A method, apparatus, device and storage medium for beamforming

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a beamforming method, device, equipment and storage medium. The method comprises: determining a first beamforming vector corresponding to each array unit in a transmitting array of a transmitting end, wherein the first beamforming vector is used to adjust the direction of the transmitting beam of the array unit, so that the direction of the beam transmitted by each array unit is adjustable; determining a second beamforming vector corresponding to each array unit, wherein the second beamforming vector is used to form an orbital angular momentum (OAM) beam; and performing beamforming on a transmitting signal based on the first beamforming vector and the second beamforming vector. The method provided by the present disclosure avoids the divergence of the transmitting beam, reduces the divergence angle of the transmitting beam, thereby avoiding the problem that different sizes of receiving end UCA arrays need to be designed for different transmission distances due to the divergence characteristics of the OAM beam, reducing the production cost, and solving the problem that the OAM system cannot be transmitted over a long distance due to the divergence angle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a beamforming method, apparatus, device and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] To address the shortage of spectrum resources, a uniform circular array (UCA) is typically used to establish an orbital angular momentum (OAM) communication system.

[0003] In related technologies, OAM communication systems typically transmit OAM beams between the transceiver ends via UCA arrays. Specifically, when receiving the OAM beam, the size of the receiving UCA array needs to match the ring size of the OAM beam.

[0004] However, due to the inherent characteristics of OAM beams, the center of the OAM beam is concave and divergent. Furthermore, the degree of divergence during transmission is affected by the transmission distance; different transmission distances result in varying degrees of divergence and different ring sizes of the OAM beam. Therefore, to ensure accurate reception of the OAM beam by the receiver's UCA array, different sizes of receiver UCA arrays are typically designed for different transmission distances, leading to high manufacturing costs. Moreover, if the transmission distance of the OAM beam in the OAM system is long, its excessive divergence angle may prevent successful transmission. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The beamforming method, apparatus, device, and storage medium disclosed herein aim to solve the technical problems of excessively high manufacturing costs and inability to transmit over long distances caused by beamforming methods in related technologies.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a beamforming method, which is executed by a transmitting end, including:

[0007] A first beamforming vector is determined for each array element in the transmitting array of the transmitting end, wherein the first beamforming vector is used to adjust the transmit beam direction of the array element so that the transmit beam direction of each array element is adjustable;

[0008] Determine the second beamforming vector corresponding to each array element, which is used to form the orbital angular momentum (OAM) beam;

[0009] Beamforming is performed on the transmitted signal based on the first beamforming vector and the second beamforming vector.

[0010] This disclosure provides a beamforming method. The transmitting end determines a first beamforming vector corresponding to each array element in the transmitting array. This first beamforming vector is used to adjust the transmit beam direction of the array element, making the transmit beam direction of each array element adjustable. The transmitting end also determines a second beamforming vector corresponding to each array element, which is used to form an OAM beam. Then, the transmitting end performs beamforming on the transmitted signal based on the first and second beamforming vectors. Therefore, this disclosure adjusts the transmit beam direction of each array element by multiplying the transmitted signal by the first beamforming vector during beamforming. This allows the transmit beam direction of each array element to be freely adjustable, avoiding transmit beam divergence and reducing the transmit beam divergence angle. This avoids the problem of "receiving end UCA arrays of different sizes needing to be designed for different transmission distances due to the divergence characteristics of OAM beams," reducing manufacturing costs and solving the problem that OAM systems cannot transmit over long distances due to divergence angles.

[0011] In a second aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device configured in a network device, comprising:

[0012] The processing module is used to determine the first beamforming vector corresponding to each array element in the transmitting array of the transmitting end, wherein the first beamforming vector is used to adjust the transmitting beam direction of the array element so that the transmitting beam direction of each array element is adjustable;

[0013] The processing module is further configured to determine a second beamforming vector corresponding to each array unit, the second beamforming vector being used to form an orbital angular momentum (OAM) beam.

[0014] The processing module is further configured to perform beamforming on the transmitted signal based on the first beamforming vector and the second beamforming vector.

[0015] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor that, when the processor invokes a computer program in memory, executes the method described in the first aspect.

[0016] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program; the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect above.

[0017] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor, which is used to execute the code instructions to cause the device to perform the method described in the first aspect above.

[0018] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, which includes the communication device described in the third aspect, or the communication device described in the third aspect, or the communication device described in the fourth aspect, or the communication device described in the fifth aspect.

