Beam Selection in Wireless Systems Reducing Overhead

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication systems face increased beamforming overhead and interference due to the use of narrow beams for data transmission, which leads to inefficiencies in transmitting sync signals, common control signals, and training signals, especially when multi-path fading occurs.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a method to reduce beamforming overhead and interference by selectively using vertical and horizontal beams for transmitting sync signals, common control signals, and training signals, optimizing beam patterns to minimize interference and overhead through controlled beam selection and phase shifting in antenna arrays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If narrow beams are used to transmit data signals to increase antenna gain, then transmission rate is improved, but beamforming overhead increases due to repeated transmission of sync and common control signals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission rateVSAvoidbeamforming overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the beamforming process by using wide beams specifically for transmitting sync and common control signals, while using narrow beams for data transmission. This segmentation allows different beam widths to be used for different signal types, reducing the overhead of repeated transmissions for control signals while maintaining high data transmission rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of time

If wide beams are used to transmit sync and common control signals to reduce overhead, then beamforming overhead is reduced, but inter-signal interference increases due to multi-path fading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeamforming overheadVSAvoidinter-signal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using wide beams only in specific spatial regions and for specific signal types (sync and common control signals), while using narrow beams for data transmission. This localized application of wide beams reduces overhead without causing widespread interference, as the wide beam coverage is confined to areas where control signals are needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Power

If narrow beams are used for data transmission, then antenna gain is increased, but signal interference occurs due to multi-path fading when beams are changed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna gainVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by transmitting wide beams for sync and common control signals before narrow beam data transmission. This preliminary transmission establishes a foundation that reduces the need for frequent beam changes during data transmission, thereby reducing signal interference caused by beam switching while maintaining high antenna gain for data signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If multiple narrow beams are used simultaneously to communicate with multiple mobile stations, then transmission rate is increased, but signal interference occurs due to multi-path fading from other mobile stations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission rateVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces another dimension by using wide beams in the spatial dimension for control signals while maintaining narrow beams for data transmission. This dimensional differentiation allows multiple narrow beams to operate simultaneously for different mobile stations without causing interference, as the wide beam control signals provide a structured framework that manages the spatial distribution of narrow beams.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 the number of times sync and common control signals need to be transmitted, decreases interference caused by beam changes, and minimizes simultaneous beam usage, thereby enhancing transmission efficiency and reducing multi-path fading effects.

Implementation Method 1

The beamforming technique refers to a series of techniques that can improve transmission/reception (TX/RX) performance by using high-gain antennas. When the beamforming technique is used, a wireless communication system should reduce the width of an antenna beam in order to increase an antenna gain.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase shifting:

Implementation Method 2

The beamforming technique refers to a series of techniques that can improve transmission/reception (TX/RX) performance by using high-gain antennas.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeamforming:

Implementation Method 3

an inter-signal interference increases due to multi-path fading

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMulti-path fading: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2748941B1Apparatus and method for selecting beam in wireless communication system

Publication Date: 2020.01.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

An apparatus and a method for selecting a beam in a wireless communication system capable of forming a plurality of antenna beams are provided. The method for transmitting signals includes transmitting a training signal by using a plurality of first beams and a plurality of second beams, and transmitting at least one of user control information and data by using at least one fourth beam among a plurality of third beams.