Beamforming method and system for implementing beamforming

Abstract

A beamforming method includes collecting data related to a connection between a first user equipment and a network. The method further includes determining whether the first user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming. The method further includes, in response to determining that the first user equipment is ineligible for digital beamforming, determining whether a movement speed of the first user equipment is above a first threshold. The method further includes, in response to determining that the first user equipment is moving faster than the first threshold, using broad-beam beamforming for the connection between the first user equipment and the network.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0001] This specification relates to a method of beamforming and a system for implementing the same.

Background Art

[0002] Beamforming is a technique that provides signals from an antenna as if they were directed towards a user equipment connected to a network, rather than broadcasting signals uniformly in all directions. Directing signals to a specific user equipment improves the communication speed between the user equipment and the network compared to the method of providing signals uniformly in all directions.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of beamforming. The method includes collecting data related to a connection between a first user equipment and a network. The method further includes determining whether the first user equipment is qualified for digital beamforming. The method further includes determining whether the moving speed of the first user equipment exceeds a first threshold value in response to a determination that the first user equipment is not qualified for digital beamforming. The method further includes using broadbeam beamforming for the connection between the first user equipment and the network in response to a determination that the first user equipment is moving faster than the first threshold value.

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for beamforming. The system includes a non-transient computer-readable medium configured to store instructions. The system further includes a processor connected to the non-transient computer-readable medium. The processor is configured to execute instructions for receiving data relating to a connection between a first user device and a network. The processor is further configured to execute instructions for determining whether the first user device is eligible for digital beamforming. In response to a determination that the first user device is ineligible for digital beamforming, the processor is further configured to execute instructions for determining whether the moving speed of the first user device exceeds a first threshold. In response to a determination that the first user device is moving faster than the first threshold, the processor is further configured to execute instructions for instructing antennas in the network to use broad beam beamforming for the connection between the first user device and the network.

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a non-temporary computer-readable medium configured to store instructions. The instructions cause a processor to receive data relating to a connection between a first user device and a network. The instructions cause the processor to further determine whether the first user device is eligible for digital beamforming. In response to a determination that the first user device is not eligible for digital beamforming, the instructions cause the processor to further determine whether the speed of the first user device is above a first threshold. In response to a determination that the first user device is moving faster than the first threshold, the instructions cause the processor to further instruct antennas in the network to use broad beam beamforming for the connection between the first user device and the network.

[0006] The aspects of this disclosure can be better understood by reading the following detailed description along with the attached drawings. Note that, in accordance with standard industry practice, various features are not depicted to scale. In practice, the dimensions of various features may be increased or decreased as appropriate to clarify the discussion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a telecommunications network according to several embodiments.

[0008] [Figure 2] This is a flowchart of a beamforming method according to several embodiments.

[0009] [Figure 3] This is a flowchart of a beamforming method according to several embodiments.

[0010] [Figure 4] This is a block diagram of a system for beamforming according to several embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different features of the subject matter provided. For the sake of simplicity, specific examples of components, values, behaviors, materials, arrangements, etc., are described below. Naturally, these are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Other components, values, behaviors, materials, arrangements, etc., are contemplated. For example, forming a first feature (component, part) above or on top of a second feature (component, part) in the following description may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed between the first and second features so that they are not in direct contact. In addition, the disclosure may use reference numbers and / or letters and symbols repeatedly in various examples. This repetition is for the sake of brevity and clarity and does not in itself define relationships between the various embodiments and / or configurations described.

[0012] Furthermore, spatially relative terms such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” may be used herein for ease of describing the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature(single or plural), as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. The device may be oriented differently (rotated by 90 degrees or other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0013] As telecommunications systems transition to newer generations such as fifth generation (5G), beamforming becomes increasingly important due to the decreasing coverage area of ​​each antenna. Signal loss in 5G technology is more pronounced than in other technologies such as fourth generation (4G) or long-term evolution (LTE). Such signal loss increases the usefulness of beamforming in maintaining the high communication speeds that consumers expect from 5G communications. Beamforming is used to provide a focusing signal between user equipment and the network. The focusing signal helps improve both upload and download speeds. Digital beamforming, such as sound reference signal (SRS), is faster than other types of beamforming, such as broadbeam or single sideband (SSB).

[0014] While beamforming allows focusing signals to be directed towards specific user equipment, directing a focusing signal towards user equipment is not always advantageous in all situations. For example, if user equipment is moving rapidly (at high speed), it is difficult to change the direction of the signal to match the rapid movement of the user equipment. Providing a focusing signal that attempts to track the rapid movement of user equipment also increases the risk of connection interruption between the user equipment and the network if the signal movement does not adequately match the movement of the user equipment. Furthermore, in some cases, the lack of line of sight (LoS) between the user equipment and the antenna makes certain types of beamforming even more difficult to maintain connection between the user equipment and the network.

