Beamforming method and apparatus, electronic device, and storage medium

Abstract

This application relates to a beamforming method, apparatus, electronic device, and storage medium. The method includes: acquiring the target location of a signal receiving device in a target space and its layout structure information within the target space; generating multiple candidate propagation paths within the target space based on the target location and layout structure information; selecting a target propagation path from the multiple candidate propagation paths based on the signal penetration loss coefficient of each candidate propagation path; and controlling the antenna array of a signal transmitting device to form a directional beam based on the target propagation path. By combining the target location of the signal receiving device in the target space with the layout structure information within the target space, the optimal target propagation path is accurately generated and selected. Through the target propagation path, the directional beam formed by the antenna array can dynamically avoid obstacles and non-optimal propagation paths, effectively reducing signal interference and attenuation, and improving the stability and speed of signal transmission.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Indoor Wi-Fi coverage is a core application requirement in the field of wireless communication. Current mainstream solutions mainly include two forms: distributed deployment of multiple signal transmitting devices and signal repeater expansion. The former expands the coverage area by increasing the number of signal transmitting devices, but signal overlap and interference can easily occur between multiple devices, and network parameters need to be configured individually during deployment, making the operation complex. The latter, although it does not require additional wiring, suffers from significant signal attenuation and high energy consumption during the repeater process, making it difficult to balance coverage effect and usage cost.

[0003] To improve signal transmission efficiency, traditional beamforming technology has been introduced into indoor Wi-Fi systems, which enhances communication quality in target areas by directional focusing of signal energy. However, this technology can only adjust the signal direction based on the receiver's location and lacks the ability to actively detect obstacles such as walls and furniture in the indoor environment. It cannot dynamically avoid obstructed areas, causing the signal transmission path to often deviate from the optimal path, thus affecting communication stability and transmission rate. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of traditional beamforming technologies, which rely solely on receiver location for signal orientation adjustment and lack the ability to actively detect obstacles such as walls and furniture in indoor environments, thus failing to dynamically avoid obstructions and causing signal transmission paths to deviate from the optimal path, thereby affecting communication stability and transmission rate, this application provides a beamforming method, apparatus, electronic device, and storage medium. The specific technical solution is as follows: In a first aspect, this application provides a beamforming method, the method comprising: Acquire the target location of the signal receiving device in the target space and the layout structure information within the target space; Based on the target location and the layout structure information, multiple candidate propagation paths are generated within the target space; Based on the signal penetration loss coefficient of each candidate propagation path, a target propagation path is selected from the multiple candidate propagation paths; According to the target propagation path, the antenna array of the control signal transmitting device forms a directional beam.

[0005] In an optional implementation, generating multiple candidate propagation paths within the target space based on the target location and the layout structure information includes: The target space is divided into multiple grid cells, and the signal penetration loss coefficient of each grid cell is set according to the layout structure information. Multiple candidate propagation paths are generated within the target space, starting from the location of the signal transmitting device and ending at the target location. Each of the candidate propagation paths passes through at least one of the grid cells; The step of selecting a target propagation path from multiple candidate propagation paths based on the signal penetration loss coefficient of each candidate propagation path includes: Based on the signal penetration loss coefficient of at least one grid cell through which each candidate propagation path passes, a target propagation path is selected from the multiple candidate propagation paths.

[0006] In an optional implementation, setting the signal penetration loss coefficient of each grid cell based on the layout structure information includes: For any given grid cell, the obstacle physical characteristic parameters of that grid cell are determined based on the layout structure information. Based on the physical characteristics of the obstacle, the signal penetration loss coefficient of the grid cell is set.

[0007] In an optional implementation, setting the signal penetration loss coefficient of the grid cell based on the obstacle's physical characteristic parameters includes: Determine the signal frequency band of the signal transmitting equipment, and find the mapping relationship between the standard obstacle physical characteristic parameters and the standard signal penetration loss coefficient corresponding to the signal frequency band; Based on the mapping relationship, find the standard signal penetration loss coefficient corresponding to the physical characteristic parameters of the obstacle; The standard signal penetration loss coefficient is set for the grid cell.

[0008] In an optional implementation, the step of filtering a target propagation path from a plurality of candidate propagation paths based on the signal penetration loss coefficient of at least one grid cell traversed by each candidate propagation path includes: For any of the candidate propagation paths, the signal penetration loss coefficients of at least one grid cell through which the candidate propagation path passes are summed to obtain the total signal penetration loss coefficients. Based on the sum of the signal penetration loss coefficients of each of the candidate propagation paths, a target propagation path is selected from the multiple candidate propagation paths.

[0009] In an optional implementation, the step of selecting a target propagation path from multiple candidate propagation paths based on the sum of the signal penetration loss coefficients of each candidate propagation path includes: For any of the candidate propagation paths, the propagation path length is obtained by accumulating at least one grid cell traversed by the candidate propagation path. The comprehensive signal penetration loss of the candidate propagation path is determined based on the sum of the signal penetration loss coefficients, the propagation path length, and the free space loss of the electromagnetic wave. Based on the comprehensive signal penetration loss of each candidate propagation path, a target propagation path is selected from the multiple candidate propagation paths.

