UE Beam Patterns for mmWave Positioning Under Beam Squint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning methods for mobile devices in wireless networks face challenges due to fixed element spacing in antenna arrays, which cause beam squinting and reduce array gain, especially in wide bandwidths, affecting the accuracy of reference signal measurements and location estimates.
Innovation Solution
The use of frequency and state-dependent antenna gain and beam pattern information to improve reference signal-based location estimates by characterizing beam patterns based on the device's frequency and state, enabling more accurate positioning through UE-side or network-assisted angle estimation techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed element spacing is used in antenna arrays, then device complexity is reduced, but beam squinting occurs and array gain is reduced in wide bandwidths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed element spacing to dynamic element spacing that adapts to different frequency bands. The antenna array adjusts its physical configuration based on the operating frequency, allowing optimal beamforming performance across wide bandwidths while maintaining manageable device complexity through automated adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of element spacing in the antenna array based on frequency band requirements. By varying the spacing between antenna elements according to the operating frequency, the system maintains consistent array gain and beam patterns across different frequency ranges, thereby improving positioning accuracy without requiring overly complex fixed-structure designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If antenna arrays are designed for wide bandwidth coverage, then frequency coverage is improved, but beam squinting reduces array gain in certain frequency portions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts antenna element spacing based on the active frequency band. When operating in different frequency ranges, the antenna array reconfigures its physical structure to maintain optimal beamforming characteristics, ensuring consistent array gain across the entire wide bandwidth while preserving adaptability to various frequency requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the physical spacing parameter of antenna elements according to the operating frequency. This parameter change ensures that the antenna array maintains consistent performance characteristics across wide bandwidths, preventing beam squinting effects that would otherwise cause gain variations in different frequency portions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mobile device states vary (cradle, held, peripheral attachment), then adaptability to different usage scenarios is improved, but signal gain is reduced due to state-dependent beam pattern changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its beamforming parameters based on detected device states such as being held, placed in a cradle, or attached to peripherals. By recognizing different usage scenarios and adapting the antenna array configuration accordingly, the system maintains optimal signal gain across various states while preserving adaptability to user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that monitor device state and usage conditions, then use this information to adjust beamforming parameters in real-time. This feedback loop ensures that the antenna array compensates for state-induced beam pattern changes, maintaining consistent signal gain regardless of whether the device is being held, placed in a cradle, or attached to peripheral devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques are provided for enabling user equipment (UE) positioning based on angle estimation in millimeter wave (mmW) bands. An example method for determining a location of a mobile device includes transmitting array gain information to a network entity, the array gain information including beam pattern information based at least in part on a sub-band and a state of the mobile device, receiving one or more reference signals in one or more sub-bands, wherein a receive beam for each of the one or more reference signals is based at least in part on the sub-band the one or more reference signals are being received in, and on a current state of the mobile device, determining measurement values based on the one or more reference signals, and determining the location of the mobile device based at least in part on the measurement values.