 104 to determine subframe / symbol timing and physical layer identity. The Secondary Synchronization Channel (SSCH) is located in symbol 5 of slot 0 within subframes 0 and 5 of the frame. The SSCH carries the Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS) used by the UE to determine the Physical Layer Cell Identity Group Number and radio frame timing. Based on the physical layer identity and Physical Layer Cell Identity Group Number, the UE can determine the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI). Based on the PCI, the UE can determine the location of the aforementioned DL-RS. The Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) (which carries the Master Information Block (MIB)) can logically be grouped with the PSCH and SSCH to form a Synchronization Signal (SS) block. The MIB provides the number of Restricted Frames (RBs) in the DL system bandwidth, the PHICH configuration, and the System Frame Number (SFN). The Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) carries user data, broadcast system information not transmitted via the PBCH (such as System Information Blocks (SIBs)), and paging messages.

[0044] like Figure 2C As shown, some REs in the REs carry demodulation reference signals (DM-RS) for channel estimation at the base station. Additionally, the UE can transmit a sounding reference signal (SRS) in the last symbol of the subframe. This SRS can have a comb structure, and the UE can transmit the SRS on one of the comb teeth. This SRS can be used by the base station for channel quality estimation to enable frequency-dependent scheduling on the UL.

[0045] Figure 2D Examples of various channels within a UL subframe of a frame are shown. Based on the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) configuration, the PRACH can reside within one or more subframes of the frame. The PRACH can include six consecutive RB pairs within a subframe. The PRACH allows the UE to perform initial system access and achieve UL synchronization. The Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) can be located at the edge of the UL system bandwidth. The PUCCH carries uplink control information (UCI), such as scheduling requests, channel quality indicators (CQI), precoding matrix indicators (PMI), rank indicators (RI), and HARQ ACK / NACK feedback. The PUSCH carries data and can also be used to carry buffer status reports (BSR), power headroom reports (PHR), and / or UCI.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating communication between base station 310 and UE 350 in the access network. In the DL, IP packets from EPC160 can be provided to controller / processor 375. Controller / processor 375 implements Layer 3 and Layer 2 functions. Layer 3 includes the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, and Layer 2 includes the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, and Media Access Control (MAC) layer. The controller / processor 375 provides: RRC layer functions associated with: broadcasting system information (e.g., MIB, SIB), RRC connection control (e.g., RRC connection paging, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection modification, and RRC connection release), inter-Radio Access Technology (RAT) mobility, and measurement configuration for UE measurement reporting; PDCP layer functions associated with: header compression / decompression, security (encryption, decryption, integrity protection, integrity verification), and handover support functions; RLC layer functions associated with: transmission of upper-layer packet data units (PDUs), error correction via ARQ, concatenation, segmentation and reassembly of RLC service data units (SDUs), resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functions associated with: mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs to transport blocks (TBs), and MAC... SDU performs demultiplexing of TB, scheduling information reporting, error correction via HARQ, priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

[0047] Transmit (TX) processor 316 and receive (RX) processor 370 implement Layer 1 functions associated with various signal processing functions. Layer 1 (which includes the physical (PHY) layer) may include error detection on the transport channel, forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding of the transport channel, interleaving, rate matching, mapping to the physical channel, modulation / demodulation of the physical channel, and MIMO antenna processing. TX processor 316 processes the mapping to the signal constellation diagram based on various modulation schemes (e.g., binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), M-phase shift keying (M-PSK), M-quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM)). The encoded and modulated symbols can then be split into parallel streams. Each stream can then be mapped to OFDM subcarriers, multiplexed with reference signals (e.g., pilots) in the time and / or frequency domains, and then combined using inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to produce a physical channel for carrying the time-domain OFDM symbol stream. The OFDM stream is spatially precoded to generate multiple spatial streams. Channel estimates from channel estimator 374 can be used to determine coding and modulation schemes, as well as for spatial processing. The channel estimates can be derived from reference signals transmitted by UE 350 and / or channel condition feedback. Each spatial stream can then be provided to a different antenna 320 via a separate transmitter 318TX. Each transmitter 318TX can use the corresponding spatial stream to modulate an RF carrier for transmission.

[0048] At UE 350, each receiver 354RX receives signals through its respective antenna 352. Each receiver 354RX recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides this information to the receive (RX) processor 356. The TX processor 368 and RX processor 356 implement Layer 1 functions associated with various signal processing functions. The RX processor 356 can perform spatial processing on this information to recover any spatial stream destined for UE 350. If multiple spatial streams are destined for UE 350, they can be merged into a single OFDM symbol stream by the RX processor 356. The RX processor 356 then uses a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to transform the OFDM symbol stream from the time domain to the frequency domain. The frequency domain signal consists of a separate OFDM symbol stream for each subcarrier of the OFDM signal. The symbols and reference signals on each subcarrier are recovered and demodulated by determining the most probable signal constellation points transmitted by base station 310. These soft decisions can be based on channel estimates calculated by channel estimator 358. The soft decision is then decoded and deinterleaved to recover the data and control signals originally transmitted by base station 310 on the physical channel. This data and control signals are then provided to controller / processor 359, which implements Layer 3 and Layer 2 functions.

[0049] The controller / processor 359 may be associated with a memory 360 that stores program code and data. The memory 360 may be referred to as a computer-readable medium. In the UL, the controller / processor 359 provides demultiplexing, packet reassembly, decryption, header decompression, and control signal processing between transport and logical channels to recover IP packets from the EPC 160. The controller / processor 359 is also responsible for error detection to support HARQ operation using ACK and / or NACK protocols.

[0050] Similar to the functions described in the DL transmission performed in conjunction with base station 310, controller / processor 359 provides: RRC layer functions associated with: system information (e.g., MIB, SIB) capture, RRC connection, and measurement reporting; PDCP layer functions associated with: header compression / decompression, and security (encryption, decryption, integrity protection, integrity verification); RLC layer functions associated with: transmission of upper-layer PDUs, error correction via ARQ, concatenation, segmentation and reassembly of RLC SDUs, resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functions associated with: mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs to TBs, demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction via HARQ, priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

[0051] The TX processor 368 can use the channel estimate derived by the channel estimator 358 based on a reference signal or feedback transmitted by the base station 310 to select an appropriate coding and modulation scheme and facilitate spatial processing. The spatial stream generated by the TX processor 368 can be provided to different antennas 352 via individual transmitters 354TX. Each transmitter 354TX can use the corresponding spatial stream to modulate an RF carrier for transmission.