[0015] This disclosure measures the connection between user equipment and the network to determine whether the connection to the user equipment is suitable for digital beamforming. If the connection is not suitable for digital beamforming, the beamforming method can select from among the available non-digital beamforming options (from among the available non-digital beamforming methods). If the connection is suitable for digital beamforming, the beamforming method can determine whether to use single-user or multi-user digital beamforming. The ability to selectively change the type of beamforming for specific user equipment reduces the risk of connection interruptions and enhances the ability to provide high-speed services to consumers. As a result, overall consumer satisfaction with the network improves.

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a telecommunications network 100 according to several embodiments. The telecommunications network 100 includes a plurality of base stations 110, each base station 110 having a corresponding coverage area 115. A mobile device 130 within the telecommunications network 100 can connect to one or more base stations 110 when the mobile device 130 is within the coverage area 115 corresponding to the base station 110.

[0017] For example, to improve connection speeds such as upload and / or download speeds, the antennas within the base station 110 are configured to use beamforming to direct the signal more precisely to the location of the mobile device 130 under certain conditions. For example, in a situation where the mobile device 130 is within the coverage area 115a of the base station 110a, the antennas within the base station 110a can use beamforming to adjust the signal between the base station 110a and the mobile device 130 to help improve the connection speed between the mobile device 130 and the base station 110a. The type of beamforming used to increase the connection speed depends on the quality of the connection between the base station 110a and the mobile device 130, the movement rate of the mobile device 130 within the coverage area 115a, or other relevant factors. In some embodiments, the antennas of the base station 110a can perform digital beamforming. In some embodiments, the antennas of the base station 110a can perform SSB beamforming. In some embodiments, the antennas of the base station 110a can perform broadbeam beamforming. In some embodiments, each of the base stations 110 has an antenna with the same beamforming capability. In some embodiments, at least one of the base stations 110 has a different beamforming capability from at least one other base station 110. For example, in some embodiments, base station 110b cannot perform digital beamforming but can perform SSB beamforming and broad beamforming, while base station 110a can perform digital beamforming, SSB beamforming, and broad beamforming. As a result, in some embodiments, the beamforming method is adjusted based on the capabilities of the antennas within the base station 110. For example, in some embodiments, the beamforming method while the mobile device 130 is in coverage area 115a is different from the beamforming method while the mobile device 130 is in coverage area 115b.

[0018] Figure 2 is a flowchart of beamforming method 200 in several embodiments. In some embodiments, method 200 is implemented using at least one base station, for example, base station 110 (Figure 1). Method 200 can be used to perform beamforming for a specific user device, for example, a mobile device 130 (Figure 1). By performing user device-specific beamforming, method 200 improves (enhances) the data transfer rate of a particular user device. Method 200 can also correlate beamforming across multiple user devices to improve the efficiency of network resources. Since each base station does not have an antenna for each user device in its corresponding coverage area, in some cases correlating multiple user devices helps improve the efficiency of network resources and also improves the data transfer rate of user devices connected to the base station.

[0019] In operation (process) 205, the user device is connected to the network. The user device is connected to the network via a wireless signal transmitted from an antenna connected to the network. In some embodiments, the user device includes a mobile device 130 (Figure 1), such as a mobile phone, smartwatch, smart glasses, automobile, or other suitable mobile device. In some embodiments, the user device includes other devices, such as a smart appliance, digital personal assistant, IoT (Internet of Things) device, or other suitable user device. In some embodiments, the user device is automatically connected to the network. In some embodiments, connecting the user device to the network includes some interaction between the user and the user device, such as entering a password, network identification information, user authentication information, or other suitable interaction.

[0020] In operation 210, data is collected about the connection between the user equipment and the network. The data includes key performance indicators (KPIs) about the connection between the user equipment and the network. The KPIs include information related to the strength and speed of the signal connecting the user equipment to the network. In some embodiments, the data includes multiple parameters. In some embodiments, at least one of the parameters is collected by the network. In some embodiments, at least one of the parameters is collected by the user equipment and transmitted to the network. In some embodiments, the data includes reference signal received power (RSRP), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), Doppler effect, reference signal received quality (RSRQ), or other appropriate parameters. In some embodiments, the KPIs are collected using one or more channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) beams transmitted from the network to the user equipment.

[0021] In operation 215, a determination is made as to whether the user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming. Digital beamforming uses multiple antennas to transmit signals with the same wavelength and phase. Digital beamforming provides high-speed data transfer between the user equipment and the network by directing a focusing signal to the location of the user equipment. Digital beamforming can be used when the user equipment has a line of sight (LoS) with the base station, and when the user equipment does not have a line of sight with the base station. The determination of whether the user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming is performed for each individual piece of equipment. The determination of whether the user equipment is eligible for digital beamforming is performed based on the data collected in operation 210. If the data collected in operation 210 indicates a sufficiently strong connection between the user equipment and the network, the user equipment is determined to be eligible for digital beamforming. If the data collected in operation 210 indicates that the connection between the user equipment and the network is not sufficiently strong, the user equipment is determined to be ineligible for digital beamforming. If the user equipment is determined to be eligible for digital beamforming, method 200 proceeds to operation 235. If the user equipment is determined to be ineligible for digital beamforming, method 200 proceeds to operation 220.

