MOBILE APPARATUS DYNAMIC STATE-BASED TARGET TRACKING IN BEAMSTEERING NETWORK

A base station apparatus configured to control operation of a base station causes the base station to perform conical scanning of a mobile apparatus. The base station is configured to communicate via wireless communications using beamforming. A communication session between the base station and the mobile apparatus has been established, and the conical scanning of the mobile apparatus comprises transmitting a tracking beam that rotates about a path centered on a position associated with the mobile apparatus and characterized by a radius. The base station apparatus receives a dynamic state communication indicating a dynamic state of the mobile apparatus; determines, based at least on the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus, a new radius; and causes the base station to perform the conical scanning by transmitting the tracking beam that rotates about the path centered on the position associated with the mobile apparatus and characterized by the new radius.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

An example embodiment relates to target tracking in beam steering networks. An example embodiment relates to performing target tracking in a beam steering network using mobile apparatus dynamic state information.

BACKGROUND

Beam steering networks, such as 5G, are configured to provide high bandwidth communications by targeting mobile apparatuses with respective narrow radio beams. For example, during a communication session between a base station and a mobile apparatus, the base station transmits a narrow radio beam directed toward the mobile apparatus. However, if the mobile apparatus is moving while the base station is communicating with the mobile apparatus, the base station will need to steer the narrow radio beam to the current location of the mobile apparatus to prevent the communication session between the base station and mobile apparatus from being interrupted.

Therefore, a problem exists as to how to track the location of a mobile apparatus to provide high bandwidth communications via a beam steering network.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Various embodiments provide methods, apparatus, systems, and computer program products for performing tracking of a mobile apparatus in a beam steering network using dynamic state information corresponding to the mobile apparatus. In various embodiments, a communication session is established between a base station and a mobile apparatus. The base station performs conical scanning of the mobile apparatus. For example, the base station transmits a tracking beam that rotates about a path centered on a position associated with the mobile apparatus and characterized by a radius. Any changes in the signal-to-noise ratio of the tracking beam received by the mobile apparatus as the tracking beam rotates about the path is indicative in changes in the location of the mobile apparatus with respect to the position associated with the mobile apparatus about which the path is centered. Dynamic state information is used to determine the radius of the path about which the tracking beam rotates.

In various embodiments, the dynamic state information is indicative of the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus. For example, the mobile apparatus includes one or more sensors that are configured to capture information that may be indicative of movement of the mobile apparatus, in various embodiments. For example, the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus corresponds to a velocity vector, magnitude of a velocity, acceleration vector, magnitude of an acceleration and/or the like of the mobile apparatus, in various embodiments.

In an example embodiment, a base station apparatus causes the base station to perform conical scanning of a mobile apparatus. The base station apparatus is configured to control operation of the base station, which is configured to communicate with the mobile apparatus via wireless communications using beamforming. A communication session between base station and the mobile apparatus has been established. The conical scanning of the mobile apparatus includes transmitting a tracking beam that rotates about a path centered on a position associated with the mobile apparatus and characterized by a radius. The base station apparatus receives a dynamic state communication generated by the mobile apparatus. The dynamic state communication providing an indication of a dynamic state of the mobile apparatus. For example, the dynamic state communication may include dynamic state information for the mobile apparatus. The base station apparatus determines a new radius based at least in part on the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus. The base station causes the base station to perform conical scanning of the mobile apparatus by transmitting the tracking beam that rotates about the path centered on the position associated with the mobile apparatus and characterized by the new radius.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method for performing mobile apparatus dynamic state-based target tracking in a beam steering network is provided. In an example embodiment, the method comprises causing, by a base station apparatus, a base station to perform conical scanning of a mobile apparatus. The base station apparatus is configured to control operation of the base station and the base station is configured to communicate via wireless communications using beamforming. A communication session between the base station and the mobile apparatus has been established, and the conical scanning of the mobile apparatus comprises transmitting a tracking beam that rotates about a path centered on a position associated with the mobile apparatus and characterized by a radius. The method further comprises receiving, by the base station apparatus, a dynamic state communication generated by the mobile apparatus, the dynamic state communication providing an indication of a dynamic state of the mobile apparatus; determining, by the base station apparatus and based at least in part on the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus, a new radius; and causing, by the base station apparatus, the base station to perform the conical scanning of the mobile apparatus by transmitting the tracking beam that rotates about the path centered on the position associated with the mobile apparatus and characterized by the new radius.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus corresponds to at least one of (a) a magnitude of a velocity of the mobile apparatus or (b) a magnitude of an acceleration of the mobile apparatus.

In an example embodiment. (a) the new radius is larger than the radius when the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus has substantially changed since a determination of the radius and (b) the new radius is the same as or smaller than the radius when the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus has not substantially changed since the determination of the radius.

In an example embodiment, the position associated with the mobile apparatus is modified based on a location along the path wherein the base station apparatus detects a highest signal-to-noise ratio of a return tracking beam.

In an example embodiment, the new radius is determined based at least in part on the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus and a dynamic state-radius model.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic state-radius model is a look-up table.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic state-radius model is a machine learning-trained model.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic state-radius model is trained during the communication session between the base station and the mobile apparatus.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic state-radius model is particular to the mobile apparatus or a characteristic of the mobile apparatus.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic state communication comprises sensor data captured by one or more sensors of the mobile apparatus and corresponding to motion of the mobile apparatus.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic state communication comprises at least one of a magnitude of an acceleration of the mobile apparatus or a magnitude of a velocity of the mobile apparatus.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic state communication comprises a dynamic state index configured to identify a class corresponding to the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus.

In an example embodiment, the base station apparatus receives a plurality of dynamic state communications in a periodic or regular manner during the communication session and the base station apparatus determines the new radius responsive to receiving each respective dynamic state communication of the plurality of dynamic state communications.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic state communication is provided by the mobile apparatus in response to the mobile apparatus identifying a change in the mobile apparatuses dynamic state.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus is provided. In an example embodiment, the apparatus is configured to control operation of a base station configured to communicate via wireless communications using beam steering. The apparatus comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing computer program code and/or instructions. The at least one memory and the computer program code and/or instructions are configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to at least cause a base station to perform conical scanning of a mobile apparatus. A communication session between the base station and the mobile apparatus has been established, and the conical scanning of the mobile apparatus comprises transmitting a tracking beam that rotates about a path centered on a position associated with the mobile apparatus and characterized by a radius. The at least one memory and the computer program code and/or instructions are further configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to at least receive a dynamic state communication generated by the mobile apparatus, the dynamic state communication providing an indication of a dynamic state of the mobile apparatus; determine, based at least in part on the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus, a new radius; and cause, the base station to perform the conical scanning of the mobile apparatus by transmitting the tracking beam that rotates about the path centered on the position associated with the mobile apparatus and characterized by the new radius.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus corresponds to at least one of (a) a magnitude of a velocity of the mobile apparatus or (b) a magnitude of an acceleration of the mobile apparatus.

In an example embodiment, (a) the new radius is larger than the radius when the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus has substantially changed since a determination of the radius and (b) the new radius is the same as or smaller than the radius when the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus has not substantially changed since the determination of the radius.

