Wireless Beamforming Through Phase-Shifted Signal Power Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face a sharp decrease in transmission efficiency due to multipath propagation and wavefront distortion caused by obstacles between the transmitter and receiver, especially when the receiver is moving, necessitating a method to maximize reception power while maintaining system efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A beamforming method that determines a transmission beam by controlling the phase of antenna elements based on reception power feedback from the receiver, using phase shifts to optimize signal combination and maximize reception power, even in the presence of obstacles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional beamforming is used to focus signal on receiver, then transmission efficiency is improved, but system reliability deteriorates when obstacles are present due to multipath propagation and wavefront distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidsignal transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic beamforming by continuously adjusting the phase and amplitude of antenna elements based on real-time feedback about the propagation environment. When obstacles are detected causing multipath propagation, the system dynamically reconfigures the beamforming weights to adapt to changing channel conditions, thereby maintaining both transmission efficiency and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the receiver provides information about received signal quality and propagation conditions back to the transmitter. This feedback enables the transmitter to adjust beamforming parameters in real-time, compensating for obstacles and multipath effects while maintaining optimal transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If receiver position is changed to maintain high energy efficiency, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to need for continuous position adjustment and tracking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the communication system to self-optimize by having the transmitter automatically adjust beamforming parameters based on feedback about signal quality and propagation conditions. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual receiver position adjustment while maintaining energy efficiency, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of changing the receiver position, the patent optimizes transmission parameters (phase and amplitude weights of antenna elements) to maintain optimal signal delivery. This parameter-based adaptation achieves energy efficiency without requiring physical movement or complex position tracking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If transmitter antenna array is synchronously controlled for focusing on multiple receivers, then transmission capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to synchronous control requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-receiver capabilityVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the antenna array into independently controllable elements or sub-arrays, each of which can be separately optimized for different receivers. This segmentation allows the system to serve multiple receivers simultaneously without requiring complex synchronous control of all elements, reducing overall control complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The method enhances reception power by optimizing phase control, allowing efficient signal transmission even with moving receivers and obstacles, improving energy transfer stability and operational efficiency in multipath conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a phase and amplitude of a beam output from an antenna element are adjusted to ensure maximum power in a given direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase control:

Implementation Method 2

a beamforming method that determines a transmission beam by controlling the phase of antenna elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBeamforming:

Implementation Method 3

multipath propagation and wavefront distortion (for example, refraction or reflection) may occur

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMultipath propagation:

Implementation Method 4

multipath propagation and wavefront distortion (for example, refraction or reflection)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 5

multipath propagation and wavefront distortion (for example, refraction or reflection)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3832898B1Method and apparatus for performing beamforming in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3832898B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3832898B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3832898B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A first terminal according to an embodiment of the disclosure may obtain information regarding reception power of a reference signal transmitted to a second terminal, obtain information regarding reception power of a source signal transmitted to the second terminal, obtain information regarding reception power of a first combined signal that is transmitted to the second terminal and is a combination of the reference signal and the source signal, obtain information regarding reception power of a second combined signal that is transmitted to the second terminal and is a combination of a modified source signal obtained by shifting a phase of the source signal and the reference signal, and determine a transmission beam of the first terminal, based on the information regarding the reception power of each of the reference signal, the source signal, the first combined signal and the second combined signal.