[0052] At base station 310, UL transmission is processed in a manner similar to that described in conjunction with the receiver function at UE 350. Each receiver 318RX receives signals through its respective antenna 320. Each receiver 318RX recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides that information to the RX processor 370.

[0053] The controller / processor 375 may be associated with a memory 376 that stores program code and data. The memory 376 may be referred to as a computer-readable medium. In the UL, the controller / processor 375 provides demultiplexing, packet reassembly, decryption, header decompression, and control signal processing between transport and logical channels to recover IP packets from the UE 350. IP packets from the controller / processor 375 can be provided to the EPC 160. The controller / processor 375 is also responsible for error detection to support HARQ operation using ACK and / or NACK protocols.

[0054] Figure 4 Figure 400 illustrates communication between base station 402 and UE 404. (Refer to...) Figure 4 Base station 402 can transmit beamforming signals to UE 404 in one or more of the following directions: 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d, 402e, 402f, 402g, and 402h. UE 404 can receive beamforming signals from base station 402 in one or more receiving directions: 404a, 404b, 404c, and 404d. UE 404 can also transmit beamforming signals to base station 402 in one or more of the following directions: 404a-404d. Base station 402 can receive beamforming signals from UE 404 in one or more receiving directions: 402a-402h. Base station 402 and UE 404 can perform beamforming training to determine the optimal receiving and transmitting directions for each of them. The transmitting and receiving directions of base station 402 can be the same or different. The transmitting and receiving directions of UE 404 can be the same or different.

[0055] One way to meet the increasing demand for mobile broadband is to utilize mmW spectrum in addition to LTE. Communication using mmW spectrum can experience extremely high path loss and short range. Beamforming can be used to compensate for high path loss and short range. For example, VR wireless devices can be equipped with multiple mmW antenna subarrays.

[0056] However, due to the potentially large number of antennas at mmW nodes (e.g., mmW base stations, mmW APs, etc.) and the potentially large number of mmW antenna subarrays at wireless devices (e.g., UEs, VR wireless devices, STAs, cellular phones, smartphones, etc.), the number of possible beamforming directions that may need to be scanned during the beamforming process can be very large.

[0057] For example, a wireless device can connect to a serving mmW node and, before initiating mmW communication, can utilize the serving mmW node to beamform one or more subarrays at the wireless device (e.g., using the 802.11ad LAN protocol for short-range indoor and / or outdoor mmW communication). When the wireless device moves, it can adjust the beamforming direction, (e.g., the beamforming coefficients used to determine the beamforming direction), select a wireless device subarray, or even switch to a different mmW node. Additionally, the serving mmW node can adjust the beamforming direction, beamforming coefficients, and / or mmW antennas used for mmW communication with the moving wireless device.

[0058] To this end, both the wireless device and the mmW node can scan through multiple TX / RX beams to measure the channel quality of various TX / RX beam pairs (e.g., beamforming directions) based on the scanning process, and adjust one or more of the beamforming direction, beamforming coefficients, wireless device subarray selection, and / or mmW antenna. The scanning process for a large number of potential beamforming directions can take an undesirable amount of time and incur significant beam overhead.

[0059] Therefore, there is a need for techniques to reduce the time required to determine the subarray and / or beamforming orientation for mmW communication.

[0060] This disclosure provides a solution by enabling wireless devices to maintain beamforming calibration information, wherein the beamforming calibration information includes the correlation between at least one of a plurality of wireless device locations and / or wireless device orientations and the following: a plurality of mmW nodes associated with at least one of the specific locations and / or orientations of the wireless device, at least one mmW subarray at the wireless device, and a corresponding beamforming direction. Using information obtained using sensors located at the wireless device, the wireless device is able to determine the location and / or orientation of the wireless device. The wireless device can then use the beamforming calibration information to select at least one of the beamforming direction, mmW subarray, and / or mmW nodes based on the determined location and / or orientation, without performing a scanning process for each possible beamforming direction.

[0061] Therefore, the wireless devices of this disclosure can reduce the time required to determine the subarray and / or beamforming direction for mmW communication, for example, as described below. Figure 5A-10 As described in any of the diagrams.

[0062] Figures 5A-5EA data stream 500 between a wireless device 502, a first node 504, and a second node 506, according to certain aspects of this disclosure, is illustrated. The data stream 500 can reduce the time required to select nodes, subarrays, and / or beamforming directions for mmW communication. The wireless device 502 may correspond to, for example, UEs 104, 350, STA 152, wireless devices 602, 702, and apparatuses 902 / 902'. The first node 504 may correspond to, for example, base stations 102, 180, eNB 310, and nodes 604, 606, 608, 704, 706, 708, 950, and 955. The second node 506 may correspond to, for example, base stations 102, 180, eNB 310, and nodes 604, 606, 608, 704, 706, 708, 950, and 955. Furthermore, the wireless device 502, the first node 504, and the second node 506 may be configured to use the methods described above. Figure 1 This discussion covers any type of mmW communication for communication. Although in Figures 5A-5E Two nodes are shown, but without departing from the scope of this disclosure, more or fewer nodes may be used to determine the combination. Figures 5A-5E Described beamforming calibration information and / or refined beamforming calibration information.

[0063] Reference Figure 5A The wireless device 502 can perform beamforming processes 501, 503 by moving through an area including the first node 504 and the second node 506 (see below for example). Figure 6 (Described beamforming process). For example, the area may include a VR room with first node 504 and second node 506, a home with first node 504 and second node 506, an office space with first node 504 and second node 506, a shopping mall with first node 504 and second node 506, an indoor space with first node 504 and second node 506, an outdoor space with first node 504 and second node 506, and / or a mixed indoor / outdoor space with first node 504 and second node 506, etc.

[0064] Wireless device 502 can be scanned by scanning through specific locations and / or orientations of each wireless device 502 (e.g., the orientation of subarrays at the wireless device, see...). Figure 7 Multiple different beam directions associated with (e.g., see...) Figure 4The beamforming processes 501 and 503 with one or more of the first node 504 and / or the second node 506 are performed by the following devices (402a, 402b, 402c, 402d, 402e, 402f, 402g, 402h, 404a, 404b, 404c, 404d). In one aspect, the wireless device 502 may perform beamforming processes 501 and 503 before entering an operational mode to begin mmW communication with the first node 504 and / or the second node 506.