In an example embodiment, the position associated with the mobile apparatus is modified based on a location along the path wherein the base station apparatus detects a highest signal-to-noise ratio of a return tracking beam.

In an example embodiment, the new radius is determined based at least in part on the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus and a dynamic state-radius model.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic state-radius model is a look-up table.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic state-radius model is a machine learning-trained model.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic state-radius model is trained during the communication session between the base station and the mobile apparatus.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic state-radius model is particular to the mobile apparatus or a characteristic of the mobile apparatus.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic state communication comprises sensor data captured by one or more sensors of the mobile apparatus and corresponding to motion of the mobile apparatus.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic state communication comprises at least one of a magnitude of an acceleration of the mobile apparatus or a magnitude of a velocity of the mobile apparatus.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic state communication comprises a dynamic state index configured to identify a class corresponding to the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus.

In an example embodiment, the base station apparatus receives a plurality of dynamic state communications in a periodic or regular manner during the communication session and the base station apparatus determines the new radius responsive to receiving each respective dynamic state communication of the plurality of dynamic state communications.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic state communication is provided by the mobile apparatus in response to the mobile apparatus identifying a change in the mobile apparatuses dynamic state.

In still another aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided. In an example embodiment, the computer program product comprises at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code and/or instructions portions stored therein. The computer-readable program code and/or instructions portions comprise executable portions configured, when executed by a processor of an apparatus configured to control operation of a base station, to cause the apparatus to cause a base station to perform conical scanning of a mobile apparatus. The base station is configured to communicate via wireless communications using beam steering. A communication session between the base station and the mobile apparatus has been established, and the conical scanning of the mobile apparatus comprises transmitting a tracking beam that rotates about a path centered on a position associated with the mobile apparatus and characterized by a radius. The computer-readable program code and/or instructions portions comprise executable portions further configured, when executed by a processor of the apparatus, to cause the apparatus to receive a dynamic state communication generated by the mobile apparatus, the dynamic state communication providing an indication of a dynamic state of the mobile apparatus; determine, based at least in part on the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus, a new radius; and cause, the base station to perform the conical scanning of the mobile apparatus by transmitting the tracking beam that rotates about the path centered on the position associated with the mobile apparatus and characterized by the new radius.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus corresponds to at least one of (a) a magnitude of a velocity of the mobile apparatus or (b) a magnitude of an acceleration of the mobile apparatus.

In an example embodiment, (a) the new radius is larger than the radius when the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus has substantially changed since a determination of the radius and (b) the new radius is the same as or smaller than the radius when the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus has not substantially changed since the determination of the radius.

In an example embodiment, the position associated with the mobile apparatus is modified based on a location along the path wherein the base station apparatus detects a highest signal-to-noise ratio of a return tracking beam.

In an example embodiment, the new radius is determined based at least in part on the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus and a dynamic state-radius model.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic state-radius model is a look-up table.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic state-radius model is a machine learning-trained model.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic state-radius model is trained during the communication session between the base station and the mobile apparatus.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic state-radius model is particular to the mobile apparatus or a characteristic of the mobile apparatus.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic state communication comprises sensor data captured by one or more sensors of the mobile apparatus and corresponding to motion of the mobile apparatus.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic state communication comprises at least one of a magnitude of an acceleration of the mobile apparatus or a magnitude of a velocity of the mobile apparatus.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic state communication comprises a dynamic state index configured to identify a class corresponding to the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus.

In an example embodiment, the base station apparatus receives a plurality of dynamic state communications in a periodic or regular manner during the communication session and the base station apparatus determines the new radius responsive to receiving each respective dynamic state communication of the plurality of dynamic state communications.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic state communication is provided by the mobile apparatus in response to the mobile apparatus identifying a change in the mobile apparatuses dynamic state.

According to yet another aspect, an apparatus is provided. In an example embodiment, the apparatus comprises means for causing a base station to perform conical scanning of a mobile apparatus. The base station is configured to communicate via wireless communications using beamforming. A communication session between the base station and the mobile apparatus has been established, and the conical scanning of the mobile apparatus comprises transmitting a tracking beam that rotates about a path centered on a position associated with the mobile apparatus and characterized by a radius. The apparatus comprises means for receiving a dynamic state communication generated by the mobile apparatus, the dynamic state communication providing an indication of a dynamic state of the mobile apparatus. The apparatus comprises means for determining, based at least in part on the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus, a new radius. The apparatus comprises means for causing the base station to perform the conical scanning of the mobile apparatus by transmitting the tracking beam that rotates about the path centered on the position associated with the mobile apparatus and characterized by the new radius.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Additionally, as used herein, the term ‘circuitry’ refers to (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (e.g., implementations in analog circuitry and/or digital circuitry); (b) combinations of circuits and computer program product(s) comprising software and/or firmware instructions stored on one or more computer readable memories that work together to cause an apparatus to perform one or more functions described herein; and (c) circuits, such as, for example, a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of ‘circuitry’ applies to all uses of this term herein, including in any claims. As a further example, as used herein, the term ‘circuitry’ also includes an implementation comprising one or more processors and/or portion(s) thereof and accompanying software and/or firmware.

I. General Overview

Various embodiments provide methods, apparatus, systems, and computer program products for performing tracking of a mobile apparatus in a beam steering network using dynamic state information corresponding to the mobile apparatus. In various embodiments, a communication session is established between a base station and a mobile apparatus. The base station performs conical scanning of the mobile apparatus. For example, the base station transmits a tracking beam that rotates about a path centered on a position associated with the mobile apparatus and characterized by a radius. Any changes in the signal-to-noise ratio of the tracking beam received by the mobile apparatus as the tracking beam rotates about the path is indicative in changes in the location of the mobile apparatus with respect to the position associated with the mobile apparatus about which the path is centered. Dynamic state information is used to determine the radius of the path about which the tracking beam rotates.

In various embodiments, the dynamic state information is indicative of the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus. For example, the mobile apparatus includes one or more sensors that are configured to capture information that may be indicative of movement of the mobile apparatus, in various embodiments. For example, the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus corresponds to a velocity vector, magnitude of a velocity, acceleration vector, magnitude of an acceleration and/or the like of the mobile apparatus, in various embodiments.

For example, in 5G and likely future generation wireless communication technologies, beam steering is used to enable high bandwidth, relatively low power (compared to non-beam steering transmissions with comparable received signal strength), and/or high signal-to-noise ratio communications. Beam steering is a set of techniques used to focus the direction and shape of a radiation pattern. In wireless communications, beam steering changes the direction of the data signal and narrows the width of the data signal, typically by manipulating relative phase and amplitude shifts of the signal through an array of multiple antenna elements. Thus, the data signal transmitted by a base station via beam steering is transmitted through a narrow arc in a direction toward the mobile apparatus.

If the mobile apparatus moves outside of the narrow arc within which the base station transmits the data signal, the communication session between the mobile apparatus and the base station is interrupted. When the communication session is interrupted, the mobile apparatus experiences reduced bandwidth capabilities or a loss of connection to the wireless network altogether. Therefore, there exists technical problems regarding how to ensure the communication session between a base station and a mobile apparatus is not interrupted due to the mobile apparatus's motion.