[0010] In an optional implementation, controlling the antenna array of the signal transmitting device to form a directional beam according to the target propagation path includes: Based on the target propagation path, determine the azimuth and elevation angles, and based on the moving speed of the signal receiving device, determine the target beamwidth; Based on the azimuth angle, the elevation angle, and the target beamwidth, the antenna array of the control signal transmitting device forms a directional beam.

[0011] In an optional implementation, determining the target beamwidth based on the moving speed of the signal receiving device includes: Locate the speed range in which the signal receiving device moves, and determine the standard beamwidth corresponding to the speed range as the target beamwidth.

[0012] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: The signal reception strength and bit error rate of the signal receiving device are obtained, and it is monitored whether the signal reception strength is lower than a preset first threshold and the bit error rate is higher than a preset second threshold. When the received signal strength is lower than a preset first threshold and the bit error rate is higher than a preset second threshold, the step of generating multiple candidate propagation paths in the target space with the location of the signal transmitting device as the starting point and the target location as the ending point is executed.

[0013] Secondly, this application provides a beamforming apparatus, the apparatus comprising: The location acquisition module is used to acquire the target location of the signal receiving device in the target space and the layout structure information within the target space; The path generation module is used to generate multiple candidate propagation paths in the target space based on the target location and the layout structure information. The path filtering module is used to filter the target propagation path from multiple candidate propagation paths based on the signal penetration loss coefficient of each candidate propagation path. A beamforming module is used to control the antenna array of a signal transmitting device to form a directional beam according to the target propagation path.

[0014] Thirdly, an electronic device is also provided, including a processor, a communication interface, a memory, and a communication bus, wherein the processor, the communication interface, and the memory communicate with each other through the communication bus. Memory, used to store computer programs; When a processor executes a program stored in a memory, it implements any of the beamforming methods described in the first aspect above.

[0015] Fourthly, a storage medium is also provided, wherein the storage medium stores instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform any of the beamforming methods described in the first aspect above.

[0016] Fifthly, a computer program product containing instructions is also provided, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the beamforming methods described in the first aspect above.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution provided in this application has the following advantages: The beamforming method provided in this application acquires the target location of the signal receiving device in the target space and the layout structure information within the target space; generates multiple candidate propagation paths within the target space based on the target location and layout structure information; selects the target propagation path from the multiple candidate propagation paths based on the signal penetration loss coefficient of each candidate propagation path; and controls the antenna array of the signal transmitting device to form a directional beam based on the target propagation path. Thus, by combining the target location of the signal receiving device in the target space with the layout structure information within the target space, the optimal target propagation path is accurately generated and selected. Based on the target propagation path, the directional beam formed by the antenna array can dynamically avoid obstacles and non-optimal propagation paths, effectively reducing signal interference and attenuation, improving the stability and rate of signal transmission, while simplifying deployment complexity and achieving efficient and accurate wireless signal coverage within the target space. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating the implementation process of a beamforming method provided in this application embodiment; Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating the implementation process of another beamforming method provided in this application embodiment; Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the implementation process of a method for setting the signal penetration loss coefficient provided in this application embodiment; Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating the implementation process of a target propagation path filtering method provided in this application embodiment; Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the implementation process of another beamforming method provided in this application embodiment; Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating the implementation process of another beamforming method provided in this application embodiment; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a beamforming device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of this application. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples. Such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed.

[0024] like Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the implementation process of a beamforming method provided in this application, which may specifically include the following steps: S101, acquire the target location of the signal receiving device in the target space and the layout structure information within the target space.

[0025] In this embodiment, the target location of the signal receiving device in the target space and the layout structure information within the target space can be obtained. The signal receiving device refers to a terminal device that receives data signals in a wireless communication system. As the service target of beamforming, it is the endpoint of the signal transmission path. The signal receiving device can include smartphones, tablets, IoT devices (such as smart speakers, cameras), laptops, etc. The target space refers to the physical area that the signal needs to cover, which can be an indoor environment (such as residences, offices, shopping malls, etc.) containing physical structures that affect wireless signal propagation, such as walls, doors, windows, and furniture. The target location refers to the real-time or near-real-time spatial coordinates of the signal receiving device within the target space. The layout structure information refers to all static and semi-static physical structure information within the target space that may affect wireless signal propagation, including building structures (such as the location, material type, and thickness of walls, floors, doors, and windows), fixed obstacles (such as large furniture, metal cabinets, decorative partitions, etc.), and spatial semantic information (such as room functional area divisions, areas where people frequently reside, and equipment permanent locations, etc.). This embodiment does not limit these aspects.

[0026] Specifically, the target position of the signal receiving device in the target space can be obtained based on triangulation based on signal strength indication, ultra-wideband high-precision positioning, fingerprint positioning based on Wi-Fi channel status information, or assisted positioning methods that fuse vision / LiDAR. Inertial measurement unit data can also be combined to predict and compensate for the movement trajectory of the signal receiving device, thereby improving the real-time performance and accuracy of positioning.

[0027] Layout and structural information can be constructed or acquired in various ways. For example, it can be obtained by importing architectural CAD drawings or BIM models, or by scanning the indoor environment using smartphones, tablets, or dedicated scanning devices equipped with depth sensors (such as LiDAR or structured light) or vision-based algorithms. Augmented reality applications or 3D reconstruction algorithms can then be used to generate 3D point cloud maps or mesh models of the interior. Image recognition technology can then be used to automatically or semi-automatically label the categories and boundaries of major obstacles, thereby obtaining the layout and structural information.

