Beam Relay Direction Selection Using Time-Slot Signal Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless repeaters and reflectors relaying signals without decoding user data face challenges in specifying suitable beam directions for communication with terminal devices when capable of outputting signals in multiple directions, leading to insufficient area expansion and communication quality issues.
Innovation Solution
A relay device that relays communication between a base station and a terminal device, utilizing a control unit to control signal transmission in multiple directions based on timing and reception of predetermined signals from the terminal device, without decoding user data, and a selection unit to select the appropriate output direction for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a wireless repeater uses an omnidirectional antenna to relay signals, then the device complexity is reduced, but the gain is insufficient resulting in inadequate area expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single omnidirectional antenna into multiple directional antennas, each responsible for a specific beam direction. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both directional gain and comprehensive coverage by combining multiple directed beams rather than relying on a single omnidirectional antenna.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam switching where the relay device alternates between different directional beams in different time slots. The control unit dynamically selects which directional antenna to activate based on timing information, enabling the system to adaptively serve multiple directions without requiring all antennas to operate simultaneously.
2Area of stationary object
If a wireless repeater forms multiple beams to expand coverage area, then the area expansion effect is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple antennas and beam management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic beam switching where directional beams are activated in alternating time slots rather than simultaneously. Each beam is transmitted periodically with specific timing, allowing the relay device to serve multiple directions sequentially. This periodic approach reduces the complexity of simultaneous multi-beam management while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal device performs self-selection of the appropriate time slot and beam direction based on its location and reception quality. The control unit at the terminal autonomously determines which time slot provides the best signal quality and configures the terminal accordingly, reducing the control burden on the relay device and simplifying the overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If a reflector is used to reflect signals in specific directions, then the beam direction control is improved, but the adaptability to change reflection direction is reduced unless the physical orientation is changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic direction switching by electronically controlling which directional antenna is activated in each time slot, rather than physically reorienting a fixed reflector. The control unit dynamically selects the appropriate beam direction based on timing information, providing adaptability without mechanical movement. This allows the system to rapidly switch between directions while maintaining precise beam control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical orientation change of a physical reflector with electronic beam switching between multiple directional antennas. Instead of physically moving or reorienting a reflector structure, the system uses electronic control to activate different antenna elements, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic control while achieving the same directional adaptability.
4Device complexity
If a relay device does not decode user data to maintain simplicity, then the device complexity and processing load are reduced, but the ability to specify suitable beams for terminal communication is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces timing information as an intermediary that carries beam identification without requiring full data decoding. The timing slot in which a signal is received serves as the identifier for the corresponding beam direction. This intermediary mechanism allows the relay device to specify suitable beams while maintaining its simple non-decoding architecture, as the timing information provides sufficient beam identification without complex data processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A relay device relays a predetermined signal transmitted by a base station device through a predetermined beam by outputting the predetermined signal in a plurality of radio wave output directions without decoding user data, performs control such that the predetermined signal transmitted through the predetermined beam in a first time slot is relayed in a first direction among the plurality of radio wave output directions, and the predetermined signal transmitted through the predetermined beam in a second time slot is relayed in a second direction among the plurality of radio wave output directions, and selects an output direction, among the plurality of radio wave output directions, in which to output a radio wave in signal transmission between a terminal device and the relay device, based on a timing at which a second predetermined signal is received from the terminal device.