Wireless Near-Field Detection Using Antenna-Array Phase Measurements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems struggle to accurately distinguish between near-field and far-field distances for wireless devices, which affects beamforming and antenna calibration, particularly in high-frequency networks like 6G, where near-field distances increase and require specific communication adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A wireless device determines near-field or far-field distance by measuring phases of reference signals from another device's antenna array, using first and second-order angle parameters derived through linear regression or statistical analysis, and adjusts communication based on these parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If phase measurements of reference signals are used to determine distance, then near-field and far-field distances can be distinguished, but the system complexity increases due to requiring first and second-order angle parameter calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the angle parameter calculation into first-order parameters (azimuth and elevation angles) and second-order parameters (curvature-related parameters). This segmentation allows the system to progressively determine near-field vs. far-field distance by first calculating simpler first-order parameters from phase measurements, then evaluating whether second-order parameters are needed based on the specific measurement scenario, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic approach where the calculation of second-order angle parameters is conditional rather than always executed. The system dynamically determines whether to compute second-order parameters based on the magnitude of first-order parameters and predefined thresholds. This dynamic behavior reduces unnecessary computational complexity while preserving measurement precision when near-field conditions are detected.
2Reliability
If second-order angle parameters are calculated to improve distance accuracy, then near-field detection becomes more reliable, but the computational load and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of first-order angle parameters (azimuth and elevation) before determining whether second-order parameters are needed. By establishing these baseline parameters first, the system can use them as criteria to decide if the more computationally intensive second-order parameters should be calculated, thereby avoiding unnecessary processing time while maintaining detection reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own first-order angle parameter results to determine whether second-order parameters are required for accurate near-field detection. This self-service mechanism allows the system to autonomously adjust its computational effort based on the measurement context, optimizing the balance between reliability and processing time without external intervention.
3Measurement precision
If linear regression and statistical analysis are used to derive angle parameters, then measurement accuracy improves, but the computational complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using linear regression and statistical analysis selectively rather than universally. The system performs these computationally intensive operations only when first-order angle parameters indicate conditions where second-order parameters may be needed for accurate near-field detection. In far-field scenarios where first-order parameters suffice, the system skips the partial action of advanced statistical analysis, thereby reducing computational complexity while maintaining precision where necessary.
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
Enables effective communication by accurately distinguishing near-field and far-field distances, allowing for optimized beamforming and antenna calibration, improving communication efficiency in high-frequency wireless networks.
Implementation Method 1
The first wireless device may measure phases of the reference signals. Each of the phases may correspond to a respective antenna pair that includes a first antenna of the first antenna array and a second antenna of the second antenna array.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described, including detection of whether a first wireless device is location within a near-field distance of a second wireless device. The first wireless device measures phases of reference signals received at first antenna array of the first antenna array from a second antenna array of the second wireless device. The first wireless device determines, based on the phases, the values of quadratic terms associated with an equation for calculating the distance between a first antenna of the first antenna array and the center of the first antenna array or for calculating the distance between a second antenna of the second antenna array and the center of the second antenna array. The first wireless device determines, based on the quadratic terms, whether the first wireless device is within the near-field distance of the second wireless device.