[0022] In operation 220, a determination is made as to whether the speed (movement speed) of the user device within the coverage area exceeds a threshold. In some embodiments, the speed of the user device is determined based on the Doppler effect measured from the user device. In some embodiments, the speed of the user device is determined based on global position information received from the user device, such as global position system (GPS) information. If the user device is moving rapidly within the base station's coverage area, it becomes more difficult to get the user device to focus the signal, and the likelihood of improving the user device's data transfer rate decreases. In fact, in some cases, if the user device is moving too fast, the focusing signal may not be able to maintain a sufficient connection to the user device. In response to the determination that the user device is moving at a speed below the threshold, the method proceeds to operation 230. In response to the determination that the user device is moving at a speed faster than the threshold, method 200 proceeds to operation 225.

[0023] In operation 225, a broad-beam beamforming method is used for the connection between the user equipment and the network. The broad-beam beamforming method broadcasts a wide signal over a significant portion or all of the coverage area. Broad-beam beamforming offers lower data transfer rates compared to other beamforming methods. However, the risk of signal loss due to rapid movement of user equipment within the coverage area is reduced by using broad-beam beamforming compared to other methods.

[0024] In operation 230, a beamforming method of SSB beamforming is used for the connection between the user equipment and the network. SSB beamforming provides faster data transfer than broad beam beamforming, but provides slower data transfer than digital beamforming. SSB beamforming is used when the user equipment has line of sight (LoS) to the base station. The width of the signal beam using SSB beamforming is narrower than that of broad beam beamforming, but wider than that of digital beamforming.

[0025] In operation 235, a determination is made as to whether the resource load on the network is greater than a threshold. Determining the resource load on the network determines which portion of the base station's capacity is currently being used to provide connections to user equipment connected to the network. As the load on the network increases, i.e., due to the connection of more user equipment, the quality of service (QoS) to the user equipment increases the risk of degradation. As a result, as the load on the network increases, the risk of slower data transfer or signal dropout to the user equipment increases. In some embodiments, the network load is measured using physical resource blocks (PRBs) to determine the number of subcarrier channels in use. As the unused capacity of the network decreases, i.e., the load increases, the ability of the network to direct signals to a single user equipment decreases in order to maintain a sufficient level of service to other user equipment connected to the network. In response to a determination that the resource load on the network is greater than a threshold, method 200 proceeds to operation 240. In response to a determination that the resource load on the network is below the threshold, method 200 proceeds to operation 250.

[0026] In operation 240, a determination is made as to whether the correlation between a plurality of user devices is greater than a threshold. The correlation between the plurality of user devices measures (indicates) the similarity of the signals used to connect each of the user devices to the network. As the similarity of the signals increases, the ability to connect a plurality of user devices to the network using a single signal increases. By connecting a plurality of user devices to the network using a single signal, the load on the network is reduced and additional network resources for providing connections to other user devices are freed up. However, if the similarity between the signals is low, attempting to connect a plurality of user devices to the network using a single signal increases the risk that one or more user devices will experience insufficient QoS. As a result, the risk of customer dissatisfaction increases. In response to a determination that the correlation is greater than the threshold, method 200 proceeds to operation 245. In response to a determination that the correlation is below the threshold, method 200 proceeds to operation 250.

[0027] In operation 245, multi-user digital beamforming is used to connect the user devices to the network. Multi-user digital beamforming uses digital beamforming to connect a plurality of user devices using a single signal. In some embodiments, communication between different plurality of user devices connected to a network using multi-user digital beamforming is implemented using time division multiplexing. In some embodiments, portions of the signal from the network are allocated to each of the user devices sharing a single signal. Compared to single-user digital beamforming, multi-user digital beamforming reduces the load on the network but increases the risk that the data transfer of individual user devices to the network will be slower. In some embodiments, multi-user digital beamforming is implemented using sounding reference signal (SRS) beamforming.

[0028] In operation 250, single-user digital beamforming is used to connect user equipment to the network. Single-user digital beamforming uses digital beamforming for a single user device using a single signal. A dedicated signal to a single user device provides high-speed data transfer between the user device and the network. However, the load on the network increases compared to multi-user digital beamforming. In some embodiments, single-user digital beamforming is implemented using sounding reference signal (SRS) beamforming.

[0029] Those skilled in the art will understand that Method 200 can be used to determine which beamforming option (beamforming method) can balance network load and increased data transfer rates for user equipment, based on the characteristics of the connection between user equipment and the network. By utilizing Method 200, customers can receive higher data transfer rates with reduced risk of QoS degradation or signal loss. The ability to select a beamforming method (beamforming technique) for each user device also helps the network improve load management efficiency.