Various embodiments provide technical solutions to these technical challenges. For example, in various embodiments, the base station apparatus configured to control operation of a base station causes the base station to perform conical scanning to track a position associated with the mobile apparatus. To perform the conical scanning, the base station (e.g., an antenna array of the base station) transmits a tracking beam that rotates about a path centered on a position associated with the mobile apparatus and characterized by a radius. Any changes in the signal-to-noise ratio of the tracking beam received by the mobile apparatus as the tracking beam rotates about the path is indicative in changes in the location of the mobile apparatus with respect to the position associated with the mobile apparatus about which the path is centered.

Various embodiments relate to the determination of the radius of the path about which the tracking beam rotates. For example, if the mobile apparatus moves from the interior of the path to the exterior of the path during an iteration of the conical scanning, the communication session between the base station and the mobile apparatus will be interrupted. In various embodiments, the radius that characterizes the path is determined based at least in part on a dynamic state of the mobile apparatus. For example, if the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus indicates that the mobile apparatus is accelerating or is traveling at a higher speed than previously, a new radius may be determined that is larger than the current radius. The base station performs the conical scanning by transmitting the tracking beam around the path that is centered on a position associated with the mobile apparatus and that is characterized by the new radius. In an example scenario where the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus indicates that the mobile apparatus is not accelerating (e.g., the magnitude of the velocity of the mobile apparatus is constant or decreasing), the new radius may be the same as the current radius or smaller than the current radius.

Therefore, various embodiments provide technical solutions that improve the base station's abilities to track the mobile apparatus such that communication sessions between the mobile apparatus and the base station is not interrupted. Moreover, various embodiments provide technical solutions that improve the base station's abilities to track the mobile apparatus such that the base station may optimize the bandwidth of communication between the base station and the mobile apparatus.

II. Example System Architecture

FIG.1provides an illustration of an example system that can be used in conjunction with various embodiments of the present invention. As shown inFIG.1, the system includes one or more base stations20, one or more mobile apparatus30, one or more networks60, and/or the like.

In the illustrated example system, the base station20comprises a base station apparatus10and one or more antenna arrays15. In various embodiments, the base station20is an access point for a wireless network60. For example, the base station may be a wireless network access point and/or gateway such as Wi-Fi network access point, cellular network access point, Bluetooth access point, 5G radio communications network access point, and/or other radio frequency-based network access point. In various embodiments, the base station apparatus10is configured to control operation of the base station20. For example, the base station apparatus10causes an antenna array15to transmit a data signal17via which the base station20provides communication network access to the mobile apparatus30. For example, the base station apparatus10may be configured to cause an antenna array15to use beamforming and/or beam steering to transmit a data signal17.

In an example embodiment, a base station20is a gNodeB (gNB), cell tower, and/or the like. In an example embodiment, the base station apparatus10is a server, group of servers, distributed computing system, part of a cloud-based computing system, and/or other computing system. In various embodiments, mobile apparatus30is user equipment such as a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet, laptop, in vehicle navigation system, vehicle control system, a mobile computing device, a mobile data gathering platform, personal digital assistant (PDA), and/or the like.

In an example embodiment, a base station apparatus10may comprise components similar to those shown in the example base station apparatus10diagrammed inFIG.2A. In an example embodiment, the base station apparatus10is configured to cause a communication session between the base station20and a mobile apparatus30to be established, cause performance of conical scanning of the mobile apparatus30, act as a communication network access point for the mobile apparatus during the communication session, receive and process dynamic state communications provided by the mobile apparatus, modify the performance of the conical scanning of the mobile apparatus30based on the processing of a dynamic state communication, and/or the like. In various embodiments, the base station apparatus10comprises a baseband unit (BBU), remote radio head (RRH), and/or the like.

For example, as shown inFIG.2A, the base station apparatus10may comprise a processor12, memory14, a user interface18, a communication interface16, and/or other components configured to perform various operations, procedures, functions, or the like described herein. In various embodiments, the base station apparatus10stores computer program code and/or instructions for performing various functions described herein, and/or the like (e.g., in memory14), for example. In at least some example embodiments, the memory14is non-transitory.

In an example embodiment, the mobile apparatus30is configured to establish a communication session with a base station20, provide tracking communications determined and/or generated based on reception of a tracking beam, capture sensor data indicative of the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30, transmit dynamic state communications, and/or the like.

In an example embodiment, the mobile apparatus30is user equipment. For example, the mobile apparatus30is a mobile computing device such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, PDA, navigation system, vehicle control system, an Internet of things (IoT) device, and/or the like, in various embodiments. In an example embodiment, as shown inFIG.2B, the mobile apparatus30may comprise a processor32, memory34, a communication interface36, a user interface38, one or more sensors39and/or other components configured to perform various operations, procedures, functions or the like described herein. In various embodiments, the mobile apparatus30stores computer executable instructions for performing various functions described herein, and/or the like in memory34. In at least some example embodiments, the memory34is non-transitory.

In various embodiments, the sensors39comprise one or more IMU sensors, one or more GNSS sensors, one or more radio sensors, and/or other sensors. In an example embodiment, the one or more IMU sensors comprise one or more accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, and/or the like. In various embodiments, the one or more GNSS sensor(s) are configured to communicate with one or more GNSS satellites and determine GNSS-based position estimates and/or other information based on the communication with the GNSS satellites. In various embodiments, the one or more radio sensors comprise one or more radio interfaces configured to observe and/or receive signals generated and/or transmitted by one or more access points, antenna arrays15, and/or other computing entities. For example, the one or more radio interfaces may be configured (possibly in coordination with processor32) to determine a locally unique identifier, globally unique identifier, signal-to-noise ratio, and/or operational parameters of a base station20or other radio node observed by the radio sensor(s). As used herein, a radio sensor observes a radio node by receiving, capturing, measuring and/or observing a signal generated and/or transmitted by the radio node. In an example embodiment, the interface of a radio sensor may be configured to observe one or more types of signals such as generated and/or transmitted in accordance with one or more protocols such as 5G, general packet radio service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000), CDMA2000 1× (1×RTT), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Time Division-Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, 802.16 (WiMAX), ultra-wideband (UWB), infrared (IR) protocols, near field communication (NFC) protocols, Wibree, Bluetooth protocols, wireless universal serial bus (USB) protocols, and/or any other wireless protocol. For example, the interface of a radio sensor may be configured to observe signals of one or more modern global cellular formats such as GSM, WCDMA, TD-SCDMA, LTE, LTE-A, CDMA, NB-IoT and/or non-cellular formats such as WLAN, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, Lora, and/or the like. For example, the interface(s) of the radio senor(s) may be configured to observe radio, millimeter, microwave, and/or infrared wavelength signals. In an example embodiment, the interface of radio sensor may be coupled to and/or part of a communication interface36. In various embodiments, the sensors39may further comprise one or more image sensors configured to capture visual samples, such as digital camera(s), 3D cameras, 360° cameras, and/or image sensors. In various embodiments, the one or more sensors39may comprise various other sensors such as two dimensional (2D) and/or three dimensional (3D) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) (s), long, medium, and/or short range radio detection and ranging (RADAR), ultrasonic sensors, electromagnetic sensors, (near-) infrared (IR) cameras.

