Beam Configuration Determination via Spatial Propagation Characteristics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beamforming techniques for wireless communication at high frequencies face challenges with limited accuracy and high energy consumption due to omnidirectional reception and time-consuming beam sweeping, particularly in mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that determine a beam configuration based on spatial propagation characteristics of received messages, allowing for directed, beam-formed transmissions with reduced latency and energy consumption by selecting appropriate antenna configurations and weights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If omnidirectional receive beam configuration is used to ensure reception from arbitrary orientations, then reliability of message reception is improved, but measurement precision of spatial propagation characteristics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting device performs preliminary beamforming to send the first message along a determined propagation direction. This preliminary action establishes a known spatial reference that the receiving device can use to determine its beam configuration without needing to perform exhaustive omnidirectional scanning, thus improving measurement precision while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first message acts as an intermediary carrier that conveys spatial propagation characteristic information from the transmitting device to the receiving device. This intermediary mechanism allows the receiving device to acquire precise spatial information without directly performing measurements, resolving the contradiction between reliable reception and precise measurement.
2Reliability
If beam sweeping is performed by the receiving device to detect pilot signals from all directions, then reliability of beam configuration synchronization is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting device performs preliminary beamforming to transmit the first message along a determined propagation direction before the receiving device needs to synchronize its beam configuration. This preliminary action provides the receiving device with advance spatial information, eliminating the need for time-consuming beam sweeping while ensuring reliable synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving device skips the traditional beam sweeping process by directly determining its beam configuration based on spatial propagation characteristic information received in the first message. This allows the device to rush through the synchronization process quickly while maintaining reliability, significantly reducing time loss.
3Reliability
If beam sweeping is performed by the receiving device to cover entire surrounding, then reliability of detecting pilot signals is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting device performs preliminary beamforming to send spatial propagation characteristic information in the first message before the receiving device needs to detect pilot signals. This preliminary action provides the receiving device with advance spatial reference information, allowing it to detect signals reliably without performing energy-intensive beam sweeping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitting device serves the receiving device by providing spatial propagation characteristic information through the first message. This self-service mechanism allows the receiving device to acquire necessary spatial information without expending energy on exhaustive scanning, thus improving reliability while reducing energy consumption.
4Ease of operation
If conventional channel sounding approaches are used for beam configuration synchronization, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of time and use of energy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first message serves multiple functions: it carries data information and simultaneously conveys spatial propagation characteristic information for beam configuration synchronization. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain ease of operation while eliminating the need for separate, time-consuming synchronization procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the data transmission function and beam configuration synchronization function into a single process. The spatial propagation characteristic information is embedded in the first message that is already being transmitted for data communication, combining multiple operations into one efficient action that reduces time loss while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A first message is received, wherein the first message comprises information indicative of a spatial propagation characteristic of the first message. A beam configuration is determined based on the information. Then, a directed, beam-formed second message is transmitted using the beam configuration.