[0028] S102, based on the target location and layout structure information, generate multiple candidate propagation paths within the target space.

[0029] In this embodiment, multiple candidate propagation paths can be generated within the target space based on the target location and layout structure information. A candidate propagation path refers to multiple possible signal propagation geometric paths between the signal transmitting device and the signal receiving device, taking environmental obstacles into account. These can include line-of-sight paths and non-line-of-sight paths, such as candidate propagation paths that diffract through door and window openings, reflect off walls, or penetrate low-loss obstacles.

[0030] S103: Based on the signal penetration loss coefficient of each candidate propagation path, select the target propagation path from multiple candidate propagation paths, and control the antenna array of the signal transmitting device to form a directional beam according to the target propagation path.

[0031] In this embodiment, a target propagation path can be selected from multiple candidate propagation paths based on the signal penetration loss coefficient of each candidate propagation path, and the antenna array of the signal transmitting device can be controlled to form a directional beam according to the target propagation path. The signal penetration loss coefficient of a candidate propagation path refers to the additional signal attenuation caused by obstacles (such as walls or furniture) when the signal travels through the physical space represented by the candidate propagation path, such as 0.1 dB. The target propagation path refers to one or more optimal paths selected from multiple candidate propagation paths. The target propagation path has the best overall evaluation in terms of signal attenuation, delay, and stability; it can be understood as the path with the lowest overall propagation loss or the highest signal-to-noise ratio. The signal transmitting device refers to a wireless signal transmitting device with multiple antenna arrays and programmable beamforming capabilities, such as Wi-Fi wireless routers or access points using protocols like IEEE 802.11ac / ax / be, or base stations in cellular communication. An antenna array refers to a system composed of multiple antenna elements arranged in a certain geometric structure. A beamforming processor independently controls the amplitude and phase of the transmitted signal from each antenna element, enabling the signals transmitted by all antenna elements to coherently superimpose in a specific spatial direction, thereby forming a highly directional radiation beam. The array type of the antenna array can include uniform linear arrays, uniform planar arrays, uniform circular arrays, etc. A directional beam refers to a radiation beam formed by the coordinated transmission of an antenna array, where energy is concentrated in a specific spatial direction (i.e., the direction of the target's propagation path). This application does not limit this aspect.

[0032] Based on the above description of the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application, the target location of the signal receiving device in the target space and the layout structure information within the target space are obtained; multiple candidate propagation paths are generated within the target space based on the target location and layout structure information; the target propagation path is selected from the multiple candidate propagation paths based on the signal penetration loss coefficient along each candidate propagation path; and the antenna array of the signal transmitting device is controlled to form a directional beam based on the target propagation path.

[0033] By combining the target location of the signal receiving device in the target space with the layout structure information within the target space, the optimal target propagation path is accurately generated and selected. Through the target propagation path, the directional beam formed by the antenna array can dynamically avoid obstacles and non-optimal propagation paths, effectively reducing signal interference and attenuation, improving the stability and speed of signal transmission, while simplifying deployment complexity and achieving efficient and accurate wireless signal coverage within the target space.

[0034] Based on this, such as Figure 2 The diagram shown illustrates the implementation flow of another beamforming method provided in this application, which may specifically include the following steps: S201, acquire the target location of the signal receiving device in the target space and the layout structure information within the target space.

[0035] In this embodiment of the application, this step is similar to step S101 above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0036] S202 divides the target space into multiple grid cells and sets the signal penetration loss coefficient for each grid cell based on the layout structure information.

[0037] In this embodiment, the target space can be divided into multiple grid cells, and the signal penetration loss coefficient of each grid cell can be set according to the layout structure information. The signal penetration loss coefficient refers to the degree of additional signal attenuation caused by obstacles (such as walls and furniture) when the signal passes through the physical space represented by the grid cell, such as 0.1dB.

[0038] Dividing a target space into multiple grid cells can be done by dividing the target space into uniformly or non-uniformly sized two-dimensional (planar) or three-dimensional (solid) grids. Each grid cell represents a basic volume element in the space, and its size can be set according to the actual application requirements.

[0039] For details on how to set the signal penetration loss coefficient for each grid cell based on the layout structure information, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 3 The method shown. (As illustrated) Figure 3 The diagram shown illustrates the implementation flow of a method for setting the signal penetration loss coefficient according to an embodiment of this application, which may specifically include the following steps: S301, for any given grid cell, determine the obstacle physical characteristic parameters of the grid cell based on the layout structure information.

[0040] In this embodiment, for any grid cell, the obstacle physical characteristic parameters of the grid cell are determined based on the layout structure information. Obstacle physical characteristic parameters refer to a set of parameters used to quantify and describe the key electromagnetic and geometric properties of obstacles that affect signal (such as radio waves) propagation. These parameters may include material type (such as concrete, brick, wood, glass, gypsum board, metal, etc.), thickness (such as the physical thickness of the obstacle in the direction of the grid cell), electromagnetic characteristic parameters (such as dielectric constant, conductivity, and permeability), structural features (such as the effective coverage or opening state corresponding to non-uniform or opening obstacles), etc. This embodiment does not limit these parameters.

[0041] S302, set the signal penetration loss coefficient of the grid cell according to the physical characteristic parameters of the obstacle.