[0030] In some embodiments, method 200 includes additional operations. For example, in some embodiments, method 200 includes an operation in which the network queries the user equipment for connection data related to the connection between the user equipment and the network. In some embodiments, method 200 includes an operation for storing information about the connection data for determining the efficiency of the base station. In some embodiments, at least one operation of method 200 is omitted. For example, in some embodiments, operation 220 is omitted, and any user equipment that is not eligible for digital beamforming is connected to the network using broad beam beamforming. In some embodiments, the order of operations of method 200 is adjusted (modified). For example, in some embodiments, operation 220 is performed before operation 215.

[0031] Figure 3 is a flowchart of beamforming method 300 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, method 300 is implemented using at least one base station, for example, base station 110 (Figure 1). Method 300 can be used to perform beamforming for a specific user device, for example, mobile device 130 (Figure 1). By performing user device-specific beamforming, method 300 improves the data transfer rate of a particular user device. Method 300 can also correlate beamforming across multiple user devices to improve the efficiency of network resources. Since each base station does not have an antenna for each user device in its corresponding coverage area, in some cases correlating multiple user devices helps improve the efficiency of network resources and also improves the data transfer rate of user devices connected to the base station. In some embodiments, method 300 is performed concurrently with method 200 (Figure 2). In some embodiments, method 300 is performed independently of method 200 (Figure 2).

[0032] In operation 310, for each user device, a determination is made as to whether the corresponding user device is eligible for digital beamforming. In some embodiments, operation 310 is an example of operation 215 (Figure 2). Operation 310 is performed for each user device. That is, in operation 310a, a determination is made as to whether the first user device is eligible for digital beamforming. In operation 310b, a determination is made as to whether the second user device is eligible for digital beamforming. In operation 310c, a determination is made as to whether the third user device is eligible for digital beamforming. By determining whether each user device is individually eligible for digital beamforming, method 300 can provide user device-specific responses for beamforming, thereby improving the user's efficiency of network resources and increasing the available data transfer rate of user devices in applicable situations.

[0033] In some embodiments, at least one parameter of the data on which operation 310 is based is collected by the network. In some embodiments, at least one parameter of the data on which operation 310 is based is collected by user equipment and transmitted to the network. Operation 310 is performed based on the RSRP, SNR, and Doppler effect of the KPIs. Those skilled in the art will understand that these KPIs are merely examples and that other KPIs may be used in addition to or instead of the KPIs used in operation 310. For example, in some embodiments, the RSRP of the KPI is replaced with the RSRQ of the KPI.

[0034] Operation 310 is described in relation to operation 310a for a first user device. Those skilled in the art will understand that the description of operation 310 is also applicable to operation 310b for a second user device and operation 310c for a third user device. In some embodiments, the determination of digital beamforming eligibility for each user device depends on the same KPI. In some embodiments, the determination of digital beamforming eligibility for at least one user device depends on at least one KPI that is different from the determination of digital beamforming eligibility for another user device.

[0035] In operation 312, RSRP is compared to the RSRP threshold Th_rsrp. The RSRP threshold Th_rsrp is selected considering the number of user devices connected to the base station. As the number of user devices connected to the base station increases, the rate of data transfer between the network and the user devices slows down. In some embodiments, Th_rsrp is selected from a value in the range of about 100 to about 105. If Th_rsrp is too high, there is a risk that, in some cases, more user devices will be provided with unnecessarily slow data transfer rates. If Th_rsrp is too low, there is a risk that, in some cases, the system will attempt to provide digital beamforming to user devices that may experience problems with the digital beamforming connection. In response to the determination that RSRP is greater than Th_rsrp, method 300 proceeds to operation 325. In response to the determination that RSRP is less than or equal to Th_rsrp, method 300 proceeds to operation 314.

[0036] In operation 314, the SNR is compared to the SNR threshold Th_snr. The SNR threshold Th_snr is selected considering the signal strength between the network and the user equipment to provide the user equipment with the specified performance. Since the Line of Sight (LoS) affects the SNR, the SNR tends to decrease as the LoS decreases. In some embodiments, Th_snr is selected from a value in the range of approximately 8 decibels (dB) to 15 dB. If Th_snr is too low, there is a risk that, in some cases, more user equipment will be provided with unnecessarily slow data transfer rates. If Th_snr is too high, there is a risk that, in some cases, the system will attempt to provide digital beamforming to user equipment that may experience problems with the digital beamforming connection. In response to the determination that the SNR is greater than Th_snr, method 300 proceeds to operation 316. In response to the determination that the SNR is less than or equal to Th_snr, method 300 proceeds to operation 325.

[0037] In operation 316, the Doppler effect is compared to a first threshold Th_D1 of the Doppler effect. The first threshold Th_D1 of the Doppler effect is selected considering how quickly the channel of the connection between the user device and the network is changing, which indicates the speed at which the user device is moving. An increasing rate of channel change increases the risk of not being able to provide a stable connection between the user device and the network. In some embodiments, Th_D1 is selected from a value in the range of about 10 Hertz (Hz) to about 15 Hz. If Th_D1 is too low, there is a risk that, in some cases, more user devices will be provided with unnecessarily slow data transfer rates. If Th_D1 is too high, there is a risk that, in some cases, the system will attempt to provide digital beamforming to user devices that may experience problems with the digital beamforming connection. In response to the determination that the Doppler effect is greater than or equal to Th_D1, method 300 proceeds to operation 320. In response to the determination that the Doppler effect is less than Th_D1, method 300 proceeds to operation 335.