[0065] Based on the beamforming processes 501, 503 performed at each location and / or each orientation, the wireless device 502 can determine for each location at least one of the following: a preferred beamforming orientation, a preferred subarray (e.g., see...). Figure 6 (610a, 610b, 610c, 610d) and / or preferred nodes. Each location and / or orientation of the wireless device 502 can be determined based on sensor measurements (e.g., GPS measurements, accelerometer measurements, and / or gyroscope measurements, etc.) performed at the wireless device 502. For example, as the wireless device 502 moves through the aforementioned area, the wireless device 502 can record (e.g., location information associated with the location of the wireless device 502) and orientation information (e.g., orientation associated with the orientation of the subarray of the wireless device 502), as well as preferred nodes, preferred subarrays, and / or preferred beamforming directions associated with each location and / or orientation. Additionally, depending on the orientation of the wireless device 502, the subarray (e.g., see...) Figure 7 One or more subarrays (710a, 710b, 710c, 710d) in the subarrays may be covered, for example, by a user's hand. Gyroscope measurements can indicate which subarrays are covered, for example, by a user's hand. If one subarray is covered, certain beams associated with the covered subarray may be unavailable for mmW communication with one or more nodes, and therefore, even if that beam is the preferred beam, it cannot be used for beamforming. In such a scenario, when the preferred beam is blocked by a user's hand, a beam with a second highest preference for that location and / or orientation can be used.

[0066] In one aspect, location information can be obtained using, for example, GPS and / or accelerometers located at wireless device 502. Orientation information can be obtained using, for example, a gyroscope located at wireless device 502. Preferred nodes, preferred subarrays, and / or preferred beamforming directions can be determined, for example, based on specific signal parameters associated with a particular node, a particular subarray, and / or a particular beamforming direction (e.g., highest signal strength, signal with the highest quality of service (QoS), signal experiencing the least amount of interference, etc.). In one configuration, wireless device 502 can determine multiple combinations of preferred nodes, subarrays, and / or beamforming directions for each location and rank each combination based on preference.

[0067] In the first configuration, beamforming processes 501 and 503 may include determining a preferred beamforming direction, a preferred subarray, and a preferred node for a specific location. In the second configuration, beamforming processes 501 and 503 may include determining a preferred beamforming direction, a preferred subarray, and a preferred node for a specific location and a specific orientation associated with that location.

[0068] In some aspects, wireless device 502 may maintain 505 first information (e.g., beamforming calibration information), which includes the correlation between each of a plurality of wireless device locations and wireless device orientations and at least one preferred node, at least one preferred subarray, and at least one preferred beamforming direction obtained during beamforming processes 501, 503. In one aspect, the first information (e.g., a lookup table for beamforming calibration information) may be maintained locally at wireless device 502. In another configuration, the first information may be maintained externally to wireless device 502, and wireless device 502 may access the first information using one of the aforementioned radio access technologies.

[0069] In another aspect, wireless device 502 can send first information 507a, 507b to first node 504 and second node 506.

[0070] Reference Figure 5B Once in the operational mode, wireless device 502 can determine the first position of 509 based on second information (e.g., location information and / or orientation information) measured using one or more sensors at wireless device 502 (see, for example, see...). Figure 7 The first position 712a) and / or the first orientation (e.g., see the ... Figure 7 (The orientation of the subarray at the first position 712a in the array). For example, location information can be obtained using, for example, a GPS and / or accelerometer located at wireless device 502. Orientation information can be obtained using, for example, a gyroscope located at wireless device 502.

[0071] In another aspect, using the first information and / or the second information, wireless device 502 can determine the preferred node, preferred subarray, and preferred beamforming direction associated with the first position and / or first orientation of wireless device 502 (e.g., predictive beamforming, see below). Figure 7 For example, wireless device 502 can determine the first node based on the first information and the second information (e.g., Figure 7 The second node 706 in the array), the first subarray (e.g., Figure 7 The subarray 710b in the first beamforming direction (e.g., the first beamforming direction) and the first beamforming direction (e.g., Figure 7 (Beamforming direction 701a). In one aspect, the wireless device 502 can access a lookup table including first information, and using current location and / or orientation information, the wireless device 502 can determine which nodes, subarrays, and / or beamforming directions are to be used for mmW communication without performing a scanning process. Figure 5B In the specific example shown, wireless device 502 can determine that it will use a first subarray and a first beamforming direction to communicate with first node 504 513.

[0072] The lookup table may include, for example, a hierarchy of preferred combinations of nodes, subarrays, and / or beamforming directions ranked by preference for each location. For example, if the highest-ranked combination (e.g., the first node, the first subarray, and / or the first beamforming direction) does not support mmW communication (e.g., if the first subarray is covered by a user's hand), the wireless device 502 may select the second-highest-ranked combination (e.g., the second node, the second subarray, and / or the second beamforming direction) for mmW communication. In one aspect, one or more of the first node, the first subarray, and / or the first beamforming direction in the highest-ranked combination may be the same as the second node, the second subarray, and / or the second beamforming direction in the second-highest-ranked combination. In another aspect, one or more of the first node, the first subarray, and / or the first beamforming direction in the highest-ranked combination may be different from the second node, the second subarray, and / or the second beamforming direction in the second-highest-ranked combination. For example, the highest-ranked combination may include node x, subarray x, and beamforming direction x, while the second-highest-ranked combination may include node y, subarray x, and beamforming direction x.

[0073] Reference Figure 5CThe wireless device 502 can update the first information 515 based on the nodes, subarrays, and / or beamforming directions for mmW communication at the first location and / or first orientation. In one aspect, when the wireless device 502 changes its location and orientation, the wireless device 502 can update the first information by refining the first information for selecting preferred nodes, preferred subarrays, and preferred orientations for communication with multiple nodes. For example, based on the nodes, subarrays, and beamforming directions for mmW communication at the first location and / or first orientation, the wireless device 502 can update the first information in a lookup table to reflect, for example, that the second-highest ranked combination is now the most preferred, and accordingly reorder the different combinations.

[0074] In another aspect, wireless device 502 can send updated first information 517a, 517b to first node 504 and second node 506. Using the aforementioned first information and / or the updated first information, wireless device 502, first node 504 and / or second node 506 can reduce the time required to select specific nodes, subarrays and / or beamforming directions for mmW communication.

