LOS Map for mmWave Relay Path Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mmWave communication systems, achieving a reliable Line-of-Sight (LOS) connection between communication devices is challenging due to high attenuation and interference from obstacles and atmospheric effects, leading to non-LOS conditions that result in substantial loss of received power.
Innovation Solution
The generation and use of a LOS map to inform communication devices about the presence of relay systems, allowing for the establishment of an improved LOS connection between devices that would otherwise be in a non-LOS condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If higher frequency bands (mmWave) are used for communication, then data transmission rate and spectrum efficiency are improved, but path loss and signal attenuation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a LOS map as an intermediary information structure that mediates between mmWave communication devices and the environment. The LOS map contains pre-computed visibility and path loss information that helps devices select optimal communication paths without directly experiencing the full impact of mmWave attenuation, thus enabling high-rate communication while mitigating path loss effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary computation of LOS conditions and path loss values before actual communication occurs. By pre-computing the LOS map based on device positions and environmental data, the system prepares communication paths in advance, allowing devices to switch to pre-identified reliable paths when signal degradation is detected, thus maintaining high data rates while compensating for path loss.
2Measurement precision
If direct LOS connection is required for mmWave communication, then signal quality is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates in non-LOS conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter representation from binary LOS/NLOS states to continuous path loss values and visibility probabilities in the LOS map. This allows the system to quantify signal quality degradation gradually and switch between direct LOS connections and relay paths based on computed parameters, maintaining communication reliability while adapting signal quality requirements to actual environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The LOS map acts as an intermediary that provides relay device recommendations when direct LOS connections are unavailable. Instead of forcing direct LOS connections that may not exist, the system uses the LOS map to identify intermediate relay devices that can establish reliable multi-hop connections, thus maintaining communication reliability without requiring impossible direct LOS links.
3Area of stationary object
If relay systems are introduced to overcome non-LOS conditions, then communication coverage is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial relay functionality by only activating relay modes when the LOS map indicates non-LOS conditions. The system computes full relay paths but only executes them when necessary, keeping the system simple in LOS conditions and expanding complexity only when needed to extend coverage, thus improving communication coverage while minimizing unnecessary system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The LOS map enables relay devices to self-select based on pre-computed visibility information. Instead of requiring complex centralized control to manage relay assignments, devices autonomously query the LOS map and select appropriate relay partners based on their positions and the map's visibility data, reducing control system complexity while maintaining extended coverage capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments relate to a method (100) for a first communication device for line-of-sight communication, in a communication system comprising at least a second communication device. The method (100) comprises obtaining (110) positions of a plurality of communication devices in an environment of the first communication device and obtaining (120) information about the environment of the first communication device. Further, the method (100) comprises generating (130) a line-of-sight map using the positions of the plurality of communication devices and the information about the environment.