Digital Compass for mmWave Initial Beam Access

The patent applies preliminary action by having mobile stations broadcast beacon signals containing directional information before the actual beam alignment process. Existing MSs pre-compute and share their beam direction data with incoming MSs, allowing the newcomer to directly adjust its beam without performing exhaustive measurements. This pre-sharing of directional information dramatically reduces the time required for initial access while maintaining reliable beam alignment.

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where existing mobile stations act as mediators between the base station and incoming mobile stations. Instead of the incoming MS directly performing complex measurements with the BS, it first receives pre-computed directional information from existing MSs that have already established optimal beams. This intermediary data transfer simplifies the computational burden on the incoming device while maintaining measurement precision through the use of established beam directions.

The patent applies partial action by having incoming mobile stations perform only limited beam adjustments based on received beacon information rather than conducting exhaustive beam searches. The MS uses the directional data from beacons to make partial corrections to its beam direction, sufficient to achieve adequate alignment without the need for complete re-measurement. This partial adjustment approach maintains received power levels while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to full beamforming procedures.