Multi-band Wireless Device LoS Detection for mmWave Power Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Communication in the mmWave band faces challenges due to severe signal attenuation and reduced transparency caused by high frequency, leading to difficulties in maintaining effective wireless communication, especially when obstacles are present and line of sight (LoS) environments are not guaranteed.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device supporting multi-band wireless communication determines whether it is in an LoS environment using omnidirectional wireless communication methods and activates directional wireless communication only when sufficient received signal strength indication (RSSI) is ensured, reducing unnecessary power consumption and propagation path loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If directional wireless communication is activated in mmWave band, then data transfer rate is improved, but power consumption increases and communication reliability deteriorates in non-LoS environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer rateVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic activation of directional wireless communication based on LoS environment detection. The system transitions between omnidirectional and directional modes depending on whether LoS conditions are detected, allowing adaptive optimization of both data transfer rate and communication reliability for varying environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms through RSSI monitoring and LoS environment determination to control the activation state of directional wireless communication. The system continuously evaluates channel state information and adjusts its communication mode based on the detected environment, creating a closed-loop control system that balances performance and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of energy

If directional wireless communication is activated, then propagation path loss is reduced, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary activation in non-LoS environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepropagation path lossVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its communication mode by activating directional wireless communication only when LoS environments are detected. This dynamic adaptation ensures that the benefits of reduced propagation path loss are achieved only when necessary, while avoiding unnecessary power consumption in non-LoS conditions where directional communication would not be effective

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the wireless communication system by switching between omnidirectional and directional modes based on environmental conditions. This parameter change optimizes the balance between reducing propagation path loss and minimizing power consumption by activating directional mode only when LoS conditions are present

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3659263B1Electronic device supporting multi-band wireless communications and method of controlling same
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3659263B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3659263B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3659263B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Disclosed is an electronic device, including a housing, a first communication circuit disposed in the housing and configured to support omnidirectional wireless communication, a second communication circuit disposed in the housing and configured to support directional wireless communication using beamforming, a processor disposed in the housing and operatively coupled to the first communication circuit and the second communication circuit, and a memory disposed in the housing and operatively coupled to the processor. The processor may be configured to receive at least one first radio signal through a communication channel from an external device capable of supporting the omnidirectional wireless communication and the directional wireless communication using the first communication circuit, determine a state of the communication channel based on at least part of the at least one first radio signal, and activate the second communication circuit based on at least part of the determined state of the communication channel wherein the second communication circuit is configured to receive a second radio signal from the external device.