[0038] In operation 320, the Doppler effect is compared to a second threshold for the Doppler effect, Th_D2. The second threshold for the Doppler effect, Th_D2, is selected considering how quickly the channel of the connection between the user device and the network is changing, which indicates the speed of movement of the user device. An increasing rate of channel change increases the risk of not being able to provide a stable connection between the user device and the network. In some embodiments, Th_D2 is selected from a value in the range of about 40 Hz to about 50 Hz. If Th_D2 is too low, there is a risk that, in some cases, more user devices will be provided with unnecessarily slow data transfer rates. If Th_D2 is too high, there is a risk that, in some cases, the system will attempt to provide digital beamforming to user devices that may experience problems with the digital beamforming connection. In response to the determination that the Doppler effect is greater than or equal to Th_D2, method 300 proceeds to operation 325. In response to the determination that the Doppler effect is less than Th_D2, method 300 proceeds to operation 330. In some embodiments, operation 320 is similar to operation 220 (Figure 2).

[0039] In operation 325, a broad-beam beamforming method is used for the connection between the user equipment and the network. The broad-beam beamforming method broadcasts a wide signal over a significant portion or all of the coverage area. Broad-beam beamforming offers lower data transfer rates compared to other beamforming methods. However, the risk of signal loss due to rapid movement of user equipment within the coverage area is reduced by using broad-beam beamforming compared to other methods. In some embodiments, operation 325 is similar to operation 225 (Figure 2).

[0040] In operation 330, an SSB beamforming method is used for the connection between the user equipment and the network. SSB beamforming provides faster data transfer than broad-beam beamforming but slower than digital beamforming. SSB beamforming is used when the user equipment has a line of sight (LoS) to the base station. The width of the signal beam using SSB beamforming is narrower than that of broad-beam beamforming but wider than that of digital beamforming. In some embodiments, operation 330 is similar to operation 230 (Figure 2).

[0041] In operation 335, the PRB load on the network is compared to a load threshold, Th_load. The load threshold, Th_load, is selected considering the available resources within the base station that provide connectivity to user equipment. In some embodiments, Th_load is selected from a value in the range of approximately 100 to 300 PRBs. If Th_load is too high, there is a risk of providing unnecessarily slow data transfer rates to more user equipment, as more user equipment may potentially be connected using multi-user digital beamforming. If Th_load is too low, there is a risk of overloading the base station, potentially leading to equipment failure within the base station. In response to a determination that the load is greater than Th_load, method 300 proceeds to operation 340. In response to a determination that the load is less than or equal to Th_load, method 300 proceeds to operation 350. In some embodiments, operation 335 is similar to operation 235 (Figure 2).

[0042] In operation 340, the correlation between signals connecting different user devices to the network is determined. Correlation measures the level of similarity between signals to help determine whether a single signal could potentially be used to connect multiple user devices to the network.

[0043] In operation 345, the correlation of different user devices on the network is compared to a correlation threshold Th_corr. The correlation threshold Th_corr is selected considering the available resources within the base station providing connectivity to the user devices. In some embodiments, Th_corr is selected from a value in the range of approximately 0.1 to approximately 0.3. If Th_corr is too high, there is a risk that more user devices will be connected using multi-user digital beamforming, potentially resulting in unnecessarily slow data transfer rates for more user devices. If Th_corr is too low, there is a risk that the base station will be overloaded, potentially leading to equipment failure within the base station. In response to a determination that the correlation is greater than or equal to Th_corr, method 300 proceeds to operation 350. In response to a determination that the correlation is less than Th_corr, method 300 proceeds to operation 355. In some embodiments, operation 345 is similar to operation 240 (Figure 2).

[0044] In operation 350, single-user digital beamforming (SU digital beamforming) is used to connect user equipment to the network. Single-user digital beamforming uses digital beamforming for a single user device using a single signal. A dedicated signal to a single user device provides high-speed data transfer between the user device and the network. However, the load on the network increases compared to multi-user digital beamforming. In some embodiments, single-user digital beamforming is implemented using sounding reference signal (SRS) beamforming. In some embodiments, operation 350 is similar to operation 250 (Figure 2).

[0045] In operation 355, multi-user digital beamforming (MU digital beamforming) is used to connect user devices to the network. Multi-user digital beamforming uses digital beamforming to connect multiple user devices using a single signal. In some embodiments, communication between multiple different user devices connected to the network using multi-user digital beamforming is performed using time-division multiplexing. In some embodiments, a portion of the signal from the network is allocated to each user device sharing a single signal. Compared to single-user digital beamforming, multi-user digital beamforming reduces the load on the network but increases the risk of slower data transfer between individual user devices and the network. In some embodiments, multi-user digital beamforming is performed using sounding reference signal (SRS) beamforming. In some embodiments, operation 355 is similar to operation 245 (Figure 2).