[0042] In this embodiment, the signal penetration loss coefficient of the grid cell can be set according to the physical characteristic parameters of the obstacle. Specifically, the theoretical signal penetration loss value of the obstacle can be determined based on the electromagnetic wave propagation theory model (such as the transmission line model, ray optics model, etc.) and the physical characteristic parameters of the obstacle, and used as the signal penetration loss coefficient of the grid cell.

[0043] The specific steps involved in setting the signal penetration loss coefficient of the grid cells based on the physical characteristics of the obstacle are as follows: Step 21: Determine the signal frequency band of the signal transmitting equipment and find the mapping relationship between the standard obstacle physical characteristic parameters corresponding to the signal frequency band and the standard signal penetration loss coefficient.

[0044] In this embodiment, the signal frequency band of the signal transmitting device can be determined, and the mapping relationship between the standard obstacle physical characteristic parameters and the standard signal penetration loss coefficient corresponding to the signal frequency band can be found. The signal frequency band refers to the center frequency range of the radio waves used by the signal transmitting device. For example, indoor wireless communication frequency bands include Wi-Fi's 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz, etc.

[0045] Specifically, the mapping relationship between the standard obstacle physical characteristic parameters and the standard signal penetration loss coefficient corresponding to the signal frequency band can be found in a pre-established and stored parameter database or lookup table. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0046] Step 22: Based on the mapping relationship, find the standard signal penetration loss coefficient corresponding to the physical characteristic parameters of the obstacle.

[0047] In this embodiment of the application, the standard signal penetration loss coefficient corresponding to the physical characteristic parameters of the obstacle can be found according to the mapping relationship.

[0048] Specifically, the physical characteristic parameters of the obstacle corresponding to the grid cell (such as material type, thickness, etc.) can be matched and queried with the standard obstacle physical characteristic parameters in the same frequency band stored in the parameter database or lookup table. Based on the matching results, the standard signal penetration loss coefficient corresponding to the obstacle physical characteristic parameters can be determined.

[0049] For example, if the obstacle physical characteristic parameters (such as 5GHz band, 10cm thick ordinary brick wall) corresponding to the current grid cell completely match a certain standard parameter entry in the parameter database, then the standard signal penetration loss coefficient (such as 12dB) corresponding to that standard entry is directly used as the signal penetration loss coefficient of the grid cell.

[0050] If the physical characteristics of the obstacle corresponding to the current grid cell (such as 5GHz band, 18cm thick brick wall) do not have a completely matching item in the parameter database, but two adjacent (such as adjacent in thickness) standard parameter entries can be found (for example: the standard signal penetration loss coefficient corresponding to 5GHz+10cm brick wall is 12dB, and the standard signal penetration loss coefficient corresponding to 5GHz+24cm brick wall is 25dB), then the signal penetration loss coefficient of the grid cell can be determined by linear interpolation.

[0051] To determine the signal penetration loss coefficient of a grid cell using linear interpolation, two standard parameter entries (i.e., standard parameter entry 1 and standard parameter entry 2) that are adjacent (e.g., adjacent in thickness) to the physical property parameters of the obstacle corresponding to the grid cell in the parameter database can be input into the linear interpolation formula to calculate the signal penetration loss coefficient of the grid cell. The linear interpolation formula is as follows: ; in, The signal penetration loss coefficient of the grid cell. The standard signal penetration loss coefficient is specified in standard parameter item 1. This refers to the standard signal penetration loss coefficient, which is the standard parameter item 2. These are the physical property parameters of the obstacles corresponding to the mesh cells. These are the obstacle physical characteristic parameters corresponding to standard parameter item 1. These are the obstacle physical characteristic parameters corresponding to standard parameter item 2.

[0052] For example, standard parameter entry 1 is known: =10cm (brick wall thickness) =12dB; Standard parameter entry 2: =24cm (brick wall thickness) =25dB; Physical property parameters of obstacles corresponding to mesh cells =18cm, then the signal penetration loss coefficient of the grid cell =12+[(18-10) / (24-10)]×(25-12)≈19.43dB.

[0053] Step 23: Set the standard signal penetration loss coefficient to the grid cell.

[0054] In this embodiment of the application, the standard signal penetration loss coefficient can be set for the grid cell.

[0055] S203 generates multiple candidate propagation paths within the target space, starting from the location of the signal transmitting device and ending at the target location. Each candidate propagation path passes through at least one grid cell.

[0056] In this embodiment of the application, multiple candidate propagation paths can be generated in the target space, with the location of the signal transmitting device as the starting point and the target location as the ending point. Each candidate propagation path passes through at least one grid cell.

[0057] S204, based on the signal penetration loss coefficient of at least one grid cell through which each candidate propagation path passes, select the target propagation path from multiple candidate propagation paths.

[0058] In the embodiments of this application, a target propagation path can be selected from multiple candidate propagation paths based on the signal penetration loss coefficient of at least one grid cell through which each candidate propagation path passes.

[0059] For details on how to select the target propagation path from multiple candidate propagation paths based on the signal penetration loss coefficient of at least one grid cell through which each candidate propagation path passes, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 4 The method shown. (As illustrated) Figure 4 The diagram shown illustrates the implementation flow of a target propagation path filtering method provided in this application embodiment, which may specifically include the following steps: S401, for any candidate propagation path, sum the signal penetration loss coefficients of at least one grid cell through which the candidate propagation path passes to obtain the total signal penetration loss coefficients.

