Wireless Beamforming Two-Stage Angle Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method for estimating the arrival direction of a radio signal in wireless communication systems is inefficient, requiring a large number of search points, which increases processing time and reduces accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication apparatus that uses an antenna array with a processor to perform two stages of processing: a first processing with a smaller number of antenna elements for coarse estimation and a second processing with a larger number of elements for fine estimation, reducing the number of search points and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of search points are set in the angular range to improve estimation accuracy, then the measurement precision is improved, but the processing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna array into multiple sub-arrays and segments the search process into two stages: first performing angle of arrival estimation on individual sub-arrays with fewer elements, then combining results to achieve full-array accuracy. This segmentation reduces the computational burden while maintaining estimation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary angle estimation using a subset of antenna elements before utilizing the complete array. By conducting initial estimation with reduced elements and then refining results with the full array, the system achieves accurate estimation without requiring exhaustive search across all possible angles from the beginning.
2Measurement precision
If the number of antenna elements is increased to improve beamforming accuracy, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large antenna array into multiple smaller sub-arrays, each independently performing angle estimation. This segmentation allows each sub-array to operate with reduced complexity while the collective result achieves the accuracy equivalent to using the full array, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a subset of antenna elements for the initial estimation phase, performing partial action that is sufficient to obtain a preliminary angle estimate. This partial utilization of resources reduces complexity while maintaining adequate performance, and the full array is only engaged when necessary for final refinement.
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
This approach significantly reduces the time required for estimating the arrival angle while maintaining high accuracy compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
controlling a receiving beam formed by the antenna array, the receiving beam being for receiving a radio signal transmitted by another wireless communication apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication apparatus performs a first processing for changing the receiving beam in a first direction to determine a first angle for the receiving beam. The wireless communication apparatus performs a second processing for changing the receiving beam in the first direction from the first angle to determine a second angle that is a final angle for the receiving beam.