[0046] Those skilled in the art will understand that Method 300 can be used to determine which beamforming option (beamforming method) can balance network load and increased data transfer rate of user equipment, based on the characteristics of the connection between user equipment and the network. By utilizing Method 300, customers can receive higher data transfer rates with reduced risk of QoS degradation or signal loss. The ability to select a beamforming method for each user device also helps the network improve load management efficiency.

[0047] In some embodiments, method 300 includes additional operations. For example, in some embodiments, method 300 includes an operation in which the network queries the user equipment for connection data related to the connection between the user equipment and the network. In some embodiments, method 300 includes an operation for storing information about the connection data for determining the efficiency of the base station. In some embodiments, at least one operation of method 300 is omitted. For example, in some embodiments, operation 330 is omitted, and all user equipment that is not eligible for digital beamforming is connected to the network using broad beam beamforming. In some embodiments, the order of operations of method 300 is adjusted (modified). For example, in some embodiments, operation 340 is performed before operation 335.

[0048] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a system 400 for performing beamforming according to several embodiments. The system 400 includes a hardware processor 402 and a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium (memory) 404, the non-temporary computer-readable storage medium 404 is encoded by computer program code 406, i.e., a set of executable instructions (i.e., stores the computer program code 406). The computer-readable storage medium 404 is also encoded by instructions 407 for interfacing with external devices. The processor 402 is electrically coupled to the computer-readable storage medium 404 via a bus 408. The processor 402 is also electrically coupled to an I / O interface 410 via the bus 408. A network interface 412 is also electrically connected to the processor 402 via the bus 408. The network interface 412 is connected to a network 414, which in turn allows the processor 402 and the computer-readable storage medium 404 to connect to external elements via the network 414. The processor 402 is configured to execute computer program code 406 encoded in a computer-readable storage medium 404 in order to make the system 400 available to perform part or all of the operations described in method 200 (Figure 2) or method 300 (Figure 3).

[0049] In some embodiments, the processor 402 is a central processing unit (CPU), a multiprocessor, a distributed processing system, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and / or a suitable processing unit.

[0050] In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium 404 is an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, and / or semiconductor system (or apparatus or device). For example, the computer-readable storage medium 404 includes semiconductor or solid-state memory, magnetic tape, removable computer diskette, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), rigid magnetic disk, and / or optical disk. In some embodiments using optical disks, the computer-readable storage medium 404 includes compact disk-read-only memory (CD-ROM), compact disk-read / write (CD-R / W), and / or digital video disc (DVD).

[0051] In some embodiments, the storage medium 404 stores computer program code 406 configured to cause the system 400 to perform part or all of the operations described in Method 200 (Figure 2) or Method 300 (Figure 3). In some embodiments, the storage medium 404 also stores information for performing part or all of the operations described in Method 200 (Figure 2) or Method 300 (Figure 3), as well as information generated during the execution of part or all of the operations described in Method 200 (Figure 2) or Method 300 (Figure 3), such as beam type parameter 416, RSRP threshold parameter 418, SNR threshold parameter 420, Doppler threshold parameter 422, PRB threshold parameter 424, correlation threshold parameter 426, and / or a set of executable instructions for performing part or all of the operations described in Method 200 (Figure 2) or Method 300 (Figure 3).

[0052] In some embodiments, the storage medium 404 stores instructions 407 for interfacing with an external device. The instructions 407 enable the processor 402 to generate and receive instructions readable by the external device in order to effectively perform part or all of the operations described in method 200 (Figure 2) or method 300 (Figure 3).

[0053] The system 400 includes an I / O interface 410. The I / O interface 410 is coupled to external circuitry. In some embodiments, the I / O interface 410 includes a keyboard, keypad, mouse, trackball, trackpad, and / or cursor directional keys for communicating information and commands to the processor 402.

[0054] System 400 also includes a network interface 412 coupled to processor 402. The network interface 412 enables system 400 to communicate with a network 414 to which one or more other computer systems are connected. The network interface 412 includes wireless network interfaces such as BLUETOOTH®, WIFI, WiMAX, GPRS, or WCDMA®, or wired network interfaces such as ETHERNET, USB, or IEEE-1394. In some embodiments, part or all of the operation described in Method 200 (Figure 2) or Method 300 (Figure 3) is implemented in two or more systems 400, and information is exchanged between different systems 400 via the network 414.