[0075] Reference Figure 5D The wireless device 502 can determine the second position and second orientation of 519 based on third information (e.g., position information and / or orientation information) measured using one or more sensors (e.g., GPS, accelerometer, gyroscope, etc.) at the wireless device 502. In one aspect, at least one of the following situations exists: the second position (e.g., see...) Figure 7 The second position 712b in the diagram may differ from the first position (e.g., see [reference]). Figure 7 The first position 712a), or the second orientation (for example, see the first position 712a). Figure 7 The orientation of the subarray at the second position 712b in the diagram can be different from the first orientation (e.g., see [reference]). Figure 7 (orientation of the subarray at the first position 712a in the array).

[0076] In another aspect, using one or more of the first, second, and / or third information, wireless device 502 can determine preferred nodes, preferred subarrays, and preferred beamforming directions associated with the second position and / or second orientation of wireless device 502 (e.g., predictive beamforming, see below). Figure 7 For example, wireless device 502 can determine the second node based on first information, second information, and / or third information (e.g., Figure 7 The first node 704 in the array), the second subarray (e.g., Figure 7 The subarray 710a at the second position 712b in the second beamforming direction (e.g., Figure 7Beamforming direction 701b in the middle). In one aspect, the second node (e.g., see...) Figure 7 The first node 704 at the second position 712b in the diagram can be different from the first node (e.g., see [reference]). Figure 7 The second node 706 at the first position 712a in the first subarray (see, for example, the second subarray). Figure 7 The subarray 710a at the second position 712b in the first subarray (e.g., see subarray 710b at the first position 712a) may be different from the first subarray and / or the second beamforming direction (e.g., see...). Figure 7 The beamforming direction 701b in the first beamforming direction may be different from the first beamforming direction (e.g., see [reference]). Figure 7 (Beamforming direction 701a). In another aspect, the wireless device 502 can access a lookup table including first information, and using the current location and / or orientation information, the wireless device 502 can determine which nodes, subarrays, and / or beamforming directions are to be used for mmW communication without performing a scanning process. Figure 5D In the specific example shown, wireless device 502 determines that it will use the second subarray and the second beamforming direction to communicate with the second node 506 523.

[0077] Reference Figure 5E The wireless device 502 can update the first information 525 based on the nodes, subarrays, and / or beamforming directions for mmW communication at the second location and / or second orientation. In one aspect, when the wireless device 502 changes its location and orientation, the wireless device 502 can update the first information by refining the first information for selecting preferred nodes, preferred subarrays, and preferred orientations for communication with multiple nodes. For example, based on the nodes, subarrays, and beamforming directions of the wireless device 502 for mmW communication 523 at the second location and / or second orientation, the wireless device 502 can update the first information in a lookup table.

[0078] In another aspect, wireless device 502 can send updated first information 527a, 527b to first node 504 and second node 506. Using the aforementioned first information and / or the updated first information, wireless device 502, first node 504 and / or second node 506 can reduce the time required to select specific nodes, subarrays and / or beamforming directions for mmW communication.

[0079] Figure 6This diagram illustrates a beamforming process 600 according to certain aspects of this disclosure, wherein a wireless device 602 moving through an area including a first node 604, a second node 606, and a third node 608 uses the beamforming process 600 to determine beamforming calibration information. The wireless device 602 may correspond to, for example, UEs 104, 350, STA 152, wireless devices 502, 702, and devices 902, 902'. The first node 604 may correspond to, for example, base stations 102, 180, eNB 310, and nodes 504, 506, 704, 706, 708, 950, and 955. The second node 606 may correspond to, for example, base stations 102, 180, eNB 310, and nodes 504, 506, 704, 706, 708, 950, and 955. The third node 608 can correspond to, for example, base stations 102, 180, eNB 310, and nodes 504, 506, 704, 706, 708, 950, and 955. Although in Figure 6 Three nodes are shown, but without departing from the scope of this disclosure, more or fewer nodes may be used to determine beamforming calibration information.

[0080] exist Figure 6 The wireless device 602 depicted may be moving through an area including a first node 604, a second node 606, and a third node 608, and is performing a beamforming process 600 to determine first information 603. Additionally, the wireless device 602 is depicted having four subarrays 610a, 610b, 610c, and 610d and is located at a first position 612. However, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, the wireless device 602 may include more or fewer than four subarrays.

[0081] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, wireless device 602 can determine that first node 604 is a preferred node at first location 612. Additionally, at first location 612, wireless device 602 can determine that subarray 610a is a preferred subarray. At first location 612, the wireless device can also determine a preferred beamforming direction 601. As wireless device 602 moves through this area, the above-described beamforming process can be performed at multiple locations with multiple orientations to determine first information 603 maintained by wireless device 602 (e.g., see...). Figure 5A (505 in the middle).

[0082] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a predictive beamforming process 700 according to certain aspects of this disclosure, wherein the predictive beamforming process 700 uses the methods described above regarding... Figures 5A-5EThe first information discussed in section 6 determines the preferred nodes, preferred subarrays, and preferred beamforming directions for mmW communication at a specific location and / or orientation. Wireless device 702 may correspond to, for example, UE 104, 350, STA 152, wireless devices 502, 602, and devices 902, 902'. First node 704 may correspond to, for example, base station 102, 180, eNB 310, nodes 504, 506, 604, 606, 608, 950, 955. Second node 706 may correspond to, for example, base station 102, 180, eNB 310, nodes 504, 506, 604, 606, 608, 950, 955. Third node 708 may correspond to, for example, base station 102, 180, eNB 310, nodes 504, 506, 604, 606, 608, 950, 955. Although in Figure 7 Three nodes are shown, but more or fewer nodes may be located in the area without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0083] exist Figure 7 The wireless device 702 depicted can move through an area including a first node 704, a second node 706, and a third node 708, and performs predictive beamforming to determine preferred nodes, preferred subarrays, and preferred beamforming directions at first positions 712a, second positions 712b, and third positions 712c. Furthermore, the wireless device 702 is depicted having four subarrays 710a, 710b, 710c, and 710d. However, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, the wireless device 702 may include more or fewer than four subarrays.

[0084] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, wireless device 702 can determine that second node 706 is a preferred node at a first position 712a. Additionally, at the first position 712a, wireless device 702 can determine that subarray 710b is a preferred subarray. At the first position 712a, wireless device 702 can also determine a preferred beamforming direction 701a.