[0060] In this embodiment of the application, for any candidate propagation path, the signal penetration loss coefficients of at least one grid cell traversed by the candidate propagation path are summed to obtain the total signal penetration loss coefficients. That is, for each candidate propagation path, the signal penetration loss coefficients of each grid cell (from the starting point to the ending point) it passes through are summed to obtain the total signal penetration loss coefficients.

[0061] For example, a candidate propagation path passes through grid cells A, B, C, and D in sequence. Grid cell A (no obstruction): signal penetration loss coefficient is 0dB; grid cell B (wooden door): signal penetration loss coefficient is 3dB; grid cell C (brick wall): signal penetration loss coefficient is 12dB; grid cell D (plasterboard partition): signal penetration loss coefficient is 6dB. Then the total signal penetration loss coefficient of this candidate propagation path is Sum_L = 0 + 3 + 12 + 6 = 21dB.

[0062] S402: Based on the sum of the signal penetration loss coefficients of each candidate propagation path, select the target propagation path from multiple candidate propagation paths.

[0063] In this embodiment of the application, a target propagation path can be selected from multiple candidate propagation paths based on the sum of the signal penetration loss coefficients of each candidate propagation path.

[0064] The specific steps for selecting the target propagation path from multiple candidate propagation paths based on the sum of the signal penetration loss coefficients of each candidate propagation path can be as follows: Step 41: For any candidate propagation path, accumulate at least one grid cell that the candidate propagation path passes through to obtain the propagation path length.

[0065] In the embodiments of this application, for any candidate propagation path, the propagation path length is obtained by accumulating at least one grid cell passed through the candidate propagation path, that is, by accumulating the side length or size of all grid cells passed through the candidate propagation path.

[0066] For example, if each grid cell has a side length of 0.5 meters, and the candidate propagation path passes through 4 grid cells using the grid counting method, then the propagation path length L = 4 × 0.5 meters = 2.0 meters.

[0067] Step 42: Determine the comprehensive signal penetration loss of the candidate propagation path based on the sum of the signal penetration loss coefficients, the propagation path length, and the free space loss of the electromagnetic wave.

[0068] In this embodiment, the comprehensive signal penetration loss of the candidate propagation path is determined based on the sum of the signal penetration loss coefficients, the propagation path length, and the free-space loss of the electromagnetic wave. The free-space loss of the electromagnetic wave refers to the inherent power attenuation caused only by wavefront expansion (energy diffusion) when the electromagnetic wave propagates in ideal, unobstructed free space, and can be determined by the Fries transmission formula.

[0069] Specifically, the signal penetration loss can be obtained by weighted summation of the total signal penetration loss coefficient, the propagation path length, and the free space loss of the electromagnetic wave.

[0070] For example, if the propagation path length L = 2.0 meters, the total signal penetration loss coefficient Sum_L = 21 dB, the free space loss of electromagnetic waves FSPL = 25.45 dB, the weights corresponding to the total signal penetration loss coefficient Sum_L = 0.2, the weights corresponding to the propagation path length Sum_L = 0.5, and the weights corresponding to the free space loss of electromagnetic waves FSPL = 0.3, then the comprehensive signal penetration loss of the candidate propagation path = L × 0.5 + Sum_L × 0.2 + FSPL × 0.3 = 2.0 × 0.5 + 0.2 × 21 + 25.45 × 0.3 = 12.835 dB.

[0071] Step 43: Based on the comprehensive signal penetration loss of each candidate propagation path, select the target propagation path from multiple candidate propagation paths.

[0072] In this embodiment of the application, the target propagation path is selected from multiple candidate propagation paths based on the comprehensive signal penetration loss of each candidate propagation path.

[0073] Specifically, it can be done by calculating and comparing the overall signal penetration loss of all candidate propagation paths, and determining the candidate propagation path with the minimum overall signal penetration loss as the target propagation path.

[0074] S205, according to the target propagation path, controls the antenna array of the signal transmitting equipment to form a directional beam.

[0075] In this embodiment of the application, this step is similar to step S103 above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0076] In addition, when a decline in signal quality is detected in the signal receiving device, the target propagation path planning process needs to be re-triggered, which may include the following steps: Step 51: Obtain the signal reception strength and bit error rate of the signal receiving device, and monitor whether the signal reception strength is lower than a preset first threshold and the bit error rate is higher than a preset second threshold.

[0077] In this embodiment, the signal reception strength and bit error rate of the signal receiving device can be obtained, and it can be monitored whether the signal reception strength is lower than a preset first threshold and the bit error rate is higher than a preset second threshold. The signal reception strength is used to quantify the radio wave power level received by the signal receiving device from the signal transmitting device (such as a router), reflecting the signal attenuation along the target propagation path. The bit error rate can be understood as the bit error rate, which is the ratio of the number of erroneous bits to the total number of transmitted bits during signal transmission, used to determine whether the signal quality is sufficient to support stable, low-error data communication. The preset first threshold refers to a pre-set threshold value for the signal reception strength, which can be set based on communication protocol requirements (such as the minimum sensitivity of the Wi-Fi standard), service requirements (such as the minimum signal level required for video streaming), or empirical data. The preset second threshold refers to a pre-set threshold value for the bit error rate, which can be set based on the tolerance of the carried service to the error rate (such as the tolerable BER for voice calls being higher than that for file transfers) or system performance targets; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0078] Step 52: When the signal reception strength is lower than a preset first threshold and the bit error rate is higher than a preset second threshold, perform the step of generating multiple candidate propagation paths in the target space with the location of the signal transmitting device as the starting point and the target location as the ending point.

