Network-Controlled Repeater Beam Scheduling for NLOS Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communications networks face challenges in efficiently supporting a diverse range of devices with varying data traffic profiles and requirements, particularly in scenarios where beamforming techniques are inefficient for devices without a clear line of sight, leading to increased latency and power consumption in relay nodes.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of network-controlled repeaters (NCRs) that receive and process side control information (SCI) to manage backhaul and access links, allowing for efficient beamforming and data transmission/reception by indicating backhaul beam information, duration, and type during specified time periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If beamforming techniques are used for devices without clear line of sight, then coverage can be extended, but latency increases and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidlatency

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a repeater as an intermediary device between the base station and devices without clear line of sight. The repeater receives signals from the base station, processes them with optimized beamforming based on SCI information, and forwards them to the target devices. This intermediary approach extends coverage to areas that would otherwise be unreachable while reducing the complexity and latency associated with direct beamforming through obstacles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical beamforming operations at the base station with a simplified signal forwarding mechanism at the repeater. Instead of the base station performing complex beamforming calculations and adjustments for devices behind obstacles, the repeater performs local signal processing based on received SCI information, substituting the mechanical complexity with a more efficient localized operation that reduces latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Area of stationary object

If beamforming techniques are used for devices without clear line of sight, then coverage can be extended, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The repeater acts as an energy-efficient intermediary by performing local signal processing rather than requiring the base station to maintain complex beamforming operations for all devices. The repeater only processes signals when needed, based on SCI information indicating active time periods and beam configurations, thereby extending coverage while consuming power only when necessary rather than continuously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action through the use of SCI information that specifies active time periods for backhaul beams. The repeater activates signal processing only during these designated time periods rather than continuously, thereby extending coverage to devices without clear line of sight while significantly reducing overall power consumption through periodic rather than continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If network-controlled repeaters receive and process side control information for each time period, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidrepeater complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex real-time decision-making algorithms at the repeater with a simpler system that executes predetermined actions based on received SCI information. Instead of the repeater independently analyzing traffic patterns and making beamforming decisions, it follows instructions from the base station contained in the SCI, substituting complex local processing with simpler instruction-following operations that improve efficiency without requiring high device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The SCI mechanism provides feedback from the base station to the repeater regarding optimal beam configurations and active time periods. This feedback loop allows the base station, which has broader network knowledge, to guide the repeater's operations, thereby improving data transmission efficiency through informed decisions while keeping the repeater's local complexity low by relying on externally provided control information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20260067903A1Methods, repeaters, infrastructure equipment, and systems

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

A method of operating a repeater in a wireless communications network is provided. The repeater transmits and receives signals from infrastructure equipment and communication devices. The method includes receiving side control information (SCI) from each infrastructure equipment via a control link. Each SCI relates to a backhaul link between the infrastructure equipment and the repeater and is tied to specific time periods. The SCI provides backhaul beam information, including beam identifiers, transmission or reception durations, and beam types, for managing signal transmission and reception over the backhaul link during the associated time period.