[0085] Still refer to Figure 7 In the example shown, wireless device 702 can determine that first node 704 is a preferred node at a second position 712b. Additionally, at the second position 712b, wireless device 702 can determine an orientation change (e.g., a change in subarray orientation) and determine that subarray 710a is a preferred subarray. At the second position 712b, wireless device 702 can also determine a preferred beamforming direction 701b.

[0086] Still refer to Figure 7In the example shown, wireless device 702 can determine that third node 708 is a preferred node at third position 712c. Additionally, at third position 712c, wireless device 702 can determine that subarray 710c is a preferred subarray. At third position 712c, wireless device 702 can also determine a preferred beamforming direction 701c.

[0087] When the wireless device 702 moves through the area, it can use the maintained first information (e.g., see...). Figure 5A (505) determines the preferred node, preferred subarray, and / or preferred beamforming direction at each of the first position 712a, second position 712b, and third position 712c. Based on the determinations made at each position, the wireless device 702 can update the first information to refine the maintained first information.

[0088] Figures 8A-8C This is a flowchart 800 of a wireless communication method. This method can be performed by wireless devices (e.g., UE 104, 350, STA 152, wireless devices 502, 602, 702, and apparatuses 902') that communicate with multiple nodes (e.g., base stations 102, 180, eNB 310, nodes 504, 506, 604, 606, 608, 704, 706, 708, 950, 955). Figures 8A-8C In this context, dashed lines can be used to indicate optional operations.

[0089] Reference Figure 8A At point 802, the wireless device can maintain first information, which is associated with each of the multiple wireless device locations and wireless device orientations with the following correlations: multiple nodes, at least one subarray, and a corresponding beamforming direction. For example, refer to Figure 5A Wireless device 502 may maintain 505 first information (e.g., beamforming calibration information), which is associated with each of a plurality of wireless device locations and wireless device orientations in relation to at least one preferred node, at least one preferred subarray, and at least one preferred beamforming direction obtained during beamforming processes 501 and 503. In one aspect, the first information (e.g., a lookup table for beamforming calibration information) may be maintained locally at wireless device 502. In another configuration, the first information may be maintained externally to wireless device 502, and wireless device 502 may access the first information using one of the aforementioned radio access technologies.

[0090] At point 804, the wireless device can send initial information associated with this correlation to multiple nodes. For example, refer to... Figure 5AThe wireless device 502 can send first information 507a and 507b to the first node 504 and the second node 506.

[0091] At point 806, the wireless device can determine its location and orientation based on second information from one or more sensors. For example, refer to... Figure 5B The wireless device 502 can then determine its position and / or orientation based on second information (e.g., location information and / or orientation information) measured using one or more sensors located at the wireless device 502. For example, location information can be obtained using, for example, a GPS and / or accelerometer located at the wireless device 502. Orientation information can be obtained using, for example, a gyroscope located at the wireless device 502.

[0092] At 808, the wireless device can determine the first node, the first subarray, and the first beamforming direction associated with the location and orientation of the wireless device based on the first information and the second information. For example, referring to... Figure 5B Using the first and / or second information, wireless device 502 can determine the location and / or orientation of 511 relative to wireless device 502 to an associated preferred node, preferred subarray, and preferred beamforming direction (e.g., predictive beamforming, see below). Figure 7 For example, wireless device 502 can access a lookup table including first information, and using current location and / or orientation information, wireless device 502 can determine which nodes, subarrays, and / or beamforming directions are to be used for mmW communication without performing a scanning process. Figure 5B In a specific example shown, wireless device 502 determines that it will use a first subarray and a first beamforming direction to communicate with first node 504 513. The lookup table may include, for example, a hierarchy of preferred combinations of nodes, subarrays, and / or beamforming directions ranked by preference for each location. For example, if the highest-ranked combination (e.g., the first node, first subarray, and / or first beamforming direction) does not support mmW communication, wireless device 502 may select the second-highest-ranked combination (e.g., the second node, second subarray, and / or second beamforming direction) for mmW communication. In one aspect, one or more of the first node, first subarray, and / or first beamforming direction in the highest-ranked combination may be the same as the second node, second subarray, and / or second beamforming direction in the second-highest-ranked combination. In another aspect, one or more of the first node, first subarray, and / or first beamforming direction in the highest-ranked combination may be different from the second node, second subarray, and / or second beamforming direction in the second-highest-ranked combination. (Refer to...) Figure 7The wireless device 702 can determine that the second node 706 is a preferred node at the first position 712a. Additionally, at the first position 712a, the wireless device 702 can determine that the subarray 710b is a preferred subarray. At the first position 712a, the wireless device 702 can also determine the preferred beamforming direction 701a. Still referring to… Figure 7 In the example shown, wireless device 702 can determine that first node 704 is a preferred node at the second position 712b. Additionally, at the second position 712b, wireless device 702 can determine that subarray 710d is a preferred subarray. At the second position 712b, wireless device 702 can also determine a preferred beamforming direction 701b. Still referring to... Figure 7 In the example shown, wireless device 702 can determine that third node 708 is a preferred node at third position 712c. Additionally, at third position 712c, wireless device 702 can determine that subarray 710c is a preferred subarray. At third position 712c, wireless device 702 can also determine a preferred beamforming direction 701c.

[0093] At point 810, the wireless device can communicate with the first node using the first subarray and the first beamforming direction. For example, refer to... Figure 5B The wireless device 502 can determine that it will use the first subarray and the first beamforming direction to communicate with the first node 504 513.

[0094] Reference Figure 8B At point 812, the wireless device can update the first information based on the determined first node, the determined first subarray, and the determined first beamforming direction associated with the location and orientation of the wireless device. For example, refer to... Figure 5C The wireless device 502 can update the first information 515 based on the nodes, subarrays, and / or beamforming directions used for mmW communication at a specific location and / or orientation. For example, based on the nodes, subarrays, and beamforming directions used by the wireless device 502 for mmW communication, the wireless device 502 can update the first information in a lookup table to reflect, for example, that the second-highest ranked combination is now the most preferred, and accordingly reorder the different combinations.

