Dynamic Beam Steering for Mobile Communication Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam steering techniques in mobile communication systems are limited by narrow cell coverage, requiring frequent cell reselection and handover events for moving user equipment, especially in higher frequency bands where directional antennas are necessary, and are not effectively adaptable for mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A method of generating directional transmission beams that move steadily along predetermined paths, such as roads or rail tracks, to extend coverage and reduce the need for cell reselection and handover events, using a Beam Forming Control Entity to adjust beam sweep speed based on expected motion and resource reuse without continuous feedback from mobile devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If directional beam forming techniques are used in higher frequency bands, then signal transmission quality is improved, but cell coverage area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering by continuously adjusting the direction of directional beams to track moving user equipment. The base station receives position information of UEs and dynamically changes beam directions to maintain optimal signal quality while the UE moves through the coverage area, thus resolving the contradiction between directional transmission quality and effective coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends coverage by utilizing multiple beams arranged in different spatial directions and layers. Instead of relying on a single omnidirectional beam, the system employs multiple directional beams covering different angular sectors, effectively expanding the total coverage area while maintaining high signal quality in each direction through three-dimensional beam spatial distribution.
2Reliability
If fixed directional beams are used, then signal concentration is improved, but coverage area is severely restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms fixed directional beams into dynamic steerable beams that can change direction in real-time. The base station adjusts beam directions based on UE position information, allowing the same high-gain directional beam to serve multiple different spatial locations sequentially, thereby maintaining signal concentration while effectively expanding coverage area.
3Area of stationary object
If flexible beam steering is implemented, then coverage area is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service beam steering where the base station autonomously determines optimal beam directions based on received UE position information. The network side automatically performs beam direction calculations and adjustments without requiring complex processing or feedback mechanisms at the UE end, thus extending coverage while keeping device complexity low.
4Reliability
If narrow beams are used for directional transmission, then signal reinforcement is improved, but handover frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam tracking that continuously follows moving UEs. As users move through the coverage area, the base station dynamically adjusts beam directions to maintain continuous signal reinforcement on the same narrow beams, eliminating the need for frequent handovers between different cells or beam groups that would otherwise be required with static beam configurations.
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 reduces the frequency of cell reselection and handover events, improves resource utilization, and enhances user experience by extending coverage and reducing energy consumption and signaling load, while allowing for efficient resource reuse and adaptive beam steering without constant device signaling.
Implementation Method 1
The relative phases of the respective signals feeding the distinct antenna elements forming an antenna array are set in such a way that the effective radiation pattern of the entire array is reinforced in a desired direction and - at the same time - suppressed in undesired directions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a method of operating a mobile communication transmission and reception point, the method comprising generating at least one directional transmission beam for transmitting signals to at least one user equipment device within a beam coverage, and changing a transmission direction of the at least one directional transmission beam in accordance with an expected motion of the at least one user equipment device, the transmission direction being changed dependent on a measure of a transmission beam handover rate. The reception orientation of a mobile communication transmission and reception point to receive directed uplink transmissions may be configured in a similar manner.