mmWave Beamforming Adaptation for Accessory-Affected UE Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of accessories on user equipment (UEs) such as phone cases can affect millimeter wave (mmW) communications by altering signal coverage patterns, leading to unpredictable performance gains or losses due to variations in material properties like dielectric constant and loss tangent, making it difficult for UEs to adjust beamforming codebooks effectively.
Innovation Solution
UEs transmit information about installed accessories to a network entity, including properties like dielectric constant and loss tangent, allowing the UE or network entity to adjust beamforming codebooks, reconfigure beam weights, and suggest improvements to enhance mmW communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If accessories are installed on UE for cosmetic or practical use cases, then the appearance or protection of UE is improved, but the signal coverage pattern of mmW communications is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of accessory installation status and characteristics before mmW communication occurs. The UE detects whether an accessory is installed and communicates this information to the network entity, allowing proactive adjustment of beamforming parameters to compensate for the accessory's impact on signal coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The network entity changes beamforming parameters (beam weights, codebook selection) based on the detected accessory characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the system compensates for the signal blockage or reflection effects caused by the accessory materials, thereby maintaining communication reliability despite the physical obstruction
2Adaptability or versatility
If accessories with varying material properties are installed on UE, then the functionality or appearance of UE is enhanced, but the predictability of mmW communication performance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by having the UE communicate accessory installation status and characteristics to the network entity. The network entity uses this feedback information to adjust beamforming parameters, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to the specific accessory materials present, thereby restoring performance predictability
Solution Approach 2:
The UE performs self-detection of accessory installation status and self-reporting of this information to the network entity. This self-service mechanism allows the system to automatically adapt to accessory variations without requiring manual intervention or external calibration
3Device complexity
If traditional beamforming codebooks are used without accessory information, then the system complexity is reduced, but the communication quality in presence of accessories is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of accessory installation status and characteristics before mmW communication occurs. The UE detects whether an accessory is installed and communicates this information to the network entity, allowing proactive adjustment of beamforming parameters to compensate for the accessory's impact on signal coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The network entity changes beamforming parameters (beam weights, codebook selection) based on the detected accessory characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the system compensates for the signal blockage or reflection effects caused by the accessory materials, thereby maintaining communication reliability despite the physical obstruction
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. Information related to an accessory installable on the UE may be transmitted to a network entity. The installation of the accessory on the UE may be associated with an effect on a signal coverage pattern of the UE. Based on transmitting the information, communications between the UE and network entity may be performed in accordance with a set of parameters that are based on the effect of the accessory on the signal coverage pattern of the UE.