Selective Beam Null-Forming for mmWave Self-Interference Mitigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in effectively mitigating interference due to self-interference and clutter interference, particularly in full duplex operations at mm wave frequencies, where conventional null-forming procedures rely on pre-configured configurations that are not adaptive to dynamic interference conditions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of selective null-forming procedures based on dynamic null-forming information, which can be determined by the wireless device's measurements or received from a network entity, allows for more precise and efficient null-forming by steering beams away from interference sources, including both receive and transmit null-forming procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If pre-configured null-forming configurations are used, then device complexity is reduced, but interference mitigation precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenull-forming configuration complexityVSAvoidinterference mitigation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic null-forming procedures where the wireless device determines null-forming procedure information based on current interference conditions rather than using static pre-configured settings. The device can dynamically select between receive null-forming, transmit null-forming, or joint procedures based on real-time measurements of self-interference and clutter interference, allowing the null-forming configuration to adapt to changing environmental conditions and maintain high precision without requiring exhaustive pre-configuring of all possible scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless device autonomously determines null-forming procedure information by performing measurements of interference conditions and selecting appropriate null-forming procedures without requiring network coordination or external configuration. The device uses its own measurements of self-interference and clutter interference to independently determine the most effective null-forming approach, reducing device complexity while maintaining precision through self-adaptive behavior

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If conventional null-forming procedures are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but interference mitigation effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidinterference mitigation effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enhances operational effectiveness by implementing dynamic selection between receive null-forming, transmit null-forming, and joint procedures based on real-time interference conditions. The wireless device automatically adapts the null-forming approach to match current operational needs, maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making while significantly improving interference mitigation effectiveness compared to fixed conventional procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of null-forming procedures by selecting different procedures (receive, transmit, or joint) and adjusting beam directions dynamically based on measured interference conditions. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain simple operation while achieving superior interference mitigation by optimizing the null-forming approach for each specific operational scenario

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If beam steering away from interference sources is implemented, then interference mitigation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference levelVSAvoidbeam steering complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic beam steering where the wireless device determines appropriate beam directions based on real-time measurements of self-interference and clutter interference sources. The device dynamically adjusts beam directions to steer away from identified interference sources, with the complexity managed through automated measurement and decision-making processes that adapt to changing environmental conditions without requiring complex manual configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4162621B1Selective null-forming on one or more beams based on null-forming procedure information
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4162621B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4162621B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4162621B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

In an aspect, a network device (e.g., BS, core network component, etc.) determines a self-interference measurement (SIM) configuration associated with null-forming at a wireless device (e.g., UE or BS), the null-forming associated with steering at least one receive beam of the wireless device and/or at least one transmit beam of the wireless device away from one or more external sources of self-interference. The network device transmits the SIM configuration to the wireless device. The wireless device performs at least one null-forming procedure in accordance with the SIM configuration.