[0055] One aspect of this specification relates to a beamforming method. The method includes collecting data relating to a connection between a first user device and a network. The method further includes determining whether the first user device is eligible for digital beamforming. In response to a determination that the first user device is not eligible for digital beamforming, the method further includes determining whether the movement speed of the first user device exceeds a first threshold. In response to a determination that the first user device is moving faster than the first threshold, the method further includes using broad beam beamforming for the connection between the first user device and the network. In some embodiments, the method further includes using single sideband (SSB) beamforming for the connection between the first user device and the network in response to a determination that the first user device is not moving faster than the first threshold. In some embodiments, the method further includes determining whether the load on the network exceeds a load threshold in response to a determination that the first user device is eligible for digital beamforming. In some embodiments, the method further includes using single-user digital beamforming for the connection between a first user device and the network in response to a determination that the load on the network does not exceed a load threshold. In some embodiments, the method further includes determining whether the correlation between a first user device and a second user device connected to the network exceeds a correlation threshold in response to a determination that the load on the network exceeds a load threshold. In some embodiments, the method further includes using multi-user digital beamforming for the connection between a first user device and the network in response to a determination that the correlation between a first user device and a second user device exceeds a correlation threshold. In some embodiments, the method further includes determining whether a second user device connected to the network is eligible for digital beamforming, independently of determining whether the first user device is eligible for digital beamforming.

[0056] One aspect of this specification relates to a system for beamforming. The system includes a non-temporary computer-readable medium configured to store instructions. The system further includes a processor connected to the non-temporary computer-readable medium. The processor is configured to execute instructions for receiving data relating to a connection between a first user device and a network. The processor is further configured to execute instructions for determining whether the first user device is eligible for digital beamforming. In response to a determination that the first user device is ineligible for digital beamforming, the processor is further configured to execute instructions for determining whether the moving speed of the first user device exceeds a first threshold. In response to a determination that the first user device is moving faster than the first threshold, the processor is further configured to execute instructions for instructing antennas in the network to use broad beam beamforming for the connection between the first user device and the network. In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to execute an instruction to instruct an antenna to use single-sideband (SSB) beamforming for the connection between the first user device and the network, in response to a determination that the first user device is not moving faster than a first threshold. In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to execute an instruction to determine whether the load on the network exceeds a load threshold, in response to a determination that the first user device is eligible for digital beamforming. In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to execute an instruction to instruct an antenna to use single-user digital beamforming for the connection between the first user device and the network, in response to a determination that the load on the network does not exceed a load threshold. In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to execute an instruction to determine whether the correlation between a first user device and a second user device connected to the network exceeds a correlation threshold, in response to a determination that the load on the network exceeds a load threshold.In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to execute an instruction to instruct an antenna to use multi-user digital beamforming for the connection between the first user device and the network, in response to a determination that the correlation between the first user device and the second user device exceeds a correlation threshold. In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to execute an instruction to determine whether a second user device connected to the network is eligible for digital beamforming, independently of determining whether the first user device is eligible for digital beamforming.

[0057] One aspect of this specification relates to a non-temporary computer-readable medium configured to store instructions. Instructions cause a processor to receive data relating to a connection between a first user device and a network. Instructions cause the processor to further determine whether the first user device is eligible for digital beamforming. In response to a determination that the first user device is ineligible for digital beamforming, instructions cause the processor to further determine whether the movement speed of the first user device exceeds a first threshold. In response to a determination that the first user device is moving faster than the first threshold, instructions cause the processor to further instruct antennas in the network to use broad-beam beamforming for the connection between the first user device and the network. In some embodiments, instructions are further configured to cause the processor to instruct antennas to use single-sideband (SSB) beamforming for the connection between the first user device and the network in response to a determination that the first user device is not moving faster than the first threshold. In some embodiments, the instruction causes the processor to further determine, in response to a determination that the first user device is eligible for digital beamforming, whether the load on the network exceeds a load threshold. In some embodiments, the instruction is further configured to cause the processor to instruct an antenna to use single-user digital beamforming for the connection between the first user device and the network, in response to a determination that the load on the network does not exceed a load threshold. In some embodiments, the instruction is further configured to cause the processor to determine, in response to a determination that the load on the network exceeds a load threshold, whether the correlation between a first user device and a second user device connected to the network exceeds a correlation threshold. In some embodiments, the instruction is further configured to cause an antenna to instruct an antenna to use multi-user digital beamforming for the connection between the first user device and the network, in response to a determination that the correlation between a first user device and a second user device exceeds a correlation threshold.

[0058] The above outlines the features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the aspects of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure can be readily used as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures to perform the same purposes and / or achieve the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that such equivalent configurations will not depart from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A beamforming method, To collect data related to the connection between the first user device and the network, Based on the aforementioned data, determine whether it is appropriate to use digital beamforming for the connection between the first user device and the network, In response to the determination that the first user device is unsuitable for digital beamforming, it is determined whether the movement speed of the first user device exceeds a first threshold, This includes using broad beam beamforming for the connection between the first user device and the network in response to a determination that the first user device is moving faster than the first threshold, A method wherein the width of the signal beam using the digital beamforming method is narrower than the width of the signal beam using the broad-beam beamforming method.

2. The further includes using single-sideband (SSB) beamforming for the connection between the first user device and the network in response to a determination that the first user device is not moving faster than the first threshold, The method according to claim 1, wherein the width of the signal beam using the single-sideband (SSB) beamforming is wider than the width of the signal beam using the digital beamforming and narrower than the width of the signal beam using the broad-beam beamforming.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising determining whether the load on the network exceeds a load threshold in response to the determination that the first user device is eligible for digital beamforming.