[0079] In this embodiment of the application, when the signal reception strength is lower than a preset first threshold and the bit error rate is higher than a preset second threshold, the step of generating multiple candidate propagation paths in the target space with the location of the signal transmitting device as the starting point and the target location as the ending point is performed. That is, step S203.

[0080] Based on this, such as Figure 5 The diagram shown illustrates the implementation flow of another beamforming method provided in this application, which may specifically include the following steps: S501, acquire the target location of the signal receiving device in the target space and the layout structure information within the target space.

[0081] In this embodiment of the application, this step is similar to step S101 above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0082] S502 generates multiple candidate propagation paths within the target space based on the target location and layout structure information.

[0083] In this embodiment of the application, this step is similar to step S102 above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0084] S503: Based on the signal penetration loss coefficient of each candidate propagation path, select the target propagation path from multiple candidate propagation paths.

[0085] In this embodiment of the application, this step is similar to step S103 above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0086] S504 determines the azimuth and elevation angles based on the target propagation path, and determines the target beamwidth based on the moving speed of the signal receiving equipment.

[0087] In this embodiment, the azimuth and elevation angles can be determined based on the target propagation path, and the target beamwidth can be determined based on the moving speed of the signal receiving device. The azimuth angle is the angle between the direction of the signal transmitting device pointing towards the target propagation path on a horizontal plane (e.g., the ground) and a preset reference direction (e.g., true north or the forward direction of the signal transmitting device itself). It is the angle between the projection of the target propagation path onto the horizontal plane and the vertical direction, used to define the precise pointing of the directional beam in the horizontal dimension. The elevation angle is the angle between the direction of the signal transmitting device pointing towards the target propagation path and the horizontal plane in the vertical plane. A positive elevation angle indicates that the directional beam is tilted upwards, and a negative angle indicates that the directional beam is tilted downwards. The moving speed of the signal receiving device refers to its real-time movement rate within the target space, which can be obtained through GPS or Doppler frequency shift estimation and differential positioning data between the signal receiving device and the signal transmitting device. The target beamwidth refers to the angular range of the directional beam formed by the antenna array in the main radiation direction; this embodiment does not limit this range.

[0088] Specifically, the azimuth and elevation angles can be obtained by calculating the spatial vector between the starting point (signal transmitting device) and the ending point (signal receiving device) of the target propagation path, or by taking the average direction based on the overall direction of the target propagation path.

[0089] Determining the target beamwidth based on the moving speed of the signal receiving device can include: finding the speed range in which the moving speed of the signal receiving device is located, and determining the standard beamwidth corresponding to the speed range as the target beamwidth.

[0090] Speed ​​ranges refer to dividing a continuous range of speeds into several discrete levels or intervals. For example, [0, 0.5) m / s is the stationary range, [0.5, 2) m / s is the low-speed movement range, and [2, +∞) m / s is the high-speed movement range. The threshold for dividing speed ranges can be preset according to indoor movement scenarios (such as walking and running) and application requirements. Standard beamwidth refers to one or more optimal beamwidth values ​​preset for each speed range. These values ​​can be set based on a trade-off between communication link stability, tracking accuracy, and gain. For example, a stationary range corresponds to a narrow beamwidth of 15°, a low-speed movement range corresponds to a medium beamwidth of 30°, and a high-speed movement range corresponds to a wide beamwidth of 60°.

[0091] S505 controls the antenna array of the signal transmitting equipment to form a directional beam based on the azimuth angle, elevation angle, and target beamwidth.

[0092] In this embodiment of the application, the antenna array of the signal transmitting device can be controlled to form a directional beam according to the azimuth angle, elevation angle and target beamwidth.

[0093] Specifically, instructions can be sent to the beamforming controller (such as a baseband processor or application-specific integrated circuit) of the signal transmitting device (such as a smart router). The instructions include parameters such as azimuth, elevation, and target beamwidth. After receiving the instructions, the beamforming controller outputs a set of composite weight vectors through algorithms (such as codebook-based precoding or adaptive beamforming algorithms). The composite weight vectors correspond to the amplitude and phase values ​​that need to be adjusted for each antenna element in the antenna array. When all antenna elements transmit the same signal simultaneously according to the composite weight vectors, the electromagnetic waves radiated in space will coherently superimpose in the desired direction (defined by azimuth and elevation), thereby forming a highly concentrated directional beam with a controllable shape (defined by the target beamwidth).

[0094] Furthermore, the beamforming method provided in this application is illustrated with specific examples in the embodiments of this application: Beamforming methods primarily rely on the coordinated operation of three core modules: the environment perception module, the path planning module, and the beamforming execution module. The specific workflows of these three core modules can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 6 ,like Figure 6 The diagram shown illustrates the implementation flow of another beamforming method provided in this application, which may specifically include the following steps: After the signal receiving device connects to the network, the environmental perception module first obtains the room layout and structural information through a pre-stored indoor building floor plan, which may include the location of walls, door and window openings, and the location of obstacles such as fixed furniture. Simultaneously, it can obtain the precise coordinates of the signal receiving device within the room in real time through device MAC address recognition, signal strength triangulation, or ultra-wideband high-precision positioning technology.

