Beam Switch Message System for Wireless Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently switching between beam pairs due to synchronization issues, leading to potential beam misalignment and reduced performance, especially in multi-beam implementations where devices may move out of coverage areas.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a beam switch message (BSM) system that includes commands for switching between beam pairs, with a response message confirming the switch, allowing devices to switch between multiple beams efficiently and recover from communication failures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If beam switching is implemented without coordinated confirmation, then beam switching speed is improved, but beam misalignment occurs reducing communication reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam switching speedVSAvoidbeam alignment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the receiving device sends a response message to confirm successful beam switching. The transmitting device monitors for this response and can detect misalignment conditions, enabling coordinated beam switching while maintaining alignment accuracy through confirmation feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a beam switch message that is transmitted before the actual beam switching occurs. This preliminary action allows both devices to prepare for the switch in advance, coordinate their timing, and execute the switch simultaneously, preventing misalignment while maintaining fast switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Area of stationary object

If multiple beam pairs are used to cover wider area, then coverage area is improved, but synchronization complexity increases making coordinated switching difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidsynchronization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal beam switch message format that can carry instructions for switching between any beam pairs. This single message structure handles multiple beam pairs and switching scenarios, reducing the need for separate synchronization mechanisms for each beam pair and simplifying the overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The beam switch message acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the transmitting and receiving devices. It carries the necessary information about target beam pairs and switching timing, enabling synchronized switching across multiple beams without requiring complex direct synchronization between all beam components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If beam switching is performed without confirmation monitoring, then communication efficiency is improved, but beam misalignment detection is delayed reducing performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidbeam misalignment detection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the receiving device sends a response message to confirm successful beam switching. The transmitting device monitors for this response and can detect misalignment conditions, enabling coordinated beam switching while maintaining alignment accuracy through confirmation feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent monitors for response messages selectively - only for beam switch messages that require confirmation. This partial monitoring approach maintains communication efficiency for normal operations while enabling timely detection of misalignment when beam switching occurs, balancing productivity and response time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3513505B1Beam switching
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3513505B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3513505B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP3513505B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Apparatuses and methods of beam switching are presented. A beam switch message (BSM) is transmitted to a second device via a first beam set. The BSM includes a command to switch from communication via the first beam set to communication via a second beam set at a switch time. A response message is received from the second device via the first beam set. The response message indicates that the second device received the BSM. A communication is sent to the second device via the second beam set after the switch time if the response message is received.