[0019] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions for use by the aforementioned network device and / or terminal device, wherein when the instructions are executed, the network device performs the method described in the first aspect.

[0020] Eighthly, this disclosure also provides a computer program product including a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the first aspect above.

[0021] In a ninth aspect, this disclosure provides a chip system including at least one processor and an interface for supporting network devices in implementing the functions involved in the methods described in the first aspect, such as determining or processing at least one of the data and information involved in the above methods. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing computer programs and data necessary for source and slave nodes. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0022] In a tenth aspect, this disclosure provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the first aspect above. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2a This is a schematic flowchart of a beamforming method provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2b This is an antenna topology diagram of a transmitting array provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 3This is a schematic flowchart of a beamforming method provided in another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a beamforming method provided in yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 5 A schematic flowchart of a beamforming method provided in another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of a communication device provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with those of this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0034] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. The singular forms “a” and “the” as used in this disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0035] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe various information in embodiments of this disclosure, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, first information may also be referred to as second information without departing from the scope of embodiments of this disclosure, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the words “if” and “suppose” as used herein may be interpreted as “when”, “when”, or “in response to a determination”.

[0036] Embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this disclosure, and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure.

[0037] To facilitate understanding, the terminology used in this application will be introduced first.

[0038] 1. OAM

[0039] Angular momentum generated due to the helical phase structure of the beam.

[0040] It should be noted that in this application, any beamforming method provided in any embodiment can be executed alone, any implementation method in the embodiment can be executed alone, or it can be combined with other embodiments, or possible implementation methods in other embodiments, or it can be combined with any technical solution in the related technology.

[0041] To better understand the beamforming method disclosed in the embodiments of this application, the communication system to which the embodiments of this application are applicable is described below.

[0042] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication system may include, but is not limited to, a transmitting device and a receiving device. The transmitting device can be a network device or a terminal device, and the receiving device can be a network device or a terminal device. Figure 1 This explanation will take the example of a network device as the sending end device and a terminal device as the receiving end device. Figure 1 The number and form of the devices shown are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this disclosure. In actual applications, there may be two or more transmitting devices and two or more receiving devices. Figure 1 The communication system shown is exemplified by a network device 11 that acts as a transmitter and a terminal device 12 that acts as a receiver.

[0043] It should be noted that the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. For example, Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication systems, 5G New Radio (NR) systems, or other future new mobile communication systems.

[0044] The network device 11 in this embodiment is a network-side entity used for transmitting or receiving signals. For example, the network device 11 can be an evolved NodeB (eNB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in an NR system, a base station in other future mobile communication systems, or an access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. This disclosure does not limit the specific technology or device form used in the network device. The network device provided in this disclosure can be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU can also be called a control unit. Using a CU-DU structure allows the protocol layer of a network device, such as a base station, to be separated. Some protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining or all protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU.

[0045] The terminal device 12 in this disclosure can be a user-side entity used to receive or transmit signals, such as a mobile phone. The terminal device can also be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc. The terminal device can be a car with communication capabilities, a smart car, a mobile phone, a wearable device, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, a wireless terminal device in a smart home, etc. The embodiments of this disclosure do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal device.

[0046] It is understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0047] The beamforming method, apparatus, device, and storage medium provided in the embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Figure 2a This is a flowchart illustrating a beamforming method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by the transmitting end, such as... Figure 2a As shown, the beamforming method may include the following steps:

[0049] Step 201: Determine the first beamforming vector corresponding to each array element in the transmitter array of the transmitter.

[0050] Figure 2b This is an antenna topology diagram of a transmitting array provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, such as... Figure 2b As shown, the transmitting array may include at least one array element, wherein the array elements in the transmitting array are arranged in a UCA (as shown in the reference) configuration. Figure 2b The array elements are uniformly distributed on a UCA of radius R. Each array element includes at least one antenna element, which can be arranged either in a Uniform Planar Array (UPA) or a UCA (see reference). Figure 2b (As shown).

[0051] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the aforementioned first beamforming vector can be specifically used to adjust the transmit beam direction of the array element, so that the transmit beam direction of each array element is adjustable. The first beamforming vector includes at least one element value, each element value indicating a first beamforming coefficient corresponding to each antenna element of the array element. In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first beamforming coefficients of different antenna elements within the same array element can be the same or different, and the transmit beam direction of each array element can be adjusted by adjusting the corresponding first beamforming coefficients of each antenna element.

