Switched-Beamforming Terminal Location Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switched-beamforming wireless communication systems face challenges in accurately and efficiently detecting terminal location changes due to the 'hidden terminal problem' and excessive processing overhead in directional antenna systems, leading to high link transmission errors and inefficient resource management.
Innovation Solution
A method where an access point defines multiple beam spaces through space multiplexing, schedules beams according to a predetermined pattern, and detects terminal location by receiving response messages from terminals within these beams, eliminating the need for complex direction of arrival algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a directional beam is used to improve communication quality, then transmission power is concentrated in a specific direction, but terminals cannot detect signals from other terminals causing the hidden terminal problem
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic beam sweeping where the access point sequentially transmits reference signals through multiple beams covering different spatial directions. This periodic action allows terminals to detect signals from all directions over time, solving the hidden terminal problem while maintaining directional beamforming benefits for communication quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the spatial environment into multiple discrete beam directions and segments the signal transmission process into sequential beam sweeps. By segmenting the coverage area into beam-specific zones and using indication information to identify which beam a terminal is in, the system enables terminals to detect signals from other terminals while maintaining focused directional transmission.
2Measurement precision
If the DOA algorithm is used to detect terminal location, then terminal movement can be detected, but excessive processing overhead is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of location information through beam indication data. Instead of performing complex DOA calculations, the access point transmits beam indication information that directly identifies which beam direction contains the terminal. This copying approach provides accurate location measurement without the computational complexity of DOA algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/computational DOA algorithm system with a simpler information-based system. By using beam indication information to directly represent terminal location rather than calculating arrival directions, the system achieves the same measurement precision with significantly reduced processing overhead.
3Loss of time
If the DOA algorithm is executed every time a beam request message is received, then terminal location can be updated, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary beam sweeping and transmits reference signals in advance before actual communication occurs. By pre-establishing beam coverage and providing beam indication information proactively, the system enables rapid terminal location updates without requiring repeated DOA calculations when beam requests are received.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal location estimation method in a wireless communication system in which an access point (AP) provides an access service to a plurality of terminals includes defining a plurality of beam spaces around the AP through space multiplexing; scheduling the beam spaces according to a predetermined pattern; simultaneously forming a beam in at least one beam space; and detecting the existence and location of a terminal according to whether a response message in response to the formed beam is received. Accordingly, an AP forms beams in a predetermined scheduling pattern, and each of the terminals detecting the beams registers its location by informing the AP that each of the terminals exists in a relevant beam area, and thus, a location of each of the terminals can be estimated without using a complex DOA algorithm.