In an example embodiment, the mobile apparatus30is in electronic communication with one or more wired and/or wireless networks60via a communication session established between the base station20and the mobile apparatus30. For example, the wireless or wired networks60may include, for example, a wired or wireless Personal Area Network (PAN), Local Area Network (LAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), cellular network, and/or the like. In an example embodiment, a network60comprises the automotive cloud, digital transportation infrastructure (DTI), radio data system (RDS)/high definition (HD) radio or other digital radio system, and/or the like. For example, a mobile apparatus30may communicate with one or more Cloud-based computing resources via the base station20and one or more wired and/or wireless networks60. For example, the Cloud may be a computer network that provides shared computer processing resources and data to computers and other devices connected thereto.

Certain example embodiments of the base station apparatus10and mobile apparatus30are described in more detail below with respect toFIGS.2A and2B.

FIG.3provides a conceptual diagram illustrating various concepts relating to performance of conical scanning of the mobile apparatus30by the base station20.FIG.3illustrates an antenna array15transmits a data signal17as part of a communication session with a mobile apparatus30. For example, the data signal17is used, by the base station20, to provide data (e.g. packets) to the mobile apparatus30as part of the communication session. The antenna array15transmits a tracking beam310that rotates (e.g. clockwise or counterclockwise) around path315. The path315is centered on a position330associated with the mobile apparatus30and is characterized by a radius R. For example, in an example embodiment, the path315is a circle centered on the position330associated with the mobile apparatus30and characterized and/or having a radius R. In various embodiments, the data signal17and the tracking beam310may be transmitted by the same or different antenna arrays15of base station20.

In various embodiments, the position330associated with the mobile apparatus30is a position estimate of the mobile apparatus30at a time when the conical scanning was last updated. For example, the base station apparatus10periodically and/or regularly updates the conical scanning of the mobile apparatus30performed by the base station20. For example, the mobile apparatus30periodically and/or regularly (e.g., every tenth seconds, half second, second, five seconds, ten seconds, fifteen seconds, twenty seconds, thirty seconds, forty seconds, minute, two minutes, five minutes, and/or the like) generates and transmits dynamic state communications. The base station apparatus10receives a dynamic state communication (e.g., via one or more antenna array15), processes the dynamic state communication (e.g., via processor12), and updates the position330associated with mobile apparatus30about which the path315is centered and/or the radius R that characterizes the path315based at least in part on the processing of the dynamic state communication.

In various embodiments, the mobile apparatus30receives, detects, and/or observes the tracking beam310. As the tracking beam310rotates and/or traverses about the path315, the mobile apparatus30determines and/or monitors one or more observed characteristics of the tracking beam310. For example, the mobile apparatus30determines and/or monitors the received signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, and/or one or more other observed characteristics of the tracking beam310. The mobile apparatus30may periodically and/or regularly (e.g., every tenth of a second, half of a second, second, five seconds, ten seconds, fifteen seconds, twenty seconds, thirty seconds, forty seconds, minute, two minutes, five minutes, and/or the like) generate and transmit a tracking communication that comprises tracking information such as one or more observed characteristics of tracking beam310at one or more points in time, a time or a location along the path315where one or more observed characteristics of the tracking beam310were at a minimum or a maximum, and/or the like. In various embodiments, the mobile apparatus30provides the tracking communication as part of the communication session between the mobile apparatus30and the base station20.

The base station apparatus10receives the tracking communication, extracts the tracking information therefrom, and processes the tracking information included in the tracking communication. In various embodiments, the base station apparatus10uses the tracking information to determine a new or updated position estimate for the mobile apparatus30. The new or updated position estimate for the mobile apparatus30may then be used to update the performance of the conical scanning performed by the base station20. For example, the new or updated position estimate for the mobile apparatus30may be used as a new position330associated with the mobile apparatus30, about which the a new path315is centered in the updated performance of the conical scanning performed by the base station20.

In various embodiments, the mobile apparatus30periodically and/or regularly (e.g., every tenth of a second, half of a second, second, five seconds, ten seconds, fifteen seconds, twenty seconds, thirty seconds, forty seconds, minute, two minutes, five minutes, and/or the like) captures sensor data (e.g., using sensors39) that is indicative of a dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30. For example, the sensor data may be indicative of a velocity vector, magnitude of velocity, acceleration vector, magnitude of acceleration, and/or the like of the mobile apparatus30.

In various embodiments, the mobile apparatus30periodically and/or regularly generates a dynamic state communication that includes dynamic state information. In an example embodiment, the dynamic state communication is generated in response to the capturing of the sensor data and/or the processing of the sensor data by the mobile apparatus30(e.g., processor32).

In various embodiments, the mobile apparatus30compares the sensor data to previous sensor data to determine whether the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30has changed. For example, the mobile apparatus30may compare the sensor data to previous sensor data based at least in part on one or more threshold criteria to determine whether sensor data indicates a (substantially) different dynamic state than the previously reported dynamic state or dynamic state information. In an example embodiment, the generating of the dynamic state communication is responsive to determining that the sensor data indicates that the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30has (substantially) changed. For example, the generating of the dynamic state communication is responsive to determining that the sensor data satisfies one or more threshold criteria indicating a change in the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30. For example, the mobile apparatus30only generates and provides the dynamic state communication when the sensor data captured by the mobile apparatus30indicates that the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30has (substantially) changed since the (immediately) previous capturing of sensor data.

In various embodiments, the dynamic state information includes the sensor data (e.g., captured by one or more sensors39) indicative of the velocity vector, magnitude of velocity, acceleration vector, magnitude of acceleration, and/or other motion parameter of the mobile apparatus30; a velocity vector, magnitude of velocity, acceleration vector, magnitude of acceleration, and/or other motion parameter of the mobile apparatus30determined by the mobile apparatus based on the captured sensor data. The mobile apparatus30transmits the dynamic state communication as part of the communication session between the mobile apparatus30and the base station20. In an example embodiment, a dynamic state communication and a tracking communication are provided at the same time (e.g., via a same packet) or at different times (e.g., via different packets).

The base station apparatus10receives the dynamic state communication (e.g., via an antenna array15), extracts the dynamic state information therefrom, and processes the dynamic state information. In various embodiments, the base station apparatus10determines a dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30based on the processing of the dynamic state information. In various embodiments, the dynamic state is a classification, a scalar number, or a vector/array of numbers. For example, in an example embodiment, the dynamic state is a classification determined based on the magnitude of the velocity and/or acceleration of the mobile apparatus30. For example, the classification of may be selected from a set of classes such as very high, high, medium, low, not moving or a set of classes such as highway/freeway/interstate travel, arterial road travel, neighborhood/in-city/town or bike travel, pedestrian travel, not moving; and/or other set of classes. In an example embodiment, the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30is a scalar number such as the magnitude of the velocity of the mobile apparatus30or the magnitude of the acceleration of the mobile apparatus30. In an example embodiment, the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus is a vector or an array of numbers that includes the magnitude of the velocity of the mobile apparatus30as one component thereof and the acceleration of the mobile apparatus30as another component thereof, for example.

