Wireless Beam Group Selection for Millimeter Wave Systems

The patent segments the beam selection process into two distinct phases: beam group determination followed by individual beam selection. First, multiple beams are grouped together and evaluated as groups using reference signals, reducing the initial search space. Then, only the selected beam group undergoes detailed individual beam evaluation. This segmentation reduces the overall complexity from evaluating all individual beams to evaluating beam groups first, then individual beams within the selected group.

The patent merges multiple individual beams into beam groups for joint evaluation. Instead of evaluating each beam separately, multiple beams are combined into groups and assessed together using reference signals transmitted in group units. This merging reduces the number of evaluation steps required and decreases the control overhead associated with individual beam determination.

The patent divides the large set of beam directions into multiple beam groups, where each group contains multiple individual beams. The beam group determination phase evaluates groups rather than individual beams, reducing the time required to narrow down the search space. This segmentation allows the system to support many beam directions while reducing determination time by processing beams in organized groups rather than individually.

The patent performs preliminary beam group determination before final individual beam selection. By first identifying promising beam groups through reference signal evaluation at the group level, the system prepares in advance for the more detailed individual beam selection phase. This preliminary action reduces the overall determination time by eliminating unpromising beams early in the process.

The patent merges multiple beam evaluations into beam group evaluations, reducing the number of separate control messages required. When beams are evaluated in groups, the control overhead for beam determination is reduced because fewer individual beam reports and acknowledgments are needed. This merging approach maintains communication reliability during mobile movement while significantly reducing the control overhead associated with frequent re-determination.

The patent performs partial beam determination by first evaluating beam groups and then selectively evaluating only the individual beams within selected groups. This partial action approach determines only the necessary beam information required for maintaining reliable communication, rather than performing complete individual beam evaluations for all beams. This reduces control overhead while maintaining the reliability needed for mobile communication scenarios.