UE Beam Reporting With IRS Emulation for Obstructed Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems limit user equipment (UEs) to report only a single beamforming configuration per channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS) resource indicator (CRI), failing to account for beam obstructions caused by physical obstructions like a user's hand, thereby reducing the effectiveness of beamforming configurations using passive devices such as intelligent reflective surfaces (IRSs).
Innovation Solution
UEs are configured to report multiple beamforming configurations per CRI, including configurations using both antenna modules and passive devices like IRSs, enabling communication using the appropriate configuration based on obstructed or unobstructed states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UEs are limited to reporting only a single beamforming configuration per CRI, then the system complexity is reduced, but the link quality deteriorates in obstructed conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beamforming configuration reporting by introducing multiple CRI fields (first CRI and second CRI) that can independently indicate different beamforming configurations. This allows the UE to report multiple configurations (including both antenna module-based and IRS-based configurations) separately, enabling the network to select the appropriate configuration based on channel conditions, thereby improving link quality in obstructed conditions without overwhelming system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic selection of beamforming configurations based on channel conditions. The UE dynamically chooses between reporting single or multiple beamforming configurations based on whether obstruction is detected, and the network dynamically selects the appropriate configuration (first or second CRI) based on current channel state. This dynamic approach improves reliability while adapting system complexity to actual needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If UEs use only antenna modules for beamforming, then the device structure is simplified, but the adaptability to obstructed conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two different beamforming approaches (antenna module-based beamforming and IRS-based beamforming) into a unified reporting framework. The UE can report both antenna module configurations and IRS configurations using the same beam reporting mechanism, allowing the network to select the most appropriate configuration based on whether the channel is obstructed. This merging provides adaptability to different conditions without significantly increasing device structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the dual CRI reporting structure) that mediates between the UE's multiple beamforming capabilities and the network's selection needs. The first CRI and second CRI act as intermediaries that carry information about different beamforming configurations, enabling the network to indirectly select the appropriate configuration based on channel conditions without requiring complex direct control of multiple beamforming paths.
3Reliability
If multiple beamforming configurations are reported per CRI, then the link quality in obstructed conditions is improved, but the signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam reporting into distinct first and second CRI fields, each carrying information about specific beamforming configurations. This segmentation allows efficient packing of multiple configuration indicators without creating a single large overhead structure. The network can selectively process only the relevant CRI based on channel conditions, reducing unnecessary information processing overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal beam reporting framework that handles both antenna module configurations and IRS configurations through the same signaling mechanism. The first CRI and second CRI serve multiple functions: they can indicate different beamforming configurations, different panel types, and different operational modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate signaling channels for different configuration types, thereby reducing overall signaling overhead.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances link quality by allowing UEs to communicate effectively in obstructed conditions by utilizing beamforming configurations formed with passive devices, improving performance in scenarios where antenna modules are blocked.
Implementation Method 1
one or more passive devices configured to reflect signal energy to or from the at least one antenna module
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A first wireless device may receive control signaling indicating a channel state information reference signal-resource indicator (CRI) for beam reporting, and receive a set of channel state information reference signals (CSI-RSs) in accordance with the CRI. The first wireless device may transmit a beam report indicating a first and second beamforming configurations associated with the CRI, where the first beamforming configuration is associated with an antenna module at the first wireless device, and where the second beamforming configuration is associated with the antenna module and one or more passive devices configured to reflect signal energy to or from the antenna module. The first wireless device may then communicate one or more messages with the second wireless device in accordance with the first beamforming configuration, the second beamforming configuration, or both.