Channel Estimation Signals Using Precoding Diversity in WLAN Packets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for channel estimation in wireless local area network (WLAN) are inefficient in terms of resource utilization and/or resource utilization.

Innovation Solution

The method comprises configuring the transmitter to use different precoding settings for at least two of the plurality of measurement signals for channel estimation, including configuring the transmitter to use different precoding settings for at least two of the plurality of measurement signals for channel estimation, and transmitting the physical layer packet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional channel estimation methods using LTFs are used, then channel estimation can be performed, but resource utilization is inefficient and achievable resolution is lower than desired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing resolutionVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes data payloads serve dual purposes: they carry information data while simultaneously functioning as measurement signals for channel estimation and sensing. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated measurement signals, improving resource utilization efficiency while enabling high-resolution sensing through the accumulated measurements from multiple data payloads.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of measurement signal diversity by using multiple data payloads with different precoding settings instead of traditional LTF-based methods. This parameter change enables higher sensing resolution through multiple measurements while improving resource efficiency by reusing existing data transmission resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple measurement signals are provided for high-resolution sensing, then sensing resolution improves, but resource utilization becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing resolutionVSAvoidnumber of measurement signals
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Each data payload serves multiple functions: data transmission and channel measurement. By accumulating measurements from multiple data payloads, the system achieves high-resolution sensing without needing separate dedicated measurement signals, thus reducing the total quantity of measurement signals required.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the data transmission function with the measurement function by using data payloads as measurement signals. This consolidation reduces the number of separate measurement signals needed while maintaining high sensing resolution through accumulated measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If dedicated measurement signals are transmitted separately, then channel estimation accuracy improves, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel estimation accuracyVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Data payloads are designed to serve dual purposes: carrying information data and providing reliable channel estimation measurements. The use of multiple data payloads with different precoding settings ensures accurate channel estimation while improving resource utilization by eliminating separate dedicated measurement signal transmissions.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4179635B1Measurement signals for sensing
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP4179635B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4179635B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7

AI summary

A method is disclosed of a transmitter configured to transmit a physical layer packet comprising a plurality of measurement signals for channel estimation. The method comprises configuring the transmitter to use different precoding settings for at least two of the plurality of measurement signals for channel estimation, and transmitting the physical layer packet. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of measurement signals for channel estimation occurs outside of a preamble of the physical layer packet (e.g., in a midamble). A method of a corresponding receiver is also disclosed. The method comprises receiving the physical layer packet comprising a plurality of measurement signals for channel estimation, wherein different precoding settings are used for at least two of the plurality of measurement signals for channel estimation, and performing channel estimation based on the measurement signals for channel estimation.