Space-Time Multipath Searcher for Delay and Angle Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multipath searchers in wireless communication systems lack the use of spatial information, such as the angle of arrival of signals, which reduces the accuracy of round-trip delay and power delay profile determination, especially in channels with small angle spread, and fails to leverage the benefits of beam-forming antenna systems.
Innovation Solution
A method of multipath searching that involves both temporal and spatial processing of control bits in signals received by multiple antennae to determine time delay and direction, improving accuracy by incorporating spatial information and enhancing synchronization in mobile channel environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional multipath searchers are used without spatial processing, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of round-trip delay time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines temporal processing (correlation over time) and spatial processing (correlation across multiple antenna elements) into a unified space-time multipath searcher. This merging allows the system to exploit both time-delay and spatial-angle information simultaneously, improving round-trip delay time accuracy while maintaining a manageable device architecture through integrated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the conventional one-dimensional temporal search by adding a spatial dimension through multi-antenna processing. By correlating signals across multiple antenna elements and combining this with temporal correlation, the system creates a two-dimensional search space (time and space) that provides more accurate delay estimation, particularly in environments with small angle spread.
2Reliability
If spatial information is not utilized, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability of synchronization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the spatial correlation results from multiple antenna elements are used to refine the temporal correlation search. The angle-of-arrival information obtained from spatial processing provides feedback that constrains and improves the delay search, enhancing synchronization reliability while automating the process to maintain ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary spatial correlation across antenna elements before final delay determination. By pre-processing the spatial dimension and extracting angle-of-arrival information in advance, the system narrows the effective search space for temporal correlation, improving reliability without significantly increasing operational complexity.
3Measurement precision
If beam-forming antenna systems are not leveraged, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of angle of arrival deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the antenna system to serve multiple functions: it provides both spatial diversity for robust signal reception and beam-forming capability for precise angle-of-arrival estimation. By making the antenna system universal in its functionality, the patent achieves accurate angle measurement without requiring separate dedicated beam-forming hardware, thus managing device complexity while improving measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method of multipath searching using a signal transmitted by a source and received by a plurality of antennae. The method includes subjecting at least one control bit in at least one received signal to temporal processing, subjecting the at least one control bit in the received signal to spatial processing, and determining a time delay and a direction associated with the source based upon the temporal processing and the spatial processing.