Based on the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30, the base station apparatus10determines a new radius. For example, in various embodiments, the base station apparatus10stores the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus at a time tiduring the communication session between the mobile apparatus30and the base station apparatus10. The base station apparatus10determines the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus at time ti+1during the communication session between the mobile apparatus30and the base station apparatus10. The base station then compares the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30at time ti+1and the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus at time ti. Based on the result of comparing the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30at time ti+1and the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30at time t1, the base station apparatus10determines a new radius Ri+1. For example, in an example embodiment, responsive to the comparison of the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30at time ti+1and the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30at time tiindicates a change in the dynamics of the mobile apparatus30(e.g., an increased or decreased velocity and/or increased acceleration) the new radius Ri+1is larger than the current radius Ri(e.g., the radius that was determined based on the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30at time ti). In another example, in an example embodiment, responsive to the comparison of the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30at time ti+1and the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30at time tiindicates steady and/or constant dynamics of the mobile apparatus30(e.g., a constant velocity and/or a decreasing or zero acceleration) the new radius Ri+1is either the same or smaller than the current radius Ri. The base station apparatus10then updates the performance of the conical scanning of the mobile apparatus30by the base station20based on the new radius Ri+1. For example, the new radius Ri+1may be used as the radius R that characterizes a new path315in the updated performance of the conical scanning performed by the base station20.

Exemplary Operation of a Mobile Apparatus

In various embodiments, one or more mobile apparatuses30establish communication sessions with a base station20. As part of the communication session between a mobile apparatus30and the base station20, the base station20performs conical scanning of the mobile apparatus30and the mobile apparatus30provides either periodic and/or regular dynamic state communications and/or triggered (based on changes in dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30) dynamic state communications. Based on dynamic state information extracted from the dynamic state communication, the base station20determines a new radius that is used in the performance of the conical scanning of the mobile apparatus30by the base station20. The conical scanning enables the base station20to prevent interruptions in the communication session between the mobile apparatus30and the base station20by keeping the data signal17directed toward the mobile apparatus30even when the mobile apparatus30is moving. In various embodiments, the conical scanning enables the base station20to improve, increase, and/or maximize the bandwidth of communication between the base station20and the mobile apparatus30via the data signal17.

FIG.4provides a flowchart illustrating various processes, procedures, operations, and/or the like performed by a mobile apparatus30. Starting at block402, a mobile apparatus30establishes a communication session with a base station20. In various embodiments, the base station20is configured to communicate with one or more mobile apparatus30via wireless communications using beam steering. For example, in an example embodiment, the base station20is a gNB and/or a base station20configured to communicate with one or more mobile apparatuses30via 5G communications. For example, a mobile apparatus30comprises means, such as processor32, memory34, communication interface36, and/or the like, for establishing a communication session between the mobile apparatus30and the base station20.

At block404, the mobile apparatus30observes and/or detects the tracking beam310and generates and transmits a tracking communication comprising tracking information. In various embodiments, the tracking information includes one or more observed characteristics of tracking beam310at one or more points in time, a time or a location along the path315where one or more observed characteristics of the tracking beam310were at a minimum or a maximum, and/or the like. For example, the mobile apparatus comprises means, such as processor32, memory34, communication interface36, sensors39, and/or the like, for observing and/or detecting the tracking beam310and generating and transmitting a tracking communication comprising tracking information. For example, a radio interface of the sensors39may observe and/or detect the tracking beam310and the processor32may determine one or more observed characteristics of the tracking beam310. The processor32may then cause the communication interface36to provide a tracking communication comprising at least a portion of the tracking information. For example, the mobile apparatus30is configured to transmit and/or provide the tracking communication as part of the communication session between the mobile apparatus30and the base station20. In various embodiments, the base station apparatus10is configured to use tracking information extracted from the tracking communication to determine a new or updated position330associated with the mobile apparatus30for use in an updated performance of the conical scanning.

At block406, the mobile apparatus30captures sensor data. For example, the mobile apparatus30comprises means, such as processor32, memory34, sensors39, and/or the like, for capturing sensor data. In various embodiments, the mobile apparatus30captures sensor data (e.g., using sensors39) that is indicative of a dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30. For example, the sensor data may be indicative of a velocity vector, magnitude of velocity, acceleration vector, magnitude of acceleration, and/or the like of the mobile apparatus30. In various embodiments, the sensor data is GNSS sensor data, accelerometer sensor data, gyroscope sensor data, magnetic field sensor data, barometric pressure sensor data, radio interface sensor data, and/or other sensor data.

At block408, the mobile apparatus30generates and provides a dynamic state communication. For example, the mobile apparatus30comprises means, such as processor32, memory34, communication interface36, and/or the like, for generating and providing a dynamic state communication. In an example embodiment, the dynamic sate communication includes dynamic state information. In various embodiments, the mobile apparatus30generates the dynamic state information based at least in part on at least a portion of the sensor data captured at block406. For example, the dynamic state information may include at least a portion of the sensor data captured at block406. In another example, the dynamic state information may include a velocity vector, magnitude of velocity, acceleration vector, magnitude of acceleration, and/or other motion parameter describing the motion and/or dynamics of the mobile apparatus30when the sensor data was captured. In an example embodiment, the mobile apparatus30determines a classification corresponding to the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30based on a set of (standardized) classes. The dynamic state information may then include a dynamic state index configured to identify a class corresponding to the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30.

The mobile apparatus30transmits the dynamic state communication as part of the communication session between the mobile apparatus30and the base station20. In various embodiments, the base station apparatus10is configured to use dynamic state information extracted from the dynamic state communication to determine a new radius R for use in an updated performance of the conical scanning.

In various embodiments, one or more of block404,406, and/or408are performed periodically and/or regularly (e.g., every tenth of a second, half of a second, second, five seconds, ten seconds, fifteen seconds, twenty seconds, thirty seconds, forty seconds, minute, two minutes, five minutes, and/or the like) during the duration of the communication session. For example, the base station apparatus10is configured to periodically and/or regularly update the performance of the conical scanning of the mobile apparatus30by the base station20based on tracking information extracted from a tracking communication and/or dynamic state information extracted from a dynamic state communication.

In an example embodiment, the mobile apparatus is configured to determine whether the captured sensor data indicates a (substantial) change in the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30(e.g., compared to previously captured sensor data) and to perform block408in response to determining that the sensor data captured at block406indicates a (substantial) change in the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30compared to the (immediately) previous iteration of sensor data. For example, in an example embodiment, when the sensor data does not indicate a (substantial) change in the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30, the mobile apparatus30may not perform block408on that iteration of the performance of blocks404,406, and/or408.

Exemplary Operation of a Base Station Apparatus

In various embodiments, a base station apparatus10is configured to control operation of a base station20such that a communication session between the base station20and a mobile apparatus30such that the communication session is not interrupted (e.g., by the mobile apparatus30moving out of the narrow beam of the transmitted data signal17) and/or so that the bandwidth provided to the mobile apparatus30via the communication session is maximized and/or increased (compared to conventional scenarios). For example, the base station20performs conical scanning of the mobile apparatus30so as to track the location of the mobile apparatus30. Performing the conical scanning of the mobile apparatus30includes transmitting a tracking beam310that rotates about a path315centered on a position330associated with the mobile apparatus30and characterized by a radius R. The radius R is updated based on the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30.

