Sensing-Assisted Beam Prediction for mmWave Link Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless systems with integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) face challenges in maintaining connectivity due to link blockage in millimeter-wave (mmWave) systems, which are prone to disruptions from passing individuals or vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a user equipment (UE) receives configuration information from a base station (BS) to transmit joint communication and sensing (JCS)-reference signals on a set of beams. The UE determines a beam blockage prediction measurement and transmits it to the BS, enabling proactive switching to backup beam pairs to maintain connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mmWave systems use high directional beamforming capabilities, then communication precision and data rate are improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to link blockage from passing individuals or vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sensing measurements using reference signals to predict future beam blockage before it occurs. The UE measures blockage of first set of beams and predicts blockage for second set of beams, enabling proactive beam switching before the actual blockage happens, thus maintaining link reliability while using directional beamforming.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the UE reports beam blockage predictions to the BS. The BS uses this feedback information to proactively switch beams before blockage occurs, creating a closed-loop system that maintains reliable communication despite using vulnerable high-directional beamforming.
2Reliability
If backup beam pairs are generated during initial beam training, then connectivity can be maintained when link blockage occurs, but beam training procedures do not initially select beams based on existing link blockage statistics
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of waiting for blockage to occur and then switching to backup beams, the system performs preliminary blockage prediction measurements and reports beam blockage predictions to the BS. This allows the BS to proactively switch beams before failure occurs, eliminating the time loss associated with reactive backup beam switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE autonomously performs sensing measurements and determines beam blockage predictions without requiring BS intervention. The UE self-services the beam management function by measuring blockage of first set of beams and predicting blockage for second set of beams, then reporting predictions to the BS for proactive beam switching.
3Reliability
If sensing signals are used to predict future beam blockage, then proactive beam failure avoidance is achieved, but additional signaling overhead is required for blockage prediction measurements and reporting
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses joint communication and sensing (JCS) reference signals that serve dual purposes: they enable normal communication functions and simultaneously provide sensing capabilities for beam blockage prediction. This multi-functionality allows the reference signals to perform both communication and sensing tasks, reducing the need for separate dedicated sensing signals and minimizing additional signaling overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges communication and sensing functions into a unified framework where JCS reference signals perform both roles. The sensing measurements for blockage prediction are integrated with the communication reference signal structure, combining what would traditionally be separate functions into a single efficient process that minimizes overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices of a wireless system are provided. A user equipment (UE) of the wireless system receives configuration information from a base station (BS). The UE transmits repetitions of joint communication and sensing (JCS)-reference signals (RSs) on a first set of beams based on the configuration information. The UE determines a beam blockage prediction measurement for communication of a second set of beams received corresponding to the first set of beams. The UE transmits the beam blockage measurement to the BS.