[0052] The specific calculation methods for the first beamforming coefficient and the first beamforming vector will be introduced in subsequent embodiments.

[0053] Step 202: Determine the second beamforming vector corresponding to each array element.

[0054] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the second beamforming vector can be used to form an OAM beam.

[0055] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the second beamforming vector includes at least one element value, wherein each element value included in the second beamforming vector is a second beamforming coefficient corresponding to each antenna element of the array unit, and each element value in the second beamforming vector is the same, that is, the second beamforming coefficients of different antenna elements in the same array unit are the same.

[0056] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method for determining the second beamforming vector corresponding to each array element may include the following steps:

[0057] The second beamforming vector corresponding to the array element is determined based on the total number of array elements in the transmit array, the array element's sequence number in the transmit array, and the OAM mode value.

[0058] The second beamforming vector corresponding to the array unit can be determined based on the following formula.

[0059]

[0060]

[0061] X n The second beamforming vector corresponding to the nth array element, where j represents the imaginary unit. This is the phase information of the second beamforming vector of the nth array element, where l represents the OAM mode value of the beam, N represents the total number of array elements in the transmitting array, and n is the sequence number of the array element in the transmitting array. Assuming the nth array element contains M antenna elements, then the second beamforming vector X... n The variable should contain M elements, where each element has a value of 0.

[0062] Step 203: Beamforming the transmitted signal based on the first beamforming vector and the second beamforming vector.

[0063] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the transmitted signal can be multiplied by a first beamforming vector and a second beamforming vector to perform beamforming.

[0064] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the order in which the transmitted signal is multiplied by the first beamforming vector and the second beamforming vector is not constrained. For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the transmitted signal can be multiplied by the first beamforming vector first to adjust the transmitted beam direction of each array element, and then multiplied by the second beamforming vector to form an OAM beam. Alternatively, in another embodiment of this disclosure, the transmitted signal can be multiplied by the second beamforming vector first to form an OAM beam, and then multiplied by the first beamforming vector to adjust the transmitted beam direction of each array element.

[0065] Therefore, it can be seen that by multiplying the transmitted signal by the first beamforming vector during beamforming, the transmitted beam direction of each array unit can be adjusted so that the transmitted beam direction of each array unit can be freely adjusted, thereby avoiding transmitted beam divergence and reducing the divergence angle of the transmitted beam.

[0066] In summary, in the beamforming method provided by the embodiments of this disclosure, the transmitting end determines a first beamforming vector corresponding to each array element in the transmitting array. This first beamforming vector is used to adjust the direction of the transmitted beam of the array element, making the direction of the transmitted beam of each array element adjustable. The transmitting end also determines a second beamforming vector corresponding to each array element, which is used to form an OAM beam. Then, the transmitting end performs beamforming on the transmitted signal based on the first and second beamforming vectors. Therefore, this disclosure adjusts the direction of the transmitted beam of each array element by multiplying the transmitted signal by the first beamforming vector during beamforming, making the direction of the transmitted beam of each array element freely adjustable. This avoids transmitted beam divergence, reduces the divergence angle of the transmitted beam, and avoids the problem of "receiving end UCA arrays of different sizes needing to be designed for different transmission distances due to the divergence characteristics of OAM beams." This reduces manufacturing costs and solves the problem that OAM systems cannot transmit over long distances due to divergence angles.

[0067] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a beamforming method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. This method can be implemented in conjunction with any embodiment of this disclosure, or it can be implemented alone. The method is executed by the transmitting end, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the beamforming method may include the following steps:

[0068] Step 301: Determine the first-dimensional beam control vector and the second-dimensional beam control vector corresponding to each array element.

[0069] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first-dimensional beam control vector and the second-dimensional beam control vector are specifically used to determine the first beamforming vector. Specifically, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the first-dimensional beam control vector includes at least one element value, where each element value is a first-dimensional beam control coefficient for each antenna element in the array element; the second-dimensional beam control vector includes at least one element value, where each element value is a second-dimensional beam control coefficient for each antenna element in the array element.

[0070] The methods for determining the first-dimensional beam control vector and the second-dimensional beam control vector will differ depending on the arrangement of the antenna elements in the array unit. This will be explained in detail in subsequent embodiments.

