Distance Estimation Using Training Signals in Millimeter Wave Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating distance between millimeter wave RF devices are sensitive to changes in transmitter and receiver gain, require calibration, and involve cooperation between devices, making them impractical for efficient wireless communication in the 60GHz band.
Innovation Solution
The use of training signals during a beamforming process, where phased array antennas transmit signals in various directions, allowing the receiving device to estimate distance based on signal power and geometric principles, minimizing the need for calibration and cooperation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current methods for estimating distance are used, then distance estimation can be performed, but the methods are sensitive to changes in transmitter and receiver gain and require calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces training signals as an intermediary element that mediates between the transmitter and receiver to enable distance estimation. These training signals are specifically designed sequences transmitted by the first device and received by the second device, allowing distance calculation through correlation processing without requiring direct gain calibration between devices. The training signals serve as a reference that eliminates the need for complex calibration procedures while maintaining estimation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses training signals that are known copies of specific sequences transmitted by the first device. The second device receives these known sequences and performs correlation processing to estimate distance. By using known copies of the transmitted signals, the system can accurately determine distance without being sensitive to gain changes, as the correlation process inherently normalizes the signal amplitude.
2Measurement precision
If current methods for estimating distance are used, then distance estimation can be performed, but cooperation between devices is required
Solution Approach 1:
The training signals act as an intermediary that enables unidirectional distance estimation. The first device transmits training signals and the second device processes them to estimate distance, with the results fed back to the first device. This intermediary mechanism allows distance estimation without requiring continuous cooperation or coordination between devices, as the second device can independently process the received training signals and provide feedback.
3Measurement precision
If training signals are used during beamforming process, then distance estimation accuracy is improved and calibration requirements are reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The training signals serve multiple functions simultaneously: they enable beamforming for directional communication and provide the basis for distance estimation. By designing the training signals with specific properties (known sequences with good autocorrelation), the system achieves both beamforming capability and accurate distance estimation without requiring separate calibration procedures or additional signal exchanges, thus reducing overall system complexity despite the multi-functional requirement.
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 approach enables accurate distance estimation with reduced calibration and cooperation requirements, improving the efficiency and reliability of wireless communication in the 60GHz band by using training signals to determine the optimal antenna configuration for communication.
Implementation Method 1
phased array antennas transmit signals in various directions, allowing the receiving device to estimate distance based on signal power and geometric principles
Data Source
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AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to techniques and apparatus for estimating a distance between a first and second apparatus. For example, the first apparatus may obtain a plurality of training signals received in a plurality of directions from a second apparatus and estimate, based on the plurality of training signals, a distance between the first apparatus and the second apparatus. In certain aspects, the distance may be estimated based on a ratio of receive powers of first and second training signals of the plurality of training signals.