Network-Assisted Beamforming With Non-Codebook Beam Directions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, face limitations in spectral efficiency due to the use of codebook beamforming, which restricts the use of optimal beam directions not part of the preconfigured codebook, leading to suboptimal performance in terms of reliability and latency.
Innovation Solution
Implement network-assisted beamforming techniques that allow wireless nodes to identify and utilize non-codebook beam directions by providing assistance information, measuring reference signals, and computing custom beam directions using AI/ML algorithms, enabling dynamic codebook adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If codebook-based beamforming is used, then beam directions are preconfigured and reliable, but spectral efficiency is limited due to restriction to codebook directions only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of beam direction from fixed codebook values to continuously estimable directions. The network entity estimates non-codebook beam directions based on measurements of reference signals received via multiple receive beams, allowing beam directions to be dynamically adjusted beyond preconfigured codebook options, thereby improving spectral efficiency while maintaining reliability through measurement-based estimation.
2Productivity
If non-codebook beam directions are used, then spectral efficiency is improved, but measurement and estimation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reference signals as an intermediary to facilitate beam direction estimation. The network entity transmits reference signals via multiple receive beams characterized by codebook beam directions, and the network entity uses measurements of these reference signals to estimate non-codebook beam directions. This intermediary approach simplifies the measurement process compared to direct estimation, making the complex task of determining optimal beam directions more manageable.
3Measurement precision
If multiple receive beams with codebook directions are used for measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preconfiguring multiple receive beams with known codebook beam directions before measurement. The network entity has already established these receive beams and their characteristics, so when measuring reference signals, it can directly use the preconfigured beam directions to estimate non-codebook beam directions. This preliminary configuration reduces the complexity of real-time measurement while maintaining measurement accuracy through the use of multiple pre-established beams.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure are directed to methods and techniques for wireless communication via non-codebook beam directions to allow dynamic beamforming using non-codebook beam directions. In certain aspects, a user equipment (UE) may obtain, from a wireless node, a plurality of reference signals (RSs) via one or more receive beams, wherein each of the one or more receive beams is characterized by one of a plurality of codebook beam directions. In certain aspects, the UE may estimate a first non-codebook beam direction of a transmit beam of the wireless node based on a measurement of one or more RSs of the plurality of RSs. In certain aspects, the UE may output a report comprising an indication of the first non-codebook beam direction for transmission to the wireless node.