[0071] Step 302: Determine the first beamforming vector corresponding to each array element based on the first-dimensional beam control vector and the second-dimensional beam control vector of each array element.

[0072] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first beamforming vector and the second beamforming vector can be Kronecker product to obtain the first beamforming vector corresponding to the array element.

[0073] Step 303: Determine the second beamforming vector corresponding to each array element.

[0074] Step 304: Beamforming the transmitted signal based on the first beamforming vector and the second beamforming vector.

[0075] For a detailed explanation of steps 303-304, please refer to the above embodiments.

[0076] In summary, in the beamforming method provided by the embodiments of this disclosure, the transmitting end determines a first beamforming vector corresponding to each array element in the transmitting array. This first beamforming vector is used to adjust the direction of the transmitted beam of the array element, making the direction of the transmitted beam of each array element adjustable. The transmitting end also determines a second beamforming vector corresponding to each array element, which is used to form an OAM beam. Then, the transmitting end performs beamforming on the transmitted signal based on the first and second beamforming vectors. Therefore, this disclosure adjusts the direction of the transmitted beam of each array element by multiplying the transmitted signal by the first beamforming vector during beamforming, making the direction of the transmitted beam of each array element freely adjustable. This avoids transmitted beam divergence, reduces the divergence angle of the transmitted beam, and avoids the problem of "receiving end UCA arrays of different sizes needing to be designed for different transmission distances due to the divergence characteristics of OAM beams." This reduces manufacturing costs and solves the problem that OAM systems cannot transmit over long distances due to divergence angles.

[0077] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a beamforming method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. This method can be implemented in conjunction with any embodiment of this disclosure, or it can be implemented alone. The method is executed by the transmitting end, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the beamforming method may include the following steps:

[0078] Step 401: In response to the UPA arrangement of the antenna elements in the array element, determine the first-dimensional beam control vector and the second-dimensional beam control vector corresponding to each array element based on Formula 2 (Formula 2 will be shown later).

[0079] Specifically, in one embodiment of this disclosure, when the antenna elements in the array unit are arranged in a UPA configuration, the first dimension can be a horizontal dimension and the second dimension can be a vertical dimension; and, assuming that the UPA is in the form of O×P, where O represents the number of antenna elements in the horizontal dimension and P represents the number of antenna elements in the vertical dimension.

[0080] Based on this, in one embodiment of this disclosure, Formula 2 can be as follows:

[0081]

[0082]

[0083] Where λ represents wavelength, d u ,d v θ represents the distance between antenna elements in the horizontal and vertical dimensions, respectively. n σ represents the horizontal deflection angle of the transmitted beam of the nth array element.n This represents the vertical deflection angle of the beam emitted by the nth array element; This represents the first-dimensional beam control vector of the nth array element. The included elements are, in order, the first-dimensional beam control coefficients corresponding to each row of antenna elements from the first row to the 0th row of the nth array element; This represents the second-dimensional beam control vector of the nth array element. The included elements are, in order, the second-dimensional beam control coefficients corresponding to each column of antenna elements from the first column to the Pth column of the nth array element.

[0084] Step 402: Determine the first beamforming vector corresponding to each array element based on the first-dimensional beam control vector and the second-dimensional beam control vector of each array element.

[0085] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first-dimensional beam control vector of the nth array element can be specifically controlled. Second-dimensional beam control vector Perform the Kronecker product to obtain the first beamforming vector W corresponding to the nth array element. n ,in, If the UPA composed of antenna elements in the nth array element is of the form O×P, then W n It should be an O*P dimensional phase shift matrix, where each element corresponds to the first beamforming coefficient of an antenna array.

[0086] For example, suppose the antenna elements in the nth array element are arranged in a UPA (Unified Beam Array), and the coordinates of the mth antenna element in the nth array element within the UPA are (o, p), where o indicates that the mth antenna element is located in the oth row of the UPA (o = 0, 1, 2…O-1), and p indicates that the mth antenna element is located in the pth column of the UPA (p = 0, 1, 2…P-1). Then, the first beamforming coefficient W on the mth antenna element in the nth array element... n m for:

[0087]

[0088] Step 403: Determine the second beamforming vector corresponding to each array element.

[0089] Step 404: Beamforming the transmitted signal based on the first beamforming vector and the second beamforming vector.

