User Device Beam Management with Channel Occupancy Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in managing beam management and interference control, particularly in unlicensed spectrum, due to the hidden node problem and inefficiencies in Listen-before-Talk (LBT) procedures, which are exacerbated by the use of narrow beams at high frequencies.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system where transceivers determine and transmit occupancy information of transmission channels without requiring a ready-to-transmit message, and utilize an apparatus for interference control to schedule transmissions, thereby avoiding interference and optimizing beam management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If transceivers use narrow beams at high frequencies for data transmission, then data transmission speed is improved, but the hidden node problem and interference control become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidbeam management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces beam management messages as intermediary signals that facilitate coordination between transceivers using narrow beams. These messages carry occupancy information and beam management data, enabling transceivers to manage interference and hidden node problems while maintaining high-speed narrow beam transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where transceivers send beam management messages containing occupancy information about transmission channels. This feedback allows the network to adaptively manage beam directions and timing to avoid interference between narrow beams, resolving the contradiction between using narrow beams for speed and managing their complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of time

If transceivers transmit occupancy information without ready-to-transmit messages, then network latency is reduced, but channel occupancy determination complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork latencyVSAvoidchannel occupancy determination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having transceivers determine and transmit occupancy information in advance, before actual data transmission. This eliminates the need for ready-to-transmit messages and reduces latency, as the network already knows which channels are occupied and can plan accordingly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical handshake protocol (ready-to-transmit messages) with a more efficient information-based system. By substituting the explicit ready-to-transmit message exchange with occupancy information transmission, the system reduces latency while managing complexity through standardized information formats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If interference control apparatus schedules transmissions to avoid interference, then network efficiency is improved, but scheduling complexity and control overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork efficiencyVSAvoidscheduling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables transceivers to self-manage interference by providing them with occupancy information through beam management messages. Each transceiver can independently determine appropriate transmission timing and beam directions based on the occupancy information, reducing the need for complex centralized scheduling while improving network efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The beam management messages serve multiple functions: they convey occupancy information, coordinate beam directions, manage hidden node problems, and enable interference avoidance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate scheduling protocols, improving network efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250317956A1User device and method with beam management enhancements

Publication Date: 2025.10.09 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

A first transceiver for a wireless communication system according to an embodiment is to determine information on an occupancy of a transmission channel. Moreover, the first transceiver is to transmit the information on the occupancy of the transmission channel to a second transceiver. Furthermore, the first transceiver is to determine the information on the occupancy of the transmission channel and to transmit the information on the occupancy of the transmission channel to the second transceiver without having received from the second transceiver a ready-to-transmit message with which the second transceiver would inform the first transceiver that the second transceiver intends to transmit user data to the first transceiver.