Updating the radius R based on the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30enables the base station20to track the location of the mobile apparatus30without interruption of the communication session between the base station20and the mobile apparatus30, while enabling the base station to focus or narrow the transmitted data signal17(and provide larger bandwidth communications) when the location of the mobile apparatus30is well known.

FIG.5provides a flowchart illustrating various processes, procedures, operations, and/or the like performed by the base station apparatus10to cause the base station20to perform mobile apparatus dynamic state-based target tracking. Starting at block502, the base station apparatus10causes the base station20to establish a communication session with a mobile apparatus30. For example, the base station apparatus10comprises means, such as processor12, memory14, communication interface16, and/or the like, for causing the base station20to establish the communication session with the mobile apparatus30. For example, the base station apparatus10may cause the base station20to perform beam acquisition. In various embodiments, the base station20performs one or more beam acquisition processes that are configured for establishing communication sessions in a beam steering network (e.g., 5G network and/or other communication network that uses beam steering and/or beamforming).

At block504, the base station apparatus10causes the base station20to perform conical scanning of the mobile apparatus30. For example, the base station apparatus10comprises means, such as processor12, memory14, and/or the like, to control the one or more antenna arrays15to cause the base station20to perform conical scanning of the mobile apparatus30. In an example embodiment, performing conical scanning of the mobile apparatus30includes transmitting a tracking beam310that rotates about a path315centered on a position330associated with the mobile apparatus30and characterized by a radius R.

In various embodiments, the conical scanning is initiated using a position330associated with the mobile apparatus30determined and/or received (by the base station apparatus10) as part of the establishing of the communication session between the base station20and the mobile apparatus30. For example, the mobile apparatus30may transmit a position estimate indicating a location of the mobile apparatus30or information that may be used by the base station apparatus10to determine a position estimate indicating a location of the mobile apparatus30for receipt by the base station20as part of the establishing of the communication session between the base station20and the mobile apparatus30. In various embodiments, the conical scanning is initiated using a default radius R or a radius R that is selected and/or determined based at least in part on a dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30when the communication session between the mobile apparatus30and the base station20is established. For example, the mobile apparatus30may transmit dynamic state information for receipt by the base station20as part of establishing of the communication session between the base station20and the mobile apparatus30.

At block506, the base station apparatus10receives a dynamic state communication including dynamic state information. For example, the base station apparatus10comprises means, such as processor12, memory14, communication interface16, and/or the like, for receiving a dynamic state communication including dynamic state information. For example, the mobile apparatus30may transmit a dynamic state communication and the base station20may receive the dynamic station communication via an antenna array15. In various embodiments, the base station apparatus10extracts the dynamic state information from the dynamic state communication. In various embodiments, the dynamic state information includes the sensor data (e.g., captured by one or more sensors39of the mobile apparatus30) indicative of the velocity vector, magnitude of velocity, acceleration vector, magnitude of acceleration, and/or other motion parameter of the mobile apparatus30; a velocity vector, magnitude of velocity, acceleration vector, magnitude of acceleration, and/or other motion parameter of the mobile apparatus30determined by the mobile apparatus based on the sensor data captured by the sensors39of the mobile apparatus30.

In various embodiments, the base station apparatus10may also receive a tracking communication including tracking information. For example, the mobile apparatus30may transmit a tracking communication and the base station20may receive the tracking communication via an antenna array15. In various embodiments, the base station apparatus10extracts the tracking information from the tracking communication. In various embodiments, the tracking information includes one or more observed characteristics of the tracking beam310at one or more points in time, a time or a location along the path315where one or more observed characteristics of the tracking beam310were at a minimum or a maximum, and/or the like.

At block508, the base station apparatus10determines a new radius based on the dynamic state information and a dynamic state-radius model. For example, the base station apparatus10comprises means, such as processor12, memory14, and/or the like, for determining a new radius based on the dynamic state information and a dynamic state-radius model. For example, the base station apparatus10may process the dynamic state information to determine a dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30. In various embodiments, the dynamic state is a classification, a scalar number, or a vector/array of numbers. For example, in an example embodiment, the dynamic state is a classification determined based on the magnitude of the velocity and/or acceleration of the mobile apparatus30. For example, the classification may be selected from a set of classes such as very high, high, medium, low, not moving or a set of classes such as highway/freeway/interstate travel, arterial road travel, neighborhood/in-city/town or bike travel, pedestrian travel, not moving; and/or other set of classes. In an example embodiment, the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30is a scalar number such as the magnitude of the velocity of the mobile apparatus30or the magnitude of the acceleration of the mobile apparatus30. In an example embodiment, the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus is a vector or an array of numbers that includes the magnitude of the velocity of the mobile apparatus30as one component thereof and the acceleration of the mobile apparatus30as another component thereof, for example.

In various embodiments, the base station apparatus10stores a dynamic state-radius model in memory14. In various embodiments, the dynamic state-radius model is configured to provide a mapping between a dynamic state and a new radius. In various embodiments, the dynamic state-radius model is configured to provide a mapping between a change in sequential dynamic states of a mobile apparatus30and a new radius. In various embodiments, the dynamic state-radius model is look-up table, a function that can be evaluated (e.g., based on the dynamic state) by the base station apparatus10faster than the period between transmissions of sequential dynamic state communications by the mobile apparatus30, and/or the like. For example, in an example embodiment where the mobile apparatus30transmits dynamic state communications periodically and/or regularly with a period of one second between sequential dynamic state communications, the dynamic state-radius model is configured such that the base station apparatus10can determine a new radius based on the dynamic state-radius model and the dynamic state in less than one second.

In various embodiments, when the base station apparatus10determines that the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30has substantially changed since the determination of the current radius, the new radius is larger than the current radius. When the base station apparatus10determine that the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30has not substantially changed since the determination of the current radius, the new radius is the same or smaller than the current radius.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic state is indicative and/or includes a velocity or an indication of a velocity of the mobile apparatus30. In various embodiments, the base station apparatus10stores the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus at a time tiduring the communication session between the mobile apparatus30and the base station apparatus10. The base station apparatus10determines the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus at time ti+1during the communication session between the mobile apparatus30and the base station apparatus10. The base station then compares the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30at time ti+1and the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus at time ti. Based on the result of comparing the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30at time ti+1and the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30at time tiand the dynamic state-radius model, the base station apparatus10determines a new radius Ri+1. For example, in an example embodiment, responsive to the comparison of the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30at time ti+1and the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30at time tiindicates a substantial change in the dynamics of the mobile apparatus30(e.g., an increased or decreased velocity and/or increased acceleration) the new radius Ri+1is larger than the current radius Ri(e.g., the radius that was determined based on the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30at time ti).