[0090] For example, suppose the antenna elements in the nth array element are arranged in a UPA (Unified Beam Aspect Ratio). The coordinates of the mth antenna element in the nth array element within this UPA are (o, p), where o indicates that the mth antenna element is located in the oth row of the UPA (o = 0, 1, 2…O-1), and p indicates that the mth antenna element is located in the pth column of the UPA (p = 0, 1, 2…P-1). Then, the beamformed transmitted signal z obtained by the mth antenna element in the nth array element after beamforming the transmitted signal based on the first and second beamforming vectors is... n，m for:

[0091]

[0092] Among them, S l This represents the unshaped transmitted signal carried on the m-th antenna element in the n-th array unit when the OAM mode is l.

[0093] Therefore, the transmitted signal carried on each antenna element is shaped based on the first beamforming vector and the second beamforming vector to finally obtain the OAM transmit beam.

[0094] For further details regarding steps 403-404, please refer to the above embodiments.

[0095] In summary, in the beamforming method provided by the embodiments of this disclosure, the transmitting end determines a first beamforming vector corresponding to each array element in the transmitting array. This first beamforming vector is used to adjust the direction of the transmitted beam of the array element, making the direction of the transmitted beam of each array element adjustable. The transmitting end also determines a second beamforming vector corresponding to each array element, which is used to form an OAM beam. Then, the transmitting end performs beamforming on the transmitted signal based on the first and second beamforming vectors. Therefore, this disclosure adjusts the direction of the transmitted beam of each array element by multiplying the transmitted signal by the first beamforming vector during beamforming, making the direction of the transmitted beam of each array element freely adjustable. This avoids transmitted beam divergence, reduces the divergence angle of the transmitted beam, and avoids the problem of "receiving end UCA arrays of different sizes needing to be designed for different transmission distances due to the divergence characteristics of OAM beams." This reduces manufacturing costs and solves the problem that OAM systems cannot transmit over long distances due to divergence angles.

[0096] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a beamforming method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by the transmitting end, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the beamforming method may include the following steps:

[0097] Step 501: In response to the UCA arrangement of the antenna elements in the array element, determine the first-dimensional beam control vector and the second-dimensional beam control vector corresponding to each array element based on Formula 3 (Formula 3 will be shown later).

[0098] Specifically, in one embodiment of this disclosure, when the antenna elements in the array element are arranged in a UCA configuration; assuming the array element includes M antenna elements. Based on this, in one embodiment of this disclosure, Formula 3 can be as follows:

[0099]

[0100]

[0101] Where λ represents wavelength, R t This represents the radius of the UCA formed by the antenna elements in the array element. θ represents the sum of the beam azimuth and the depression angle, and θ represents the difference between the beam azimuth and the depression angle; the azimuth angle represents the angle between the projection of the beam axis onto the transmitting UCA plane and the coordinate axis; the depression angle represents the angle between the beam axis and the UCA axis. This represents the first-dimensional beam control vector of the nth array element. The included elements are, in order, the first-dimensional beam control coefficients corresponding to each antenna element of the nth array unit; This represents the second-dimensional beam control vector of the nth array element. The included elements are, in order, the second-dimensional beam control coefficients corresponding to each antenna element of the nth array unit.

[0102] Step 502: Determine the first beamforming vector corresponding to each array element based on the first-dimensional beam control vector and the second-dimensional beam control vector of each array element.

[0103] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first-dimensional beam control vector of the nth array element can be specifically controlled. Second-dimensional beam control vector Perform the Kronecker product to obtain the first beamforming vector W corresponding to the nth array element. n ,in,

[0104] For example, assuming the antenna elements in the nth array element are arranged in a UCA configuration, then the first beamforming coefficient W on the mth antenna element in the nth array element is... n m for:

[0105]

[0106] Step 503: Determine the second beamforming vector corresponding to each array element.

[0107] Step 504: Beamforming the transmitted signal based on the first beamforming vector and the second beamforming vector.

[0108] For further details regarding steps 503-504, please refer to the above embodiments.

[0109] In summary, in the beamforming method provided by the embodiments of this disclosure, the transmitting end determines a first beamforming vector corresponding to each array element in the transmitting array. This first beamforming vector is used to adjust the direction of the transmitted beam of the array element, making the direction of the transmitted beam of each array element adjustable. The transmitting end also determines a second beamforming vector corresponding to each array element, which is used to form an OAM beam. Then, the transmitting end performs beamforming on the transmitted signal based on the first and second beamforming vectors. Therefore, this disclosure adjusts the direction of the transmitted beam of each array element by multiplying the transmitted signal by the first beamforming vector during beamforming, making the direction of the transmitted beam of each array element freely adjustable. This avoids transmitted beam divergence, reduces the divergence angle of the transmitted beam, and avoids the problem of "receiving end UCA arrays of different sizes needing to be designed for different transmission distances due to the divergence characteristics of OAM beams." This reduces manufacturing costs and solves the problem that OAM systems cannot transmit over long distances due to divergence angles.

