MmWave Beamforming Paths Using Urban Reflection and Refraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mm wave transmission technologies face significant signal attenuation and fading due to urban environments with numerous blockages, leading to performance degradation and increased call drops.
Innovation Solution
Determine mm wave transmission paths using reflections and refractions based on physical object data and user device locations within an urban environment, employing an adaptive learning algorithm to optimize beamforming techniques for enhanced coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mm wave signals are transmitted in urban environments with physical objects, then high bandwidth and capacity are achieved, but signal attenuation and fading increase due to blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission path into multiple possible routes (direct path, reflected paths, refracted paths) and uses multiple antenna elements to exploit different spatial channels. This segmentation allows the system to bypass blockages by using alternative paths while maintaining high bandwidth utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces physical objects (buildings, vehicles, terrain) as intermediaries that reflect and refract mm wave signals to create alternative transmission paths. These intermediaries enable signal propagation around blockages, improving reliability while maintaining the high bandwidth capability of mm wave frequencies.
2Device complexity
If traditional transmission paths are used without considering physical objects, then system complexity is reduced, but coverage and reliability deteriorate in urban environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification and characterization of physical objects in the transmission environment before establishing communication links. By pre-mapping the urban environment and identifying reflective/refractive surfaces, the system can proactively select optimal transmission paths, improving coverage without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors signal quality and physical object positions, then adjusts transmission paths dynamically. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain reliable coverage in urban environments by adapting to changing conditions while keeping complexity manageable through automated control.
3Reliability
If beamforming techniques are optimized using physical object data, then signal quality improves, but computational requirements and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores beamforming parameters based on identified physical objects and their electromagnetic properties. By preparing transmission paths in advance using stored physical object data, the system can quickly select optimal beams without extensive real-time computation, improving signal quality while minimizing processing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent focuses computational resources on identifying and optimizing the most significant reflection and refraction paths rather than calculating all possible paths. By concentrating processing on the dominant transmission routes, the system achieves high signal quality with reduced computational overhead and faster processing times.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces signal attenuation and fading, improving uplink and downlink throughput, and enhancing communication reliability and quality of service by leveraging reflections and refractions in urban settings.
Implementation Method 1
The mm wave transmission path can be determined based on one or more mm wave signals reflecting, refracting, or one or more combinations thereof, on one or more of the physical objects
Implementation Method 2
The mm wave transmission path can be determined based on one or more mm wave signals reflecting, refracting, or one or more combinations thereof, on one or more of the physical objects
Data Source
AI summary
The technology disclosed herein relates to enhancing wireless coverage based on interactions between transmitted signals and physical objects within an environment. For example, the technology can receive and store physical object data for physical objects located within a coverage area provided by a plurality of antenna elements. A location of a user device within the coverage area can be identified. An algorithm (e.g., an adaptive learning algorithm) can be used to determine a transmission path based on the location of the user device and the physical object data. The algorithm can account for reflections and refractions of the signal with the physical objects. One or more of the plurality of antenna elements can transmit a signal for the user device to receive based on the determined transmission path.