For example, when a change in the velocity of the mobile apparatus30between time tiand time ti+1satisfies a threshold requirement, the new radius Ri+1is larger than the radius Ri. For example, when the acceleration of the mobile apparatus30between time t1and time ti+1(|vi+1−vi|/(ti+1−ti), where viis the velocity of the mobile apparatus at time tiand vi+1is the velocity of the mobile apparatus at time ti+1) is greater than a threshold acceleration or the change in velocity of the mobile apparatus30between time tiand time ti+1(|vi+1−vi|) is greater than a threshold change in velocity, the new radius Ri+1is larger than the radius Ri. In another example, in an example embodiment, responsive to the comparison of the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30at time ti+1and the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30at time tiindicating steady and/or constant dynamics of the mobile apparatus30(e.g., a constant velocity and/or a decreasing or zero acceleration) the new radius Ri+1is either the same or smaller than the current radius Ri. For example, when it is determined that the change in velocity of the mobile apparatus30between time tiand time ti+1does not satisfy the threshold requirement, the new radius Ri+1is the same or smaller than the radius Ri. For example, the base station apparatus10may determine the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30has substantially changed when the threshold requirement is satisfied and that the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30has not substantially changed when the threshold requirement is not satisfied.

In various embodiments, the dynamic state is indicative and/or includes an acceleration or an indication of an acceleration of the mobile apparatus30. For example, in an example embodiment, when the magnitude of the acceleration satisfies a threshold requirement (e.g., is greater than a threshold value), the dynamic state is determined to indicate a change in the dynamics of the mobile apparatus30(e.g., an increased or decreased velocity and/or increased acceleration) the new radius Ri+1is larger than the current radius Ri(e.g., the radius that was determined based on the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30at time ti). In another example, in an example embodiment, when the magnitude of the acceleration does not satisfy the threshold requirement (e.g., is less than the threshold value), the dynamic state is determined to indicate steady and/or constant dynamics of the mobile apparatus30(e.g., a constant velocity and/or a small or zero acceleration) the new radius Ri+1is either the same or smaller than the current radius Ri. For example, the base station apparatus10may determine the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30has substantially changed when the threshold requirement is satisfied and that the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30has not substantially changed when the threshold requirement is not satisfied.

In various embodiments, the dynamic state is a classification of the dynamics of the mobile apparatus30. When the classification of the dynamics of the mobile apparatus30is the same at time ti+1as at time ti, the dynamic state is determined to indicate steady and/or constant dynamics of the mobile apparatus30(e.g., a constant velocity and/or a small or zero acceleration) the new radius Ri+1is either the same or smaller than the current radius Ri. When the classification of the dynamics of the mobile apparatus30is different at time ti+1and time ti, the dynamic state is determined to indicate a change in the dynamics of the mobile apparatus30(e.g., an increased or decreased velocity and/or increased acceleration) the new radius Ri+1is larger than the current radius Ri(e.g., the radius that was determined based on the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30at time ti). For example, the base station apparatus10may determine the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30has substantially changed when the classification of the dynamics of the mobile apparatus30has changed between time tiand time ti+1and that the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30has not substantially changed when the classification of the dynamics of the mobile apparatus30has not changed between time tiand time ti+1.

In various embodiments, the dynamic state-radius model is specific to a particular base station20and/or one or more characteristics of the mobile apparatus30. In an example embodiment, the dynamic state-radius model is universal for different base stations20and/or different mobile apparatuses30.

In various embodiments, the dynamic state-radius model is a trained machine-learning based model. In an example embodiment, the dynamic state-radius model is a static and/or pre-determined model. For example, the dynamic state-radius model is trained prior to the establishing of the communication session between the base station20and the mobile apparatus30. In another example embodiment, the dynamic state-radius model is determined and/or trained during the communication session between the base station20and the mobile apparatus30.

At block510, in various embodiments wherein the dynamic state-radius model is updated and/or trained during the communication session between the base station20and the mobile apparatus30, the base station apparatus10updates and/or further trains the dynamic state-radius model. For example, the base station apparatus10is configured to update and/or train the dynamic state-radius model. For example, the base station apparatus10comprises means, such as processor12, memory14, and/or the like, for updating and/or training the dynamic state-radius model.

For example, information regarding the bandwidth of the communication between the base station20and the mobile apparatus30between time tiand time ti+1, the dynamic state at time ti, radius Riand/or the like may be used to further train the dynamic state-radius model. In various embodiments, the dynamic state-radius model is updated using a machine learning training technique. The updating or training of the dynamic state-radius model may be used to generate an updated look-up table and/or updated function coefficients for use in determining the new radius at a future time (e.g., time ti+2or the like).

In an example embodiment, the training of the dynamic state-radius model is configured to converge in a training time that is less than the temporal length of the communication session. For example, in an example embodiment, the training of the dynamic state-radius model is configured to converge within one minute, two minutes, five minutes, and/or the like of the establishing of the communication session between the base station20and the mobile apparatus30.

At block512, the base station apparatus10is configured to update the position330associated with the mobile apparatus30. For example, the base station apparatus10comprises means, such as processor12, memory14, communication interface16, and/or the like, for updating the position330associated with the mobile apparatus30. For example, the tracking information and/or dynamic state information may be used to determine a new position estimate for the mobile apparatus30. In another example embodiment, the base station apparatus10receives a position estimate of the mobile apparatus30provided and/or transmitted by the mobile apparatus30as part of the communication session. The base station apparatus10then updates the position330associated with the mobile apparatus30based on the position estimate of the mobile apparatus30.

At block514, the base station apparatus10causes performance of conical scanning of mobile apparatus30based on the new radius and updated position330associated with mobile apparatus30. For example, the base station apparatus10comprises means, such as processor12, memory14, communication interface16, and/or the like, for causing the base station to perform the conical scanning of the mobile apparatus30by the base station20using the new radius and the updated position of the mobile apparatus. For example, the base station apparatus10causes performance of the conical scanning of the mobile apparatus30including transmitting a tracking beam310that rotates about a path315centered on the updated position associated with the mobile apparatus30and characterized by the new radius.

IV. Technical Advantages

Various embodiments provide technical solutions to the technical problems of maintaining communication sessions and/or not interrupting communications sessions between mobile apparatuses30and base stations20due to movement of the mobile apparatus in communication networks using beam steering.

For example, in 5G and likely future generation wireless communication technologies, beam steering is used to enable high bandwidth, relatively low power (compared to non-beam steering transmissions with comparable received signal strength), and/or high signal-to-noise ratio communications. Beam steering is a set of techniques used to focus the direction and shape of a radiation pattern. In wireless communications, beam steering changes the direction of the data signal17and narrows the width of the data signal17, typically by manipulating relative phase and amplitude shifts of the signal through an array of multiple antenna elements. Thus, the data signal17transmitted by a base station20(e.g., antenna array15) via beam steering is transmitted through a narrow arc in a direction toward the mobile apparatus30.

If the mobile apparatus30moves outside of the narrow arc within which the base station20transmits the data signal17, the communication session between the mobile apparatus30and the base station20is interrupted. When the communication session is interrupted, the mobile apparatus30experiences reduced bandwidth capabilities and/or communication. Therefore, there exists technical problems regarding how to ensure the communication session between a base station20and a mobile apparatus30is not interrupted due to the mobile apparatus's30motion.