[0110] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown below. Figure 6 As shown, the device may include:

[0111] The processing module is used to determine the first beamforming vector corresponding to each array element in the transmitting array of the transmitting end, wherein the first beamforming vector is used to adjust the transmitting beam direction of the array element so that the transmitting beam direction of each array element is adjustable;

[0112] The processing module is further configured to determine a second beamforming vector corresponding to each array unit, the second beamforming vector being used to form an orbital angular momentum (OAM) beam.

[0113] The processing module is further configured to perform beamforming on the transmitted signal based on the first beamforming vector and the second beamforming vector.

[0114] In summary, in the communication device provided in this embodiment, the transmitting end determines a first beamforming vector corresponding to each array unit in the transmitting array. This first beamforming vector is used to adjust the direction of the transmitted beam of the array unit, making the direction of the transmitted beam of each array unit adjustable. The transmitting end also determines a second beamforming vector corresponding to each array unit, which is used to form an OAM beam. Then, the transmitting end performs beamforming on the transmitted signal based on the first and second beamforming vectors. Therefore, this disclosure adjusts the direction of the transmitted beam of each array unit by multiplying the transmitted signal by the first beamforming vector during beamforming, making the direction of the transmitted beam of each array unit freely adjustable. This avoids transmitted beam divergence, reduces the divergence angle of the transmitted beam, and avoids the problem of "receiving end UCA arrays of different sizes needing to be designed for different transmission distances due to the divergence characteristics of OAM beams." This reduces manufacturing costs and solves the problem that OAM systems cannot transmit over long distances due to divergence angles.

[0115] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the transmitting array includes at least one array element, and the array elements in the transmitting array are arranged in a uniform circular phased antenna array (UCA).

[0116] The array unit includes at least one antenna element, which is arranged in a uniform planar array (UPA) or a UCA.

[0117] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the first beamforming vector includes at least one element value, and each element value in the first beamforming vector indicates the first beamforming coefficient corresponding to each antenna element of the array unit.

[0118] The second beamforming vector includes at least one element value, and each element value in the second beamforming vector is a second beamforming coefficient corresponding to each antenna element of the array unit, wherein each element value in the second beamforming vector is the same.

[0119] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the processing module is further configured to:

[0120] Determine the first-dimensional beam control vector and the second-dimensional beam control vector corresponding to each array element, wherein the first-dimensional beam control vector includes at least one element value, and each element value in the first-dimensional beam control vector is the first-dimensional beam control coefficient of each antenna element in the array element; the second-dimensional beam control vector includes at least one element value, and each element value in the second-dimensional beam control vector is the second-dimensional beam control coefficient of each antenna element in the array element.

[0121] The first beamforming vector for each array element is determined based on the first-dimensional beam control vector and the second-dimensional beam control vector for each array element.

[0122] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the processing module is further configured to:

[0123] The first beamforming vector and the second beamforming vector are multiplied by Kronecker to obtain the first beamforming vector corresponding to the array element.

[0124] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the processing module is further configured to:

[0125] The second beamforming vector corresponding to the array unit is determined based on the total number of array units included in the transmitting array, the sequence number of the array unit in the transmitting array, and the OAM mode value.

[0126] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the processing module is further configured to:

[0127] The transmitted signal is multiplied by the first beamforming vector and the second beamforming vector to perform beamforming.

[0128] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 700 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 700 can be a network device, a terminal device, a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the implementation of the above methods in a network device, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the implementation of the above methods in a terminal device. This device can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0129] The communication device 700 may include one or more processors 701. The processor 701 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control the communication device (e.g., base station, baseband chip, terminal equipment, terminal equipment chip, DU or CU, etc.), execute computer programs, and process data from the computer programs.

