Beam Direction Search Segmentation for Millimeter Wave Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In IEEE 802.11ad millimeter wave systems, beamforming protocols face challenges in tracking changes in communication environments, leading to degraded data transmission and reception performance when devices move or change direction, due to the difficulty in rapidly adjusting beamforming directions with small beam widths.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device equipped with sensors and processors that perform initial and secondary direction searches to determine the optimal beamforming direction based on communication state and sensor information, allowing for adaptive beam width selection and rapid beamforming direction adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a beam tracking protocol with small beam width is used to maintain directional precision, then transmission efficiency is improved, but the ability to rapidly track direction changes is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam direction search into two distinct phases: a first direction search covering a wide angular range with larger beam width, and a second direction search covering a narrow angular range with smaller beam width. This segmentation allows the system to first rapidly locate the general direction of the external device, then precisely refine the beam direction, thereby resolving the contradiction between tracking speed and direction precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the beam width based on the search phase. During the first direction search, a larger beam width is used to cover a wider angular range for faster initial acquisition. During the second direction search, the beam width is reduced to achieve precise directional tracking. This dynamic adjustment of beam width allows the system to optimize performance for each specific operational stage.
2Measurement precision
If a small beam width is used for precise directional transmission, then transmission efficiency is improved, but adaptability to device movement is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a preliminary first direction search using a larger beam width to anticipate and cover potential direction changes before they occur. This preliminary action establishes a wide search range that accommodates device movement, after which a second direction search refines the precise direction. This two-stage approach allows the system to maintain adaptability to movement while achieving precise beam direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two beam width configurations based on operational needs. The larger beam width in the first search provides adaptability to direction changes and device movement, while the smaller beam width in the second search achieves precise directional transmission. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between precision and versatility.
3Reliability
If beamforming direction is frequently adjusted to track device movement, then communication stability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam tracking system into two distinct operational modes with different beam widths and search ranges. This segmentation simplifies the overall system design by providing clear, discrete procedures for different scenarios, rather than requiring a single complex adaptive system. The first direction search handles broad directional changes, while the second direction search handles precise tracking, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining communication stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the beam width parameter based on the operational phase. By switching between a larger beam width for initial acquisition and a smaller beam width for refined tracking, the system maintains communication stability without requiring continuously complex adjustments. This parameter change approach simplifies the control logic compared to continuously adaptive beamforming systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic device for controlling communications. The electronic device may comprise: a housing including a first side and a second side facing the first side; a touch screen display exposed through the first side; a wireless communication unit for generating a directional beam in order to establish a wireless communication channel with an external electronic device; a sensor mounted in the housing; at least one processor mounted in the housing and electrically coupled to the display, the wireless communication unit and the sensor; and a memory mounted in the housing and electrically coupled to the at least one processor. The memory according to the various embodiments of the present invention is, when executed, characterized in that the processor is configured to: perform a first direction search for determining the direction of the directional beam corresponding to a first section, wherein the first section falls within a range corresponding to the direction of the electronic device; detect a change in direction of the electronic device by using the wireless communication unit and the sensor; and in response to the change of direction, perform, at least partially, a second direction search corresponding to a second section on the basis of the detected direction change, wherein the second section falls within a range corresponding to the changed direction of the electronic device, and the second section has a smaller range than that of the first section. Other embodiments are possible.