Wireless Path Selection Using Dynamic Beam Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks using narrow beam antennas, there is a challenge in quickly determining and agreeing on reliable transmission paths, especially in synchronous communication channels with time division multiplexing, due to the dynamic nature of obstacles and the need for spatial diversity to maintain communication quality.
Innovation Solution
A method involving configuration time slots for emitting and receiving reference signals to identify valid transmission paths, allowing for dynamic selection and updating of transmission paths within a cycle, using a combination of omnidirectional and narrow beam antennas to efficiently scan and validate paths, ensuring high-quality communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If narrow beam antennas are steered to a given transmission path to achieve high antenna gains, then link budget requirements are fulfilled, but synchronization between devices is needed and the system cannot adapt quickly to moving obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path selection where the system transitions from static narrow beam steering to dynamic multi-path selection. The receiver identifies multiple valid transmission paths and the system dynamically switches between them based on current conditions, allowing adaptation to moving obstacles while maintaining reliable communication through diversity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of beamwidth by using wide beams during the configuration phase to scan and identify multiple transmission paths, then switches to narrow beams during data transmission for high gain. This parameter change enables both adaptability (wide beam scanning) and reliability (narrow beam transmission).
2Loss of information
If a full scan is performed in three dimensions for searching for all possible paths beforehand, then transmission paths are identified, but the paths may not be available or valid when communication starts due to moving obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by conducting a wide beam scan during the configuration phase before data transmission to identify multiple valid transmission paths. This preliminary identification creates a pool of candidate paths that can be quickly selected from during actual communication, avoiding the need for time-consuming scans during data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication process is segmented into distinct phases: a configuration phase for path identification using wide beams, and a data transmission phase using narrow beams on pre-identified paths. This segmentation allows the system to perform comprehensive path scanning when needed without interfering with time-critical data transmission.
3Reliability
If narrow beam antennas are used for high antenna gains, then link budget requirements are met, but the time available for finding and agreeing on the transmission path is very short
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the time-consuming path identification action in advance during the configuration phase using wide beams. By the time data transmission begins, multiple valid paths are already identified and stored, allowing immediate selection without consuming time during the critical data transmission period.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic wide beam scanning during configuration phases to refresh the pool of identified transmission paths. This periodic action ensures that up-to-date path information is available while maintaining narrow beam operation for high-gain data transmission in between scans.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes emitting a reference signal following K transmission paths during a first configuration time slot, identifying valid transmission paths among the set of K transmission paths by listening, according to each transmission path of the set, for a feedback reference signal from the second device during the second configuration time slot; and emitting data signals in each communication time slot of which the associated transmission path has been identified as valid.