Millimeter Wave Ray Scanning for Beam Search Delay Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless access systems face challenges in efficiently transceiving signals in mmWave systems due to long time delays in beam searching and the inability to obtain unique channel properties, particularly in systems with small cell sizes, which limits cell coverage and increases complexity in beam scanning.
Innovation Solution
A method for efficient data transceiving in mmWave systems involving ray scanning using a user equipment that receives synchronization signals, pilot signals with different configurations from multiple antenna ports, and performs cell-specific ray scanning to detect site-specific ray property information, reducing overhead and enhancing cell coverage by selecting directional beam candidates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If existing beamforming method is applied to mmWave system, then beam searching can be performed, but a considerably long time delay is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam searching process into two distinct phases: ray scanning phase (for initial channel characterization and identifying propagation paths) and beam searching phase (for precise beam alignment). This segmentation allows the system to leverage ray scanning's speed in identifying candidate directions while performing more precise but time-consuming beam searching only when necessary, thereby reducing overall time delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary ray scanning to characterize the channel and identify resolvable rays before initiating the beam searching process. By pre-identifying candidate propagation paths and their directions through ray scanning, the system narrows down the search space for subsequent beam searching, avoiding a complete exhaustive search and significantly reducing the time delay.
2Measurement precision
If existing beamforming method is applied to mmWave system, then beam alignment can be achieved, but unique channel property of radio channel cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates channel characterization into two functional components: ray scanning for detecting propagation paths, delay profiles, and arrival angles (providing unique channel properties), and beamforming for achieving spatial alignment. This segmentation ensures that channel property information is captured independently through ray scanning without being compromised by the beamforming process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ray scanning as an intermediary process between the transmitter and receiver that specifically targets channel characterization. The ray scanning mechanism acts as a mediator that extracts unique channel properties (multipath components, delay profiles, arrival angles) before the beamforming process begins, ensuring that this information is preserved and utilized for optimized beamforming.
3Measurement precision
If existing ray scanning method is applied, then site specific ray property information can be detected, but it is applicable to a system having a small cell size only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the ray scanning method dynamic by adapting the scanning parameters (such as angular resolution, number of snapshots, and search granularity) based on the detected cell size and propagation environment. For small cells, the system can use coarser scanning with fewer resources, while for larger cells or environments with diverse multipath components, the system automatically increases scanning resolution and duration, thereby achieving both precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters of the ray scanning method based on system conditions: adjusting the angular step size, time duration, and frequency resources allocated to ray scanning according to cell size, mobility conditions, and channel characteristics. This parameter adaptation allows the same ray scanning methodology to effectively serve both small and large cell deployments while maintaining detection accuracy.
4Area of stationary object
If ray scanning is performed in mmWave system, then cell coverage can be improved, but scanning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the full 360-degree scanning process into multiple sectors or regions of interest, performing ray scanning only in directions where resolvable rays are likely to exist based on preliminary channel indicators or historical data. This segmented approach reduces the total number of scanning positions and computational complexity while maintaining comprehensive cell coverage by strategically covering all relevant propagation directions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a signal transceiving method for detecting site-specific ray characteristics information unique to millimeter wave (mm Wave) links and detecting rich resolvable rays, and to device supporting same. The method for a terminal ray-scanning in a wireless access system supporting millimeter wave technology, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises the steps of: receiving a synchronization signal to synchronize with a base station; synchronizing with the base station using the synchronization signal; receiving, from the base station, pilot signals having different configuration patterns according to each transmitting antenna port; and ray-scanning using the pilot signals.