[0095] At point 814, when the wireless device changes its position and orientation, the wireless device can update the first information by refining the first information used to select the preferred node, preferred subarray, and preferred orientation for communication with multiple nodes. For example, refer to... Figure 5CWhen the wireless device 502 changes its position and orientation, the wireless device 502 can update the first information by refining the first information used to select the preferred node, preferred subarray, and preferred orientation for communication with multiple nodes. For example, based on the node, subarray, and beamforming direction of the wireless device 502 for mmW communication, the wireless device 502 can update the first information in a lookup table to reflect, for example, that the second-highest ranked combination is now the most preferred, and accordingly reorder the different combinations.

[0096] At point 816, the wireless device can send the updated first information to multiple nodes. For example, refer to... Figure 5C Wireless device 502 can send updated first information 517a, 517b to first node 504 and second node 506. Using the aforementioned first information and / or the updated first information, wireless device 502, first node 504 and / or second node 506 can reduce the time required to select specific nodes, subarrays and / or beamforming directions for mmW communication.

[0097] At point 818, the wireless device can determine its second position and second orientation based on third information from one or more sensors. In one aspect, at least one of the following conditions exists: the second position may differ from the first position, or the second orientation may differ from the first orientation. For example, referring to... Figure 5D The second position and second orientation of 519 can be determined based on third information (e.g., position information and / or orientation information) measured using one or more sensors (e.g., GPS, accelerometer, gyroscope, etc.) at the wireless device 502. In one aspect, at least one of the following situations exists: the second position (e.g., see...) Figure 7 The second position 712b in the diagram may differ from the first position (e.g., see [reference]). Figure 7 The first position 712a), or the second orientation (for example, see the first position 712a). Figure 7 The orientation of the subarray at the second position 712b in the diagram can be different from the first orientation (e.g., see [reference]). Figure 7 (orientation of the subarray at the first position 712a in the array).

[0098] At point 820, the wireless device can determine a second node, a second subarray, and a second beamforming direction associated with a second position and a second orientation of the wireless device based on at least one of the first, second, or third information. In one aspect, at least one of the following conditions exists: the second node may be different from the first node, the second subarray may be different from the first subarray, or the second beamforming direction may be different from the first beamforming direction. For example, referring to… Figure 5DUsing one or more of the first, second, and / or third information, wireless device 502 can determine the preferred node, preferred subarray, and preferred beamforming direction associated with the second position and / or second orientation of wireless device 502 (e.g., predictive beamforming, see below). Figure 7 For example, wireless device 502 can determine the second node based on first information, second information, and / or third information (e.g., Figure 7 The first node 704 in the array), the second subarray (e.g., Figure 7 The subarray 710a at the second position 712b in the second beamforming direction (e.g., Figure 7 Beamforming direction 701b in the middle). In one aspect, at least one of the following situations exists: second node (e.g., see Figure 7 The first node 704 at the second position 712b in the diagram can be different from the first node (e.g., see [reference]). Figure 7 The second node 706 at the first position 712a in the first subarray (see, for example, the second subarray). Figure 7 The subarray 710a at the second position 712b in the first beamforming direction may be different from the first subarray (e.g., see subarray 710b at the first position 712a) or the second beamforming direction (e.g., see...). Figure 7 The beamforming direction 701b in the first beamforming direction may be different from the first beamforming direction (e.g., see [reference]). Figure 7 (Beamforming direction 701a). In another aspect, the wireless device 502 can access a lookup table including first information, and using the current location and / or orientation information, the wireless device 502 can determine which nodes, subarrays, and / or beamforming directions are to be used for mmW communication without performing a scanning process.

[0099] Reference Figure 8C At point 822, the wireless device can use the second subarray and the second beamforming direction to communicate with the second node. For example, refer to... Figure 5D The wireless device 502 can determine that it will use the second subarray and the second beamforming direction to communicate with the second node 506 523.

[0100] At point 824, the wireless device can update the first information based on the determined second node, the determined second subarray, and the determined second beamforming direction associated with the second position and second orientation of the wireless device. For example, refer to Figure 5E The wireless device 502 can update the first information 525 based on the node, subarray, and / or beamforming direction for mmW communication at the second location and / or second orientation.

[0101] At point 826, when the wireless device changes its position and orientation, the wireless device can update the first information by refining the first information used to select the preferred node, preferred subarray, and preferred orientation for communication with multiple nodes. For example, refer to... Figure 5E When the wireless device 502 changes its position and orientation, the wireless device 502 can update the first information by refining the first information used to select preferred nodes, preferred subarrays, and preferred orientations for communication with multiple nodes. For example, based on the nodes, subarrays, and beamforming directions of the wireless device 502 for mmW communication 523 at the second position and / or second orientation, the wireless device 502 can update the first information in a lookup table.

[0102] At point 828, the wireless device can send the updated first information to multiple nodes. For example, refer to... Figure 5E Wireless device 502 can send updated first information 527a, 527b to first node 504 and second node 506. Using the aforementioned first information and / or the updated first information, wireless device 502, first node 504 and / or second node 506 can reduce the time required to select specific nodes, subarrays and / or beamforming directions for mmW communication.

