Adaptive Beam Sweeping for mmWave UE AN Search
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MMW wireless communication networks face challenges in efficient Access Node (AN) search due to high power consumption and increased delay, particularly in idle and connected states, as existing methods either result in low beamforming gain or high complexity in detecting beacon signals.
Innovation Solution
A method for User Equipment (UE) that adaptively selects a receiving time-spatial sweeping pattern based on its current state, minimizing power consumption and search time by utilizing a predetermined table of patterns with varying beamforming gains, searching times, and power consumptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If omni or quasi-omni sweeping is used for AN search, then the complexity of searching beacon signal is low, but the RX beamforming gain is rather low resulting in small beacon signal coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the receiving beam pattern adaptive rather than fixed. The UE dynamically switches between omni-directional and directional beam patterns based on whether it is in powering-up state or idle/connected state, allowing the system to optimize between coverage and complexity in different operational contexts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the beamforming parameter (beam pattern) based on the operational state. By adjusting the receiving beam pattern from omni-directional to directional depending on the UE state, the system achieves different trade-offs between coverage area and searching complexity to match current operational requirements
2Power
If RX beam sweeping with narrow beams is used for AN search, then the beamforming gain is maximized, but the complexity for beacon signal detection is much higher
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the beam pattern dynamic by switching between narrow directional beams and omni-directional patterns based on operational state. This allows the system to use high-gain narrow beams only when necessary (in idle/connected states) rather than continuously, reducing overall complexity while maintaining beamforming gain when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the beam pattern parameter according to the UE's operational state. By adjusting from narrow beams to omni-directional patterns based on whether the UE is powering up or in idle/connected state, the system optimizes the trade-off between beamforming gain and detection complexity for each operational context
3Area of stationary object
If narrow RX beams are used for beacon signal detection, then the coverage for beacon signal can be improved, but the power consumption of UE is increased and AN search delay is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the beam pattern adaptive to operational state. The system uses directional narrow beams only when the UE is in idle or connected states where coverage enhancement is beneficial, while using omni-directional patterns during powering-up state, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining improved coverage when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the beam pattern parameter based on operational state to optimize power consumption. By switching between narrow and omni-directional patterns according to whether the UE is powering up or in idle/connected state, the system achieves improved coverage only when it provides actual benefit, avoiding unnecessary power consumption
4Area of stationary object
If narrow RX beams are used for beacon signal detection, then the coverage for beacon signal can be improved, but the AN search delay is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the beam pattern dynamic by switching between narrow directional beams and omni-directional patterns based on operational state. This allows the system to use coverage-enhancing narrow beams only when the UE is in idle or connected states, rather than during powering-up state, thereby reducing AN search delay while maintaining improved coverage when actually needed
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces UE power consumption and AN search delay by dynamically selecting the most efficient sweeping pattern, ensuring larger control signaling coverage and minimizing the complexity of beacon signal detection.
Implementation Method 1
Beam-forming is a signal processing technique used for directional signal transmission or reception. This is achieved by combining antenna elements in a phased array in such a way that signals at particular angles experience constructive interference while others experience destructive interference.
Implementation Method 2
For an mm-wave link at 60 GHz, oxygen absorption loss can be as high as 16 dB/km.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method used in a UE for AN search and an associated UE. The method includes: determining an initial receiving time-spatial sweeping pattern based on a current state of the UE; and performing AN search by using the initial receiving time-spatial sweeping pattern.