[0095] The path planning module acquires the location information of the signal receiving device through the control system and calls pre-stored indoor map data to identify obstacles between the signal receiving and transmitting devices, thereby calculating the optimal beam path to avoid these obstacles. Specifically, it uses spatial geometric analysis methods, taking the location of the signal transmitting device (such as a router) as the starting point and the location of the signal receiving device as the ending point, to calculate the straight-line propagation path in two-dimensional or three-dimensional space. When obstacles such as walls are detected in the propagation path, the path planning module automatically generates a detour route. Specifically, the indoor space can be divided into several grid cells, and the transmission path with the minimum overall loss is selected by evaluating the signal penetration loss coefficient of each grid cell. For example, for concrete walls, path areas with lower penetration loss, such as door and window openings, are prioritized; for wooden partitions, direct penetration is allowed to some extent, but the number of penetrations must be controlled to avoid excessive signal attenuation.

[0096] The beamforming execution module controls the signal transmitting device to initiate environmentally aware beamforming. This module can be deployed in signal transmitting devices that support multi-antenna arrays (such as routers). After receiving the azimuth, elevation, and beamwidth parameters from the path planning module, the signal transmitting device adjusts the signal transmission phase of each antenna element via a phase controller. This causes the radio waves transmitted by multiple antennas to coherently superimpose in the target direction, thereby generating a directional beam.

[0097] It should be noted that the beamwidth can be dynamically adjusted according to the moving speed of the signal receiving device: a narrow beam can be used to concentrate energy for stationary signal receiving devices, while the beamwidth should be appropriately widened for moving signal receiving devices to ensure signal continuity.

[0098] Furthermore, it includes a real-time feedback optimization mechanism with a beamforming execution module. The signal transmitting equipment can continuously monitor the received signal strength (RSSI) and bit error rate (BER) of the signal receiving equipment. When a decline in signal quality is detected, a path replanning process will be automatically triggered. This closed-loop control mechanism ensures that the generated directional beam can adapt to dynamic environmental changes, such as temporary obstacles like people moving around or doors and windows opening and closing.

[0099] For pre-stored interior architectural floor plans, various methods can be used, including manually uploading CAD drawings, scanning with a smartphone to generate point cloud maps, or using architectural BIM models. Signal transmitting equipment (such as routers) must support the IEEE 802.11ac / ax standard or higher, have at least a 4×4 MIMO antenna configuration, and integrate the system's control firmware through software upgrades. For scenarios with multiple signal transmitting devices (such as multiple routers), a collaborative working mode can be further expanded, coordinating the beam direction of each signal transmitting device through a switch or cloud control platform to avoid signal interference and achieve seamless full-area coverage.

[0100] In this way, environmental perception and path planning can be achieved by integrating indoor map information into the control system, combining it with real-time device location, identifying obstacles such as walls, guiding signal transmitting equipment to dynamically avoid obstructions, and planning the optimal beam path.

[0101] For dynamic beamforming: the signal transmitting equipment can adjust the beam direction and shape in real time based on the environmental perception results, so as to achieve accurate signal coverage of the signal receiving equipment and avoid multipath effect and signal attenuation.

[0102] By using directional beamforming to avoid obstacles, the signal strength received by the signal receiving device can be improved, and signal delay can be reduced. Furthermore, the beamforming method provided in this application only directionally enhances the signal for the signal receiving device, reducing the ineffective power consumption of omnidirectional broadcasting and lowering the power consumption of the signal transmitting device. Moreover, since no additional hardware is required, the functionality of existing routers can be expanded through software upgrades. The beam path can be dynamically adjusted according to changes in indoor layout (such as furniture movement) to maintain optimal signal transmission, offering advantages such as high deployment flexibility and strong environmental adaptability.

[0103] Corresponding to the above method embodiments, this application also provides a beamforming apparatus, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the device may include: a location acquisition module 701, a path generation module 702, a path filtering module 703, and a beamforming module 704.

[0104] The location acquisition module 701 is used to acquire the target location of the signal receiving device in the target space and the layout structure information in the target space; The path generation module 702 is used to generate multiple candidate propagation paths within the target space based on the target location and layout structure information. The path filtering module 703 is used to filter the target propagation path from multiple candidate propagation paths based on the signal penetration loss coefficient of each candidate propagation path. The beamforming module 704 is used to control the antenna array of the signal transmitting device to form a directional beam according to the target propagation path.

[0105] This application also provides an electronic device, such as... Figure 8 As shown, it includes a processor 801, a communication interface 802, a memory 803, and a communication bus 804. The processor 801, communication interface 802, and memory 803 communicate with each other via the communication bus 804. Memory 803 is used to store computer programs; When processor 801 executes a program stored in memory 803, it performs the following steps: The system acquires the target location and layout information of the signal receiving device in the target space; generates multiple candidate propagation paths in the target space based on the target location and layout information; selects the target propagation path from the multiple candidate propagation paths based on the signal penetration loss coefficient of each candidate propagation path; and controls the antenna array of the signal transmitting device to form a directional beam based on the target propagation path.

[0106] The communication bus mentioned in the above electronic devices can be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. This communication bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used to represent it in the diagram, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0107] The communication interface is used for communication between the aforementioned electronic devices and other devices.