[0103] Figure 9This is a conceptual data flow diagram 900 illustrating the data flow between different units / components in an exemplary device 902. The device may be a wireless device (e.g., UE 104, 350, STA 152, wireless devices 502, 602, 702, device 902, 902') communicating with a first node 950 (e.g., base station 102, 180, eNB 310, nodes 504, 506, 604, 606, 608, 704, 706, 708, 950, 955) and a second node 955 (e.g., base station 102, 180, eNB 310, nodes 504, 506, 604, 606, 608, 704, 706, 708, 950, 955). The device may include a receiving component 904, a calibration component 906, a transmitting component 908, a sensing component 910, and a determining component 912. The calibration component 906 can be configured to perform beamforming processes with the first node 950 and the second node 955. Additionally, the calibration component 906 can be configured to determine a preferred node, preferred subarray, and preferred beamforming direction for each of a plurality of different wireless device locations and / or wireless device orientations. The calibration component 906 can also be configured to maintain first information associated with each of the plurality of wireless device locations and wireless device orientations and a correlation between multiple nodes, at least one subarray, and a corresponding beamforming direction. The calibration component 906 can be configured to transmit a signal associated with the first information to one or more of the receiving component 904, the transmitting component 908, and / or the determining component 912. The transmitting component 908 can be configured to transmit the first information associated with this correlation to the plurality of nodes 950, 955. The sensing component 910 can be configured to sense one or more of the locations and / or orientations associated with the wireless devices (e.g., second information). The sensing component 910 can be configured to transmit a signal associated with the second information to the determining component 912. The determining component 912 can be configured to determine the location and orientation of the wireless device based on second information from one or more sensors. The determining component 912 can be configured to determine a first node, a first subarray, and a first beamforming direction associated with the location and orientation of the wireless device based on the first and second information. The determining component 912 can be configured to transmit signals associated with one or more of the first node, first subarray, and first beamforming direction associated with the first location and first orientation of the wireless device to one or more of the receiving component 904, calibration component 906, and / or transmitting component 908. The receiving component 904 and / or transmitting component 908 can be configured to communicate with the first node 950 using the first subarray and first beamforming direction. The calibration component 906 can be configured to update the first information based on the determined first node, determined first subarray, and determined first beamforming direction associated with the location and orientation of the wireless device.For example, calibration component 906 can be configured to update first information by refining first information used to select preferred nodes, preferred subarrays, and preferred orientations for communication with multiple nodes when the wireless device changes its position and orientation. Calibration component 906 can be configured to send a signal associated with the updated first information to transmitting component 908. Transmitting component 908 can be configured to send the updated first information to multiple nodes 950, 955. Sensing component 910 can be configured to sense one or more changes in position and / or orientation (e.g., third information) associated with the wireless device. Furthermore, sensing component 910 can be configured to send a signal associated with the change in position and / or orientation to determining component 912. Determining component 912 can be configured to determine a second position and a second orientation of the wireless device based on third information from one or more sensors. In one aspect, at least one of the following conditions exists: the second position may be different from the first position, or the second orientation may be different from the first orientation. The determining component 912 can be configured to transmit signals associated with one or more of the following: a second node, a second subarray, and a second beamforming direction, associated with a second location and a second orientation of the wireless device, to one or more of the receiving component 904, the calibration component 906, and / or the transmitting component 908. The receiving component 904 and / or the transmitting component 908 can be configured to communicate with the second node 955 using the second subarray and the second beamforming direction. The calibration component 906 can be configured to update the first information based on the determined second node, the determined second subarray, and the determined second beamforming direction associated with the location and orientation of the wireless device. For example, the calibration component 906 can be configured to update the first information by refining the first information used to select preferred nodes, preferred subarrays, and preferred orientations for communication with multiple nodes when the wireless device changes its location and orientation. The calibration component 906 can be configured to transmit signals associated with the updated first information to the transmitting component 908. The transmitting component 908 can be configured to transmit the updated first information to multiple nodes 950, 955.

[0104] The device may include the ability to perform the above-described actions. Figures 8A-8C The flowchart shows the algorithm in the boxes of each of the other components. Therefore, the above can be performed by the components. Figures 8A-8C Each box in the flowchart, and the apparatus may include one or more of those components. A component may be one or more hardware components specifically configured to perform the process / algorithm, implemented by a processor configured to perform the process / algorithm, stored in a computer-readable medium for implementation by a processor, or some combination thereof.

[0105] Figure 10Figure 1000 illustrates an example of a hardware implementation of a device 902' employing processing system 1014. Processing system 1014 can be implemented using a bus architecture (typically represented by bus 1024). Bus 1024 may include any number of interconnect buses and bridges, depending on the specific application and overall design constraints of processing system 1014. Bus 1024 links together various circuits including one or more processors and / or hardware components (represented by processor 1004, components 904, 906, 908, 910, 912, and computer-readable medium / memory 1006). Bus 1024 may also link various other circuits such as timing sources, peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuitry, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further.

[0106] Processing system 1014 may be coupled to transceiver 1010. Transceiver 1010 is coupled to one or more antennas 1020. Transceiver 1010 provides a means for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium. Transceiver 1010 receives signals from one or more antennas 1020, extracts information from the received signals, and provides the extracted information to processing system 1014 (specifically, receiving component 904). Additionally, transceiver 1010 receives information from processing system 1014 (specifically, transmitting component 908) and generates signals to be applied to one or more antennas 1020 based on the received information. Processing system 1014 includes processor 1004 coupled to computer-readable medium / memory 1006. Processor 1004 is responsible for general processing, including the execution of software stored on computer-readable medium / memory 1006. When executed by processor 1004, the software causes processing system 1014 to perform the various functions described above for any particular device. The computer-readable medium / memory 1006 can also be used to store data manipulated by the processor 1004 during software execution. The processing system 1014 also includes at least one of components 904, 906, 908, 910, and 912. A component can be a software component running in the processor 1004 and located / stored in the computer-readable medium / memory 1006, one or more hardware components coupled to the processor 1004, or some combination thereof. The processing system 1014 can be a component of the UE 350 and can include at least one of the TX processor 368, the RX processor 356, and the controller / processor 359 and / or memory 360.

[0107] In one configuration, the wireless communication device 902 / 902' may include: a unit for maintaining first information, which is associated with a correlation between each of a plurality of wireless device locations and wireless device orientations and the following: a plurality of nodes, at least one subarray, and a corresponding beamforming direction. In another configuration, the wireless communication device 902 / 902' may include: a unit for transmitting the first information associated with the correlation to a plurality of nodes. In yet another configuration, the wireless communication device 902 / 902' may include: a unit for determining the location and orientation of the wireless device based on second information from one or more sensors. In one configuration, the wireless communication device 902 / 902' may include: a unit for determining a first node, a first subarray, and a first beamforming direction associated with the location and orientation of the wireless device based on the first and second information. In yet another configuration, the wireless communication device 902 / 902' may include: a unit for communicating with a first node using the first subarray and the first beamforming direction. In another configuration, the device 902 / 902' for wireless communication may include: a unit for updating first information based on a determined first node, a determined first subarray, and a determined first beamforming direction associated with the position and orientation of the wireless device. For example, the unit for updating the first information may be configured to refine the first information for selecting preferred nodes, preferred subarrays, and preferred orientations for communication with multiple nodes when the position and orientation of the wireless device change. In one configuration, the device 902 / 902' for wireless communication may include: a unit for transmitting the updated first information to multiple nodes. In another configuration, the device 902 / 902' for wireless communication may include: a unit for determining a second position and a second orientation of the wireless device based on third information from one or more sensors. In one aspect, at least one of the following conditions exists: the second position may be different from the first position, or the second orientation may be different from the first orientation. In another aspect, the device 902 / 902' for wireless communication may include: a unit for determining a second node, a second subarray, and a second beamforming direction associated with the second position and second orientation of the wireless device based on at least one of the first, second, or third information. In one aspect, at least one of the following conditions exists: the second node may be different from the first node, the second subarray may be different from the first subarray, or the second beamforming direction may be different from the first beamforming direction. In one aspect, the device 902 / 902' for wireless communication may include: a unit for communicating with the second node using the second subarray and the second beamforming direction.In another aspect, the wireless communication apparatus 902 / 902' may include: a unit for updating first information based on a determined second node, a determined second subarray, and a determined second beamforming direction associated with a second position and a second orientation of the wireless device. In another configuration, the wireless communication apparatus 902 / 902' may include: a unit for updating the first information by refining the first information for selecting preferred nodes, preferred subarrays, and preferred orientations for communication with multiple nodes when the wireless device changes position and orientation. In one configuration, the wireless communication apparatus 902 / 902' may include: a unit for transmitting the updated first information to multiple nodes. The aforementioned unit may be one or more components of the apparatus 902 described above and / or a processing system 1014 of the apparatus 902' configured to perform the functions described by the aforementioned unit. As described above, the processing system 1014 may include a TX processor 368, an RX processor 356, and a controller / processor 359. Therefore, in one configuration, the aforementioned units may be TX processor 368, RX processor 356, and controller / processor 359 configured to perform the functions described therein.