[0130] Optionally, the communication device 700 may further include one or more memories 702, on which a computer program 704 may be stored. The processor 701 executes the computer program 704 to cause the communication device 700 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memory 702 may also store data. The communication device 700 and the memory 702 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0131] Optionally, the communication device 700 may also include a transceiver 705 and an antenna 706. The transceiver 705 may be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, or transceiver circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmission and reception functions. The transceiver 705 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver may be referred to as a receiver or receiving circuit, etc., and is used to implement the receiving function; the transmitter may be referred to as a transmitter or transmitting circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmitting function.

[0132] Optionally, the communication device 700 may further include one or more interface circuits 707. The interface circuits 707 are used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor 701. The processor 701 executes the code instructions to cause the communication device 700 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0133] In one implementation, the processor 701 may include a transceiver for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit for implementing receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit can be used for reading and writing code / data, or it can be used for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0134] In one implementation, processor 701 may store computer program 703, which runs on processor 701 and causes communication device 700 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Computer program 703 may be embedded in processor 701; in this case, processor 701 may be implemented in hardware.

[0135] In one implementation, the communication device 700 may include circuitry capable of performing the functions of transmitting, receiving, or communicating as described in the foregoing method embodiments. The processor and transceiver described in this application can be implemented on integrated circuits (ICs), analog ICs, radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), mixed-signal ICs, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic devices, etc. The processor and transceiver can also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS), n-metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS), positive-channel metal oxide semiconductors (PMOS), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon-germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc.

[0136] The communication device described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal device, but the scope of the communication device described in this application is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device may vary. Figure 7 The communication device may be a standalone device or part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be:

[0137] (1) Independent integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem;

[0138] (2) A collection of one or more ICs, optionally including storage components for storing data and computer programs;

[0139] (3) ASIC, such as modem;

[0140] (4) Modules that can be embedded in other devices;

[0141] (5) Receivers, terminal equipment, smart terminal equipment, cellular phones, wireless equipment, handheld devices, mobile units, vehicle-mounted equipment, network equipment, cloud equipment, artificial intelligence equipment, etc.

[0142] (6) Others, etc.

[0143] For cases where the communication device can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 8 The diagram shows the structure of the chip. Figure 8 The chip shown includes a processor 801 and an interface 802. There can be one or more processors 801, and multiple interfaces 802.

[0144] Optionally, the chip also includes a memory 803, which is used to store necessary computer programs and data.

[0145] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps listed in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. Whether such functionality is implemented through hardware or software depends on the specific application and the overall system design requirements. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality using various methods for each specific application, but such implementation should not be construed as exceeding the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

[0146] This application also provides a readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a computer, implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0147] This application also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0148] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0149] Those skilled in the art will understand that the various numerical designations such as "first," "second," etc., involved in this application are merely for the convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application, nor do they indicate the order of sequence.

[0150] At least one in this application can also be described as one or more, and multiple can be two, three, four or more, and this application does not impose any limitation. In the embodiments of this application, for a technical feature, the technical features in that technical feature are distinguished by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D", and there is no order or size among the technical features described by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D".

[0151] The correspondences shown in the tables of this application can be configured or predefined. The values ​​of the information in each table are merely examples and can be configured to other values; this application is not limited to these values. When configuring the correspondences between information and parameters, it is not necessarily required to configure all the correspondences shown in each table. For example, the correspondences shown in some rows of the tables in this application may not be configured. Furthermore, appropriate modifications and adjustments can be made based on the above tables, such as splitting, merging, etc. The names of the parameters shown in the headings of the above tables can also use other names that the communication device can understand, and the values ​​or representations of the parameters can also be other values ​​or representations that the communication device can understand. In the implementation of the above tables, other data structures can also be used, such as arrays, queues, containers, stacks, linear lists, pointers, linked lists, trees, graphs, structures, classes, heaps, hash tables, or hash tables, etc.

[0152] The term "predefined" in this application can be understood as definition, pre-defined, stored, pre-stored, pre-negotiated, pre-configured, solidified, or pre-burned.

