mmWave Antenna Idle Channel Optimization via Beam Index Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mmWave systems lack efficient methods for optimizing antenna configurations in idle mode, leading to suboptimal downlink channel performance, which affects signal strength and coverage area.

Innovation Solution

An antenna system that includes a beam index scanner to scan downlink beams, providing data to an antenna technician device to adjust azimuth and tilt values, allowing for configuration changes to optimize the antenna array and improve downlink channel quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If antenna configurations are adjusted manually through trial and error, then some coverage area can be achieved, but signal strength and downlink channel performance remain suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedownlink channel performanceVSAvoidantenna configuration optimization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where beam index scanner data from the network edge is continuously monitored and fed back to the antenna system. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of antenna configurations (azimuth and tilt values) to optimize downlink channel performance, replacing manual trial-and-error methods with data-driven automated optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna system performs self-optimization by automatically adjusting its own configuration parameters based on beam index scanner data. The system configures the antenna array in different configurations autonomously to optimize the downlink channel, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention and technical expertise for routine optimization tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If beam index scanning is implemented to optimize idle channel, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and operational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam index scanner data accuracyVSAvoidantenna system operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary device (antenna technician device or network controller) that processes beam index scanner data and translates it into actionable antenna configuration adjustments. This intermediary layer simplifies operation by handling the complexity of data analysis and configuration translation, allowing the system to maintain high measurement precision while reducing operational burden on technicians.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11349552B2Millimeter wave idle channel optimization

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 AT&T MOBILITY II LLC

AI summary

Concepts and technologies disclosed herein are directed to millimeter wave (“mmWave”) idle channel optimization. According to one aspect disclosed herein, an antenna system can include an antenna array that is configured in a first antenna configuration. The antenna system can generate and send downlink beams directed towards a network edge. A beam index scanner operating at the network edge can scan the downlink beams to determine beam index scanner data for the first antenna configuration. The beam index scanner can send the bream index scanner data to an antenna technician device. The beam index scanner data can indicate that a downlink channel provided by the downlink beams is not optimized. The antenna system can configure the antenna array in a new antenna configuration in an attempt to optimize the downlink channel provided by the downlink beams.