Beam Selection Using Wide Beam Scanning in 5G mmWave Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G mmWave bands, determining optimal beam patterns for beamforming is time-consuming due to the large number of possible transmission and reception beam patterns, leading to inefficiencies in data transmission rates and propagation distances.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device employs a method to adaptively select beams by forming a wide beam using multiple antennas and determining transmission and reception beam patterns based on received signal strengths, reducing the time required for beam pattern determination through the use of a processor that controls antenna activation and phase settings to optimize beamforming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If beamforming technology is applied with multiple transmission and reception beam patterns, then data transmission rate is improved, but the time required to determine optimal beam patterns increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidtime required to determine beam patterns
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device performs preliminary beam pattern determination by receiving synchronization signals from the base station and identifying optimal transmission and reception beam patterns before actual data transmission begins. This preliminary action allows the device to pre-configure beamforming parameters, reducing the time required during active data transmission while maintaining high data rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts beam patterns based on real-time channel conditions and signal strength measurements. The electronic device continuously monitors synchronization signals and adjusts beamforming parameters adaptively, allowing it to maintain optimal performance without requiring exhaustive evaluation of all possible beam patterns, thus reducing determination time while preserving high transmission rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple beam patterns are evaluated to ensure optimal signal reception, then reliability of communication is improved, but the complexity of the beam selection process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal reception reliabilityVSAvoidbeam selection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device employs feedback mechanisms by measuring received signal strengths of synchronization signals from the base station and using this information to determine optimal beam patterns. The device continuously monitors signal quality and adjusts beamforming parameters based on measured performance, ensuring reliable communication while simplifying the selection process through data-driven decision-making rather than exhaustive evaluation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-configuration by automatically determining optimal transmission and reception beam patterns through autonomous measurement and evaluation of synchronization signals. The electronic device independently identifies the best beam combinations without requiring complex external coordination or manual configuration, thereby improving reliability while reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If comprehensive beam pattern determination is performed considering all transmission and reception beams, then accuracy of beam selection is improved, but the time consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam selection accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption for beam determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device performs beam pattern determination as a preliminary step by evaluating synchronization signals before actual data transmission. This timing allows comprehensive measurement of signal strengths across different beam patterns without impacting data transmission time, achieving high selection accuracy while minimizing overall time consumption through proper scheduling of the determination process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3793098B1Method of selecting beam and electronic device thereof
Publication Date: 2024.11.27 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3793098B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3793098B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3793098B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for selecting a beam in an electronic device. An electronic device includes: a plurality of antennas configured to form beams in different directions; and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: control the plurality of antennas to form a wide beam, determine a transmission beam pattern of a transmitting side through the wide beam, control the plurality of antennas to form a reception beam, and determine a reception beam pattern to be used for receiving a signal from the transmitting side.