Visual Sensor Direction Estimation for Wireless Beam Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication approaches for direction-based communication face challenges such as overhead signaling and delays associated with beam selection, which can lead to decreased throughput, increased latency, and poor beam tracking.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a visual sensor to detect another communication device by distinguishing a visually arranged identifier, estimating the direction between the devices, and adjusting subsequent communication to be based on this estimated direction, thereby reducing the number of potential beams considered for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional beam selection procedures are used for direction-based communication, then communication coverage and reliability are maintained, but overhead signaling increases and delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing visual detection and direction estimation before actual beam selection and communication establishment. The visual sensor captures images and estimates direction of other communication devices in advance, providing spatial information that guides subsequent beam selection. This preliminary spatial awareness eliminates the need for time-consuming beam sweeping procedures, reducing beam selection delay while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical beam selection process (which involves systematic scanning and testing of multiple beam directions) with an optical-based visual detection system. The visual sensor uses camera imaging and computer vision algorithms to directly determine device direction, substituting the mechanical trial-and-error beam sweeping with an optical measurement approach that provides immediate directional information.
2Reliability
If comprehensive beam sweeping is performed to ensure communication quality, then communication reliability improves, but overhead signaling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes spatial information from visual detection to isolate the most promising beam directions before actual communication beam selection. By extracting directional cues from visual data (device orientation, position relative to camera), the system filters out irrelevant beam directions and focuses only on those likely to establish quality communication, thereby reducing overhead signaling while maintaining communication quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual spatial information as an intermediary between device detection and beam selection. Instead of directly performing comprehensive beam sweeping, the system uses visual direction estimation as an intermediate step that provides guidance for beam selection. This intermediary spatial information acts as a filter that reduces the search space for optimal beams, decreasing overhead signaling while ensuring communication quality.
3Reliability
If multiple beam directions are evaluated to handle blocking events, then communication robustness improves, but beam tracking complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by continuously monitoring visual spatial information (device orientation and position) before blocking events occur. The visual sensor tracks the other device's orientation and location in real-time, maintaining an up-to-date understanding of the spatial relationship. This preliminary visual tracking enables the system to predict potential blocking and proactively adjust beams, reducing the need for complex reactive beam tracking when blocking occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using visual sensor data to continuously update direction estimates and adjust beam selection. The visual detection system provides ongoing feedback about the other device's position and orientation, allowing the system to adapt beam directions in response to changing spatial conditions. This visual feedback loop simplifies beam tracking complexity by providing direct spatial guidance rather than requiring complex analysis of communication signal variations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for a communication device, wherein the communication device comprises a visual sensor. The method comprises using the visual sensor for detecting another communication device, wherein the other communication device is detected by distinguishing an identifier which is visually arranged on the other communication device. The method also comprises estimating a direction associated with the communication device and the other communication device. and causing subsequent communication between the other communication device and the communication device to be based on the estimated direction. In some embodiments, causing subsequent communication between the other communication device and the communication device to be based on the estimated direction comprises reducing an amount of potential beams for the communication based on the estimated direction. Corresponding computer program product. apparatus and communication device are also disclosed. Also disclosed is a communication device having an identifier which is visually arranged on the communication device.