Beamforming Signal Direction Feedback for Millimeter-Wave Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

In mobile communication systems using millimeter waves, the high straight traveling property of these waves leads to significant attenuation when shielded by obstacles, making it difficult for users to maintain sufficient radio wave strength, particularly due to changes in position or posture, necessitating a technology to effectively feed back the presence of wireless signals to users.

Innovation Solution

The proposed technology involves a terminal apparatus equipped with multiple antenna apparatuses that form directional beams using beam forming, allowing the estimation of incoming wireless signal directions and providing user feedback through display or acoustic outputs, guiding the user on optimal antenna alignment to maintain signal reception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If millimeter waves are used for communication, then communication capacity and speed are improved, but signal attenuation increases when shielded by obstacles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidsignal attenuation
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic beam direction adjustment by detecting the direction of incoming millimeter waves and automatically adjusting the antenna beam direction to track the signal source. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal signal reception despite user movement or changing environmental conditions, resolving the contradiction between using high-speed millimeter wave communication and dealing with signal attenuation from obstacles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms by detecting the direction of incoming signals and using this information to adjust the antenna beam direction. The system continuously monitors signal quality and user position, then adjusts beam forming parameters in real-time to maintain optimal communication, thereby compensating for signal attenuation caused by obstacles and user movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If beam forming is used to improve antenna gain, then signal reception is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal receptionVSAvoidantenna system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the terminal device to automatically detect the direction of incoming millimeter waves and autonomously adjust its own antenna beam direction without requiring external assistance or complex manual configuration. The device uses its own signal reception capabilities to guide its beam forming adjustments, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable signal reception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of beam direction dynamically based on detected signal direction and user position. By adjusting the beam direction parameter in response to changing conditions rather than using a fixed complex antenna system, the patent achieves reliable signal reception with reduced device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the user moves or changes posture, then communication adaptability is improved, but signal reception stability deteriorates due to shielding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication adaptabilityVSAvoidsignal reception stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamic beam tracking to follow the user's movement and posture changes. By continuously detecting the direction of incoming signals and adjusting the antenna beam direction accordingly, the system adapts to user movement while maintaining stable signal reception, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by proactively adjusting the antenna beam direction based on detected signal direction before complete signal loss occurs. The system anticipates potential shielding issues by continuously tracking signal direction and preemptively adjusting beam orientation to maintain stable reception during user movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution enables users to identify and adjust for optimal wireless signal reception, improving communication reliability by providing real-time feedback on signal direction and antenna alignment, even in environments with significant signal attenuation.

Implementation Method 1

a technology referred to as what is called beam forming is used in some cases. Specifically, it becomes possible to improve an antenna gain by controlling an antenna beam width through the beam forming and improving a beam directivity.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBeam forming:

Data Source

PatentEP3920515B1Communication device, information processing device, and information processing method
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3920515B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3920515B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3920515B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Object] To make it possible to feed back the presence of a wireless signal in a more preferred manner. [Solving Means] An information processing apparatus including a communication apparatus includes one or more communication sections, an estimation section, and an output control section is provided. The one or more communication sections each communicate with other communication apparatuses via a wireless communication channel. The estimation section estimates, on the basis of reception results of a wireless signal by at least some of the one or more communication sections, an incoming direction of the wireless signal. The output control section exercises control in such a manner that notification information according to an estimation result of the incoming direction is presented via an output section.