[0153] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0154] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0155] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A beamforming method, characterized in that, The method is executed by the sending end, and the method includes: A first beamforming vector is determined for each array element in the transmitting array of the transmitting end, wherein the first beamforming vector is used to adjust the transmit beam direction of the array element so that the transmit beam direction of each array element is adjustable; Determine the second beamforming vector corresponding to each array element, which is used to form the orbital angular momentum (OAM) beam; Beamforming is performed on the transmitted signal based on the first beamforming vector and the second beamforming vector; The first beamforming vector is determined based on the first-dimensional beam control vector and the second-dimensional beam control vector. The method further includes: determining the first-dimensional beam control vector and the second-dimensional beam control vector corresponding to each array unit based on Formula 2; Formula 2 is: in, Indicates wavelength. These represent the distances between antenna elements in the horizontal and vertical dimensions, respectively. This represents the horizontal deflection angle of the beam emitted by the nth array element. This represents the vertical deflection angle of the beam emitted by the nth array element; This represents the first-dimensional beam control vector of the nth array element. The included elements are, in order, the first-dimensional beam control coefficients corresponding to each row of antenna elements from the first row to the 0th row of the nth array element; This represents the second-dimensional beam control vector of the nth array element. The included elements are, in order, the second-dimensional beam control coefficients corresponding to each column of antenna elements from the first column to the Pth column of the nth array element, where j represents the imaginary unit.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The transmitting array includes at least one array element, and the array elements in the transmitting array are arranged in a uniform circular phased antenna array (UCA). The array unit includes at least one antenna element, and the antenna elements in the array unit are arranged in a uniform planar array (UPA) or a UCA.

3. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first beamforming vector includes at least one element value, and each element value in the first beamforming vector indicates the first beamforming coefficient corresponding to each antenna element of the array unit. The second beamforming vector includes at least one element value, and each element value in the second beamforming vector is a second beamforming coefficient corresponding to each antenna element of the array unit, wherein each element value in the second beamforming vector is the same.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Determining the first beamforming vector corresponding to each array element in the transmitter array includes: Determine the first-dimensional beam control vector and the second-dimensional beam control vector corresponding to each array element, wherein the first-dimensional beam control vector includes at least one element value, and each element value in the first-dimensional beam control vector is the first-dimensional beam control coefficient of each antenna element in the array element; the second-dimensional beam control vector includes at least one element value, and each element value in the second-dimensional beam control vector is the second-dimensional beam control coefficient of each antenna element in the array element. The first beamforming vector for each array element is determined based on the first-dimensional beam control vector and the second-dimensional beam control vector for each array element.

5. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The determination of the first beamforming vector corresponding to each array element based on the first-dimensional beam control vector and the second-dimensional beam control vector of each array element includes: The first beamforming vector corresponding to the array element is obtained by performing a Kronecker product on the first-dimensional beam control vector and the second-dimensional beam control vector.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The determination of the second beamforming vector corresponding to each array element includes: The second beamforming vector corresponding to the array unit is determined based on the total number of array units included in the transmitting array, the sequence number of the array unit in the transmitting array, and the OAM mode value.

7. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The beamforming of the transmitted signal based on the first beamforming vector and the second beamforming vector includes: The transmitted signal is multiplied by the first beamforming vector and the second beamforming vector to perform beamforming.

8. A communication device, characterized in that, The device is configured in the transmitting end and includes: The processing module is used to determine the first beamforming vector corresponding to each array element in the transmitting array of the transmitting end, wherein the first beamforming vector is used to adjust the transmitting beam direction of the array element so that the transmitting beam direction of each array element is adjustable; The processing module is further configured to determine a second beamforming vector corresponding to each array unit, the second beamforming vector being used to form an orbital angular momentum (OAM) beam. The processing module is further configured to perform beamforming on the transmitted signal based on the first beamforming vector and the second beamforming vector; The first beamforming vector is determined based on the first-dimensional beam control vector and the second-dimensional beam control vector. The device is further configured to: determine the first-dimensional beam control vector and the second-dimensional beam control vector corresponding to each array unit based on Formula 2; wherein Formula 2 is: in, Indicates wavelength. These represent the distances between antenna elements in the horizontal and vertical dimensions, respectively. This represents the horizontal deflection angle of the beam emitted by the nth array element. This represents the vertical deflection angle of the beam emitted by the nth array element; This represents the first-dimensional beam control vector of the nth array element. The included elements are, in order, the first-dimensional beam control coefficients corresponding to each row of antenna elements from the first row to the 0th row of the nth array element; This represents the second-dimensional beam control vector of the nth array element. The included elements are, in order, the second-dimensional beam control coefficients corresponding to each column of antenna elements from the first column to the Pth column of the nth array element, where j represents the imaginary unit.

9. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Processor and interface circuitry, among which The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor; The processor is configured to run the code instructions to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. A computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions that, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 7 to be implemented.

Images