User Equipment Beam Tracking for Low-Power Beam Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing beam selection and transitioning between low-power and main radio modes in user equipment, leading to increased energy consumption and inefficient resource management.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for user equipment and network access nodes that utilize low power synchronization signals and beam tracking signals to estimate receive powers and qualities, allowing for efficient beam selection and transition between radio modes, including techniques for time and frequency multiplexing of beam tracking signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional beam selection methods are used in low-power mode, then beam tracking accuracy may be maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential beam tracking functionality needed for low-power mode operation. Instead of implementing full beam selection procedures, the system transmits a reduced set of beam tracking signals (e.g., reduced SSburstSet) that provide sufficient tracking accuracy while consuming less energy during transmission and reception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting beam tracking signals at reduced power levels and with reduced frequency compared to full beam selection procedures. The system performs only the minimum necessary beam tracking measurements to maintain acceptable accuracy while in low-power state, avoiding excessive signal transmission energy consumption.
2Loss of information
If beam tracking signals are transmitted for all beams, then complete beam information is available, but resource overhead and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam tracking process into two distinct phases: low-power mode with reduced beam tracking signals for basic tracking, and full-power mode with complete beam selection signals for accurate beam identification. This segmentation allows the system to use only the necessary subset of beams and signals appropriate for each operational mode, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam tracking signal configuration that adapts to the current operational mode. The system dynamically switches between reduced and full beam tracking configurations based on whether the device is in low-power or main radio mode, optimizing the balance between information completeness and processing complexity for each state.
3Measurement precision
If synchronization signals are transmitted at full power, then signal quality is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transmitting synchronization signals at different power levels in different operational contexts. In low-power mode, the system transmits synchronization signals at reduced power levels with reduced frequency, while maintaining full power transmission only when necessary for initial synchronization or mode transitions. This localized power adjustment maintains acceptable signal quality while significantly reducing overall energy consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to some examples there is provided an apparatus for a user equipment, the apparatus comprising means for: obtaining, from a network access node, a low power synchronisation signal corresponding to a first beam and one or more beam tracking signals corresponding to one or more other beams, wherein the low power synchronisation signal is associated with the one or more beam tracking signals; estimating, based on the obtained low power synchronisation signal and the one or more beam tracking signals, respective receive powers and/or receive qualities associated with the first beam and the one or more other beams; selecting a beam from the first beam and the one or more other beams based on the estimated respective receive powers and/or receive qualities.