[0108] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of the boxes in the disclosed process / flowcharts is merely illustrative of exemplary methods. It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of the boxes in the process / flowcharts may be rearranged based on design preferences. Furthermore, some boxes may be combined or omitted. The appended method claims give the elements of the various boxes in a sample order, but are not intended to limit one to the given specific order or hierarchy.

[0109] The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Therefore, this claim is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be consistent with the full scope expressed in the claims, wherein, unless expressly stated otherwise, reference to the singular form is not intended to mean “one and only one,” but rather “one or more.” The word “exemplary” as used herein means “as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the term “some” refers to one or more. Combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” include any combination of A, B, and / or C, and may include multiples of A, multiples of B, or multiples of C. Specifically, combinations such as "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", "one or more of A, B, and C", and "A, B, C, or any combination thereof" can be a single A, a single B, a single C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, wherein any such combination may contain one or more members of A, B, or C. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements pervading the various aspects described in this disclosure, known to or to be known later by one of ordinary skill in the art, are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be included by the claims. Furthermore, nothing in the disclosure herein is intended to be offered to the public, whether or not such disclosure is expressly stated in the claims. The terms "module," "mechanism," "element," "device," etc., may not be a substitute for the term "unit." Therefore, no claim element is to be interpreted as a functional module component unless the element is expressly stated using the phrase "unit for..."

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication in a wireless device, comprising: Maintain primary information, which is associated with the following two correlations: Each of the multiple wireless device locations and wireless device orientations, with Multiple nodes, at least one subarray, and corresponding beamforming direction; Based on the first information, a first node among the plurality of nodes associated with the first location and first orientation of the wireless device, a first subarray among the at least one subarray, and a first beamforming direction are determined; as well as The first information is updated based on the determined first node, the determined first subarray, and the determined first beamforming direction associated with the first location and the first orientation of the wireless device.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The first position and the first orientation of the wireless device are determined based on second information from one or more sensors; The first node, the first subarray, and the first beamforming direction associated with the first position and the first orientation of the wireless device are further determined based on the second information.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: The first subarray and the first beamforming direction are used to communicate with the first node.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The update of the first information includes: refining the first information used to select the preferred node, preferred subarray, and preferred orientation for communication with the plurality of nodes when the wireless device changes its position and orientation.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The updated first information is sent to the plurality of nodes.

6. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: The second position and second orientation of the wireless device are determined based on third information from the one or more sensors, wherein at least one of the following conditions exists: the second position is different from the first position, or the second orientation is different from the first orientation; and A second node, a second subarray, and a second beamforming direction associated with the second location and the second orientation of the wireless device are determined based on at least one of the first information, the second information, or the third information, wherein at least one of the following conditions exists: the second node is different from the first node, the second subarray is different from the first subarray, or the second beamforming direction is different from the first beamforming direction.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: The second subarray and the second beamforming direction are used to communicate with the second node.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first information includes beamforming calibration information or a lookup table for beamforming calibration information.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first information is maintained locally at the wireless device.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first information is maintained externally to the wireless device.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The first information is accessed by the wireless device using radio access technology.

12. An apparatus for wireless communication with a wireless device, comprising: Memory; as well as At least one processor coupled to the memory and configured such that the device is used to: Maintain primary information, which is associated with the following two correlations: Each of the multiple wireless device locations and wireless device orientations, with Multiple nodes, at least one subarray, and corresponding beamforming direction; Based on the first information, a first node among the plurality of nodes associated with the first location and first orientation of the wireless device, a first subarray among the at least one subarray, and a first beamforming direction are determined; as well as The first information is updated based on the determined first node, the determined first subarray, and the determined first beamforming direction associated with the first location and the first orientation of the wireless device.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured such that the device is used to: The first position and the first orientation of the wireless device are determined based on second information from one or more sensors; The first node, the first subarray, and the first beamforming direction associated with the first position and the first orientation of the wireless device are further determined based on the second information.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured such that the device is used to: The first subarray and the first beamforming direction are used to communicate with the first node.

15. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured such that the device is used to: When the wireless device changes its position and orientation, the first information is updated by refining the first information used to select the preferred node, preferred subarray, and preferred orientation for communication with the plurality of nodes.

16. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured such that the device is used to: The updated first information is sent to the plurality of nodes.

17. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured such that the device is used to: The second position and second orientation of the wireless device are determined based on third information from the one or more sensors, wherein at least one of the following conditions exists: the second position is different from the first position, or the second orientation is different from the first orientation; and Based on at least one of the first information and the second information, a second node, a second subarray, and a second beamforming direction associated with the second position and the second orientation of the wireless device are determined, wherein at least one of the following conditions exists: the second node is different from the first node, the second subarray is different from the first subarray, or the second beamforming direction is different from the first beamforming direction.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured such that the device is used to: The second subarray and the second beamforming direction are used to communicate with the second node.

19. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, The first information includes beamforming calibration information or a lookup table for beamforming calibration information.

20. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, The first information is maintained locally at the wireless device.

21. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, The first information is maintained externally to the wireless device.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein, The first information is accessed by the wireless device using radio access technology.

Images