Sidelink Beam Management Using UE Rotation Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sidelink beamforming techniques in wireless communication face challenges due to differences in synchronization signal structures between Uu links and sidelink communications, leading to increased signaling overhead when transmitter UEs move, which is not efficiently addressed by existing beam management processes.

Innovation Solution

Implement UE motion sensor-based techniques for adapting sidelink TX beams by mapping local UE orientation to global coordinates, and optimize beam tracking reference signals through time domain multiplexing with PSCCH and PSSCH to reduce overhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing beam management processes are used for sidelink communication, then beamforming can be implemented, but signaling overhead increases when transmitter UEs move

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam management efficiencyVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The transmitter UE autonomously determines its own orientation change using motion sensors and self-service beam adjustment without requiring feedback or signaling from the receiver UE. The system serves itself by using its own motion data to trigger beam updates, eliminating the need for external signaling to coordinate beam changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional signaling-based beam management mechanism with a sensor-based mechanical detection system. Motion sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) detect UE orientation changes and trigger beam adjustments directly, substituting the mechanical sensor system for the communication-based beam management protocol.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If beam tracking reference signals are transmitted frequently to maintain link quality, then beam accuracy improves, but overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam tracking accuracyVSAvoidsignal overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The transmitter UE proactively detects orientation changes using motion sensors before beam degradation occurs and pre-adjusts the beam accordingly. This preliminary action based on motion detection eliminates the need for frequent reactive beam tracking signals, reducing overhead while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses internal motion sensor feedback from the transmitter UE to autonomously trigger beam updates. This internal feedback mechanism replaces external beam tracking feedback signals, allowing the system to maintain beam accuracy without requiring continuous signaling between UEs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20260074772A1Sidelink beam managment with transmitter rotation

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 APPLE INC

AI summary

Systems, methods, and circuitries are provided for performing beamforming in sidelink communication. In one example, a method includes transmitting reference signals to a receiving (RX) UE using different transmit (TX) beams; receiving a signal indicative of an initial TX beam from the RX UE; detecting degradation of a link associated with the initial TX beam; and in response, selecting a revised TX beam for transmitting subsequent sidelink transmissions to the RX UE.