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising using single-user digital beamforming for the connection between the first user device and the network in response to a determination that the load on the network does not exceed the load threshold.

5. In response to the determination that the load on the network exceeds the load threshold, the method further includes determining whether the correlation between the first user device and the second user device connected to the network exceeds a correlation threshold. The method according to claim 3, wherein the correlation between the first user device and the second user device is the similarity of signals used to connect the first user device and the second user device to the network.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising using multi-user digital beamforming for the connection between the first user device and the network in response to a determination that the correlation between the first user device and the second user device exceeds the correlation threshold.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising determining whether a second user device connected to the network is eligible for digital beamforming, independently of determining whether the first user device is eligible for digital beamforming.

8. A system for beamforming, A non-temporary computer-readable medium configured to store instructions, The system comprises a processor connected to the non-temporary computer-readable medium, wherein the processor is configured to execute instructions, and the instructions are, The system receives data related to the connection between the first user device and the network. Based on the aforementioned data, it is determined whether it is appropriate to use digital beamforming for the connection between the first user device and the network. In response to the determination that the first user device is unsuitable for digital beamforming, it is determined whether the movement speed of the first user device exceeds a first threshold. In response to the determination that the first user device is moving faster than the first threshold, a broadbeam beam is transmitted to the connection between the first user device and the network. An instruction to instruct an antenna in the network to use forming, A system in which the width of the signal beam using the aforementioned digital beamforming is narrower than the width of the signal beam using the aforementioned broad-beam beamforming.

9. The processor is further configured to execute the instruction to instruct the antenna to use single-sideband (SSB) beamforming for the connection between the first user device and the network, in response to a determination that the first user device is not moving faster than the first threshold. The system according to claim 8, wherein the width of the signal beam using the single-sideband (SSB) beamforming is wider than the width of the signal beam using the digital beamforming and narrower than the width of the signal beam using the broad-beam beamforming.

10. The system according to claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instruction for determining whether the load on the network exceeds a load threshold in response to a determination that the first user device is eligible for digital beamforming.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instruction to instruct the antenna to use single-user digital beamforming for the connection between the first user device and the network, in response to a determination that the load on the network does not exceed the load threshold.

12. The processor is further configured to execute the instruction for determining whether the correlation between the first user device and the second user device connected to the network exceeds a correlation threshold, in response to a determination that the load on the network exceeds the load threshold. The system according to claim 10, wherein the correlation between the first user device and the second user device is the similarity of the signals used to connect the first user device and the second user device to the network.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instruction to instruct the antenna to use multi-user digital beamforming for the connection between the first user device and the network, in response to a determination that the correlation between the first user device and the second user device exceeds the correlation threshold.

14. The system according to claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to execute instructions for determining whether a second user device connected to the network is eligible for digital beamforming, independently of determining whether the first user device is eligible for digital beamforming.

15. A non-temporary computer-readable medium configured to store instructions, The above instruction is sent to the processor, To receive data related to the connection between the first user device and the network, Based on the aforementioned data, determine whether it is appropriate to use digital beamforming for the connection between the first user device and the network. In response to the determination that the first user device is unsuitable for digital beamforming, the system determines whether the movement speed of the first user device exceeds a first threshold. A command to instruct an antenna in the network to use broadbeam beamforming for the connection between the first user device and the network, in response to a determination that the first user device is moving faster than the first threshold, A non-temporary computer-readable medium in which the width of the signal beam using the aforementioned digital beamforming is narrower than the width of the signal beam using the aforementioned broad-beam beamforming.

16. The instruction instructs the processor to use single-sideband (SSB) beamforming for the connection between the first user device and the network in response to a determination that the first user device is not moving faster than the first threshold. Further configured to direct the antenna, The non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 15, wherein the width of the signal beam using the single-sideband (SSB) beamforming is wider than the width of the signal beam using the digital beamforming and narrower than the width of the signal beam using the broad-beam beamforming.

17. The non-transient computer-readable medium according to claim 15, further configured to cause the processor to determine whether the load on the network exceeds a load threshold in response to a determination that the first user device is eligible for digital beamforming.

18. The non-transient computer-readable medium according to claim 17, further configured to cause the processor to instruct the antenna to use single-user digital beamforming for the connection between the first user device and the network in response to a determination that the load on the network does not exceed the load threshold.

19. The instruction is further configured to cause the processor to determine, in response to a determination that the load on the network exceeds the load threshold, whether the correlation between the first user device and the second user device connected to the network exceeds a correlation threshold. The non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 17, wherein the correlation between the first user device and the second user device is the similarity of signals used by the first user device and the second user device to connect to the network.

20. The non-transient computer-readable medium according to claim 19, wherein the instruction is further configured to cause the processor to instruct the antenna to use multi-user digital beamforming for the connection between the first user device and the network in response to a determination that the correlation between the first user device and the second user device exceeds the correlation threshold.

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