Beam Tracking via Peripheral Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cellular communication systems that support beamforming, terminals face increased power consumption due to continuous beam tracking across multiple beams, which affects communication efficiency when obstacles are present.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for a terminal to detect obstacles at its periphery and perform beam tracking using beams formed in directions other than the obstructed ones, utilizing sensors and a controller to manage and correlate obstacle detection with beamforming units, thereby reducing power consumption and improving communication efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the terminal continuously performs beam tracking using an entire transmitting and receiving beam, then the optimal beam can be selected for communication, but the power consumption according to beam tracking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing beam tracking only in non-obstructed directions rather than continuously scanning all beams. The obstacle detection unit identifies blocked directions, and the beam tracking is performed only in directions where no obstacle is detected, reducing the overall tracking workload while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The obstacle detection unit performs preliminary detection of obstacles before beam tracking is executed. By detecting obstacles in advance and identifying blocked directions, the system can avoid performing beam tracking in directions where obstacles are present, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption while ensuring reliable communication paths are maintained.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the terminal performs beam tracking across all directions, then complete beam coverage is maintained, but communication efficiency decreases when obstacles are present
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs beam tracking only in necessary directions (non-obstructed directions) rather than all possible directions. The obstacle detection unit identifies blocked directions, and beam tracking is selectively performed only in directions where communication paths are clear, improving communication efficiency while maintaining adequate beam coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by adjusting beam tracking behavior based on local obstacle conditions. Different directions are treated differently: directions with obstacles exclude beam tracking, while directions without obstacles perform normal beam tracking. This localized approach optimizes communication efficiency in clear paths while avoiding wasted operations in obstructed paths.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of a terminal that forms beams and a device for performing beam tracking in a communication system that supports beamforming are provided. The method includes detecting, by the terminal, an object located at a periphery of the terminal and performing beam tracking through beams formed by the terminal, except for a beam that is formed in a direction in which the detected object is located.