Beam Training via Idle Sector Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In millimeter-wave spectrum services, beamforming training is inefficient due to the need to wait for all sectors to be idle before transmitting, leading to resource wastage and prolonged waiting times, especially in high-frequency transmission scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A method where a transmit device performs clear channel assessment on all sectors, identifies idle sectors, and sends training signals in those sectors, using indicator bits to track sector status and completion, allowing for timely detection and utilization of idle sectors for beamforming training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transmit device waits for all sectors to be idle before performing beamforming training, then channel collision is avoided, but resource utilization decreases and waiting time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the channel assessment from an omnidirectional approach into sector-specific directional assessments. Instead of waiting for all sectors to be idle simultaneously, the transmit device performs clear channel assessment separately for each sector, allowing beamforming training to proceed in idle sectors while other sectors may be occupied. This segmentation enables parallel training operations across different spatial directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by allowing the beamforming training process to adjust based on real-time sector availability. The system dynamically selects which sectors to use for training based on their idle status, rather than following a rigid all-or-nothing approach. This dynamic behavior enables the system to exploit available resources as conditions change.
2Reliability
If the transmit device waits for all sectors to be idle before performing beamforming training, then transmission reliability is improved, but training time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the beamforming training process into sector-specific operations. Instead of requiring a single omnidirectional idle period for complete training, the system performs training separately in each sector that is currently idle. This segmentation allows training to proceed in multiple sectors simultaneously or sequentially without requiring all sectors to be idle at the same time, significantly reducing total training time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing beamforming training in only the sectors that are currently idle, rather than waiting for complete omnidirectional clearance. The system accepts that some sectors may be occupied and proceeds with training in the available sectors, achieving sufficient training coverage without the excessive waiting time required for total channel clearance.
3Measurement precision
If the transmit device performs clear channel assessment on all sectors, then sector status detection accuracy is improved, but assessment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clear channel assessment process into individual sector evaluations. Instead of a single complex omnidirectional assessment, the system performs simpler directional assessments for each sector separately. This segmentation reduces the complexity of each individual assessment while improving overall accuracy by providing detailed status information for each specific sector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the results of sector-specific clear channel assessments are used to dynamically determine subsequent training actions. The assessment results provide feedback about which sectors are idle and ready for training, allowing the system to adapt its behavior based on real-time channel conditions. This feedback loop improves detection accuracy by continuously monitoring and responding to sector status changes.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application discloses a beam training method, a communication device, a chip system, and a storage medium. The method includes: performing, by a transmit device, clear channel assessment on sectors corresponding to an antenna of the transmit device; and sending, by the transmit device in a sector whose result of clear channel assessment is idle, a training signal to a receive device, where the training signal is used to perform beamforming training on the antenna. With this solution, beamforming training efficiency can be improved and resource utilization can be increased.