[0108] The memory may include random access memory (RAM) or non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device. Optionally, the memory may also be at least one storage device located remotely from the aforementioned processor.

[0109] The processors mentioned above can be general-purpose processors, including central processing units (CPUs), network processors (NPs), etc.; they can also be digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components.

[0110] In another embodiment provided in this application, a storage medium is also provided, which stores instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to execute any of the beamforming methods described in the above embodiments.

[0111] In another embodiment provided in this application, a computer program product containing instructions is also provided, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the beamforming methods described in the above embodiments.

[0112] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are 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 instructions can be stored in a storage medium or transmitted from one storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state drive), etc.

[0113] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0114] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a related manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, the system embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions of the method embodiments.

[0115] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application are included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A beamforming method, characterized in that, The method includes: Acquire the target location of the signal receiving device in the target space and the layout structure information within the target space; Based on the target location and the layout structure information, multiple candidate propagation paths are generated within the target space; Based on the signal penetration loss coefficient of each candidate propagation path, a target propagation path is selected from the multiple candidate propagation paths; According to the target propagation path, the antenna array of the control signal transmitting device forms a directional beam.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of generating multiple candidate propagation paths within the target space based on the target location and the layout structure information includes: The target space is divided into multiple grid cells, and the signal penetration loss coefficient of each grid cell is set according to the layout structure information. Multiple candidate propagation paths are generated within the target space, starting from the location of the signal transmitting device and ending at the target location. Each of the candidate propagation paths passes through at least one of the grid cells; The step of selecting a target propagation path from multiple candidate propagation paths based on the signal penetration loss coefficient of each candidate propagation path includes: Based on the signal penetration loss coefficient of at least one grid cell through which each candidate propagation path passes, a target propagation path is selected from the multiple candidate propagation paths.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of setting the signal penetration loss coefficient for each grid cell based on the layout structure information includes: For any given grid cell, the obstacle physical characteristic parameters of that grid cell are determined based on the layout structure information. Based on the physical characteristics of the obstacle, the signal penetration loss coefficient of the grid cell is set.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of setting the signal penetration loss coefficient of the grid cell based on the physical characteristic parameters of the obstacle includes: Determine the signal frequency band of the signal transmitting equipment, and find the mapping relationship between the standard obstacle physical characteristic parameters and the standard signal penetration loss coefficient corresponding to the signal frequency band; Based on the mapping relationship, find the standard signal penetration loss coefficient corresponding to the physical characteristic parameters of the obstacle; The standard signal penetration loss coefficient is set for the grid cell.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of selecting a target propagation path from multiple candidate propagation paths based on the signal penetration loss coefficient of at least one grid cell traversed by each candidate propagation path includes: For any of the candidate propagation paths, the signal penetration loss coefficients of at least one grid cell through which the candidate propagation path passes are summed to obtain the total signal penetration loss coefficients. Based on the sum of the signal penetration loss coefficients of each of the candidate propagation paths, a target propagation path is selected from the multiple candidate propagation paths.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of selecting a target propagation path from multiple candidate propagation paths based on the sum of the signal penetration loss coefficients of each candidate propagation path includes: For any of the candidate propagation paths, the propagation path length is obtained by accumulating at least one grid cell traversed by the candidate propagation path. The comprehensive signal penetration loss of the candidate propagation path is determined based on the sum of the signal penetration loss coefficients, the propagation path length, and the free space loss of the electromagnetic wave. Based on the comprehensive signal penetration loss of each candidate propagation path, a target propagation path is selected from the multiple candidate propagation paths.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of controlling the antenna array of the signal transmitting device to form a directional beam according to the target propagation path includes: Based on the target propagation path, determine the azimuth and elevation angles, and based on the moving speed of the signal receiving device, determine the target beamwidth; Based on the azimuth angle, the elevation angle, and the target beamwidth, the antenna array of the control signal transmitting device forms a directional beam.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Determining the target beamwidth based on the moving speed of the signal receiving device includes: Locate the speed range in which the signal receiving device moves, and determine the standard beamwidth corresponding to the speed range as the target beamwidth.

9. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The signal reception strength and bit error rate of the signal receiving device are obtained, and it is monitored whether the signal reception strength is lower than a preset first threshold and the bit error rate is higher than a preset second threshold. When the received signal strength is lower than a preset first threshold and the bit error rate is higher than a preset second threshold, the step of generating multiple candidate propagation paths in the target space with the location of the signal transmitting device as the starting point and the target location as the ending point is executed.

10. A beamforming device, characterized in that, The device includes: The location acquisition module is used to acquire the target location of the signal receiving device in the target space and the layout structure information within the target space; The path generation module is used to generate multiple candidate propagation paths in the target space based on the target location and the layout structure information. The path filtering module is used to filter the target propagation path from multiple candidate propagation paths based on the signal penetration loss coefficient of each candidate propagation path. A beamforming module is used to control the antenna array of a signal transmitting device to form a directional beam according to the target propagation path.

11. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes a processor, a communication interface, a memory, and a communication bus, wherein the processor, the communication interface, and the memory communicate with each other through the communication bus; Memory, used to store computer programs; A processor, when executing a program stored in memory, implements the method described in any one of claims 1-9.

12. A storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the program is executed by the processor, it implements the method as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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