Sensor-Assisted Beam Tracking for mmWave AoA Ambiguity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mmWave communication systems, the angle of arrival (AoA) ambiguity and low resolution of beam tracking pose challenges for user equipment (UE) in maintaining reliable signal alignment with base stations, especially when using analog beamforming and super resolution algorithms, which can be ambiguous with linear or limited antenna arrays.
Innovation Solution
The integration of motion sensor data with radio beamforming to assist in beam tracking, allowing the UE to determine its orientation and adapt beam selection based on rotation, thereby improving AoA resolution and reliability without relying on AoA estimation algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If super resolution algorithms are used for beam tracking, then beam direction estimation is achieved, but AoA ambiguity and low resolution occur with linear or limited antenna arrays
Solution Approach 1:
Motion sensors serve as an intermediary device that provides independent orientation measurements to resolve the ambiguity in AoA estimation. The sensor data acts as a mediator between the radio signal measurements and the final beam direction determination, providing additional constraints that eliminate ambiguous solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines motion sensor data with radio beamforming measurements to achieve improved beam tracking. By merging the orientation information from motion sensors with the signal strength measurements from the antenna array, the system achieves both high resolution and reliability in beam direction estimation.
2Ease of operation
If analog beamforming is used, then signal transmission is achieved, but AoA ambiguity occurs with limited antenna arrays
Solution Approach 1:
Motion sensors serve as an intermediary device that provides independent orientation measurements to resolve the ambiguity in AoA estimation. The sensor data acts as a mediator between the radio signal measurements and the final beam direction determination, providing additional constraints that eliminate ambiguous solutions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If UE monitors only determined beam directions, then power consumption is reduced, but signal alignment reliability deteriorates during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by using motion sensors to predict the UE's orientation changes before the actual beam tracking update is needed. This allows the system to proactively adjust beam directions based on predicted movement, maintaining signal alignment reliability while avoiding the need for continuous monitoring of all possible directions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to devices and components including apparatus, systems, and methods for determining a beam for communication between a user equipment and a base station. For example, angle of arrival estimates may be utilized for determining the beam for communication.