Various embodiments provide technical solutions to these technical challenges. For example, in various embodiments, the base station apparatus10is configured to control operation of a base station20and causes the base station20to perform conical scanning to track a position330associated with the mobile apparatus30. To perform the conical scanning, the base station20(e.g., an antenna array15of the base station20) transmits a tracking beam310that rotates about a path315centered on a position330associated with the mobile apparatus30and characterized by a radius R. Any changes in the signal-to-noise ratio of the tracking beam310received by the mobile apparatus30as the tracking beam310rotates about the path315is indicative in changes in the location of the mobile apparatus30with respect to the position330associated with the mobile apparatus30about which the path315is centered.

Various embodiments relate to the determination of the radius R of the path315about which the tracking beam310rotates. For example, if the mobile apparatus30moves from the interior of the path315to the exterior of the path315during an iteration of the conical scanning, the communication session between the base station20and the mobile apparatus30will be interrupted (e.g., the base station20may need to use a beam acquisition techniques to re-stablish the communication session). In various embodiments, the radius R that characterizes the path315is determined based at least in part on a dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30. For example, if the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30indicates that the dynamics of the mobile apparatus is changing and/or has changed (e.g., an increased or decreased velocity and/or increased acceleration), a new radius may be determined that is larger than the current radius. In another example, if the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30indicates that the dynamics of the mobile apparatus30is not changing and/or has not changed (e.g., a constant velocity and/or a decreasing or zero acceleration), a new radius may be determined that is the same size or smaller than the current radius. The base station20then performs the conical scanning by transmitting the tracking beam around the path that is centered on the position330associated with the mobile apparatus30and that is characterized by the new radius.

Therefore, various embodiments provide technical solutions that improve the base station's20abilities to track the mobile apparatus30such that communication sessions between the mobile apparatus30and the base station20is not interrupted. Moreover, various embodiments provide technical solutions that improve the base station's20abilities to track the mobile apparatus30such that the base station20may optimize the bandwidth of communication between the base station20and the mobile apparatus30.

V. Example Apparatus

The base station apparatus10and/or mobile apparatus30of an example embodiment may be embodied by or associated with a variety of computing devices including, for example, a navigation system including a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), a cellular telephone, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a watch, a camera, a computer, an Internet of things (IoT) item, and/or other device that can observe the radio environment (e.g., receive radio frequency signals from network access points) in the vicinity of the computing device and/or that can store at least a portion of a positioning map. Additionally or alternatively, the base station apparatus10and/or mobile apparatus30may be embodied in other types of computing devices, such as a server, a personal computer, a computer workstation, a laptop computer, a plurality of networked computing devices or the like, that are configured to perform conical scanning using a radius determined based on the dynamic state of the mobile apparatus30, capture sensor data and determine dynamic state information based on the sensor data, and/or the like.

As described above, the base station apparatus10and/or mobile apparatus30may be embodied by a computing entity and/or device. However, in some embodiments, the base station apparatus10and/or mobile apparatus30may be embodied as a chip or chip set. In other words, the base station apparatus10and/or mobile apparatus30may comprise one or more physical packages (e.g., chips) including materials, components and/or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a baseboard). The structural assembly may provide physical strength, conservation of size, and/or limitation of electrical interaction for component circuitry included thereon. The apparatus may therefore, in some cases, be configured to implement an embodiment of the present invention on a single chip or as a single “system on a chip.” As such, in some cases, a chip or chipset may constitute means for performing one or more operations for providing the functionalities described herein.

In some embodiments, the base station apparatus10and/or mobile apparatus30may include a user interface18,38that may, in turn, be in communication with the processor12,32to provide output to the user, such as one or more navigable routes to a destination location and/or from an origin location, display of location dependent and/or triggered information, information received via a communication session between a base station20and the mobile apparatus30, and/or the like, and, in some embodiments, to receive an indication of a user input. As such, the user interface18,38may include one or more output devices such as a display, speaker, and/or the like and, in some embodiments, may also include one or more input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touch screen, touch areas, soft keys, a microphone, a speaker, or other input/output mechanisms. Alternatively or additionally, the processor may comprise user interface circuitry configured to control at least some functions of one or more user interface elements such as a display and, in some embodiments, a speaker, ringer, microphone and/or the like. The processor and/or user interface circuitry comprising the processor may be configured to control one or more functions of one or more user interface elements through computer program instructions (e.g., software and/or firmware) stored on a memory accessible to the processor12,32(e.g., memory device14,34and/or the like).

The base station apparatus10and/or mobile apparatus30may optionally include a communication interface16,36. The communication interface16,36may be any means such as a device or circuitry embodied in either hardware or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to receive and/or transmit data from/to a network and/or any other device or module in communication with the apparatus. In this regard, the communication interface may include, for example, an antenna (or multiple antennas) and supporting hardware and/or software for enabling communications with a wireless communication network. Additionally or alternatively, the communication interface may include the circuitry for interacting with the antenna(s) to cause transmission of signals via the antenna(s) or to handle receipt of signals received via the antenna(s). In some environments, the communication interface may alternatively or also support wired communication. As such, for example, the communication interface may include a communication modem and/or other hardware/software for supporting communication via cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), universal serial bus (USB) or other mechanisms.

In various embodiments, base station apparatus10and/or mobile apparatus30may comprise a component (e.g., memory14,34, and/or another component) that stores a digital map (e.g., in the form of a geographic database) comprising a first plurality of data records, each of the first plurality of data records representing a corresponding traversable map element (TME). For example, the base station apparatus10may provide the mobile apparatus30with access to a digital map, digital map information, and/or other information via a communication session between the base station20and the mobile apparatus30. At least some of said first plurality of data records map information/data indicate current traffic conditions along the corresponding TME. For example, the geographic database may include a variety of data (e.g., map information/data) utilized in various navigation functions such as constructing a route or navigation path, determining the time to traverse the route or navigation path, matching a geolocation (e.g., a GNSS determined location, a radio-based position estimate) to a point on a map, a lane of a lane network, and/or link, one or more localization features and a corresponding location of each localization feature, and/or the like. For example, the geographic database may comprise a positioning map comprising an access point registry and/or instances of network access point information corresponding to various network access points. For example, a geographic database may include road segment, segment, link, lane segment, or TME data records, point of interest (POI) data records, localization feature data records, and other data records. More, fewer or different data records can be provided. In one embodiment, the other data records include cartographic (“carto”) data records, routing data, and maneuver data. One or more portions, components, areas, layers, features, text, and/or symbols of the POI or event data can be stored in, linked to, and/or associated with one or more of these data records. For example, one or more portions of the POI, event data, or recorded route information can be matched with respective map or geographic records via position or GNSS data associations (such as using known or future map matching or geo-coding techniques), for example. In an example embodiment, the data records may comprise nodes, connection information/data, intersection data records, link data records, POI data records, and/or other data records.

In an example embodiment, the TME data records are links, lanes, or segments (e.g., maneuvers of a maneuver graph, representing roads, travel lanes of roads, streets, paths, navigable aerial route segments, and/or the like as can be used in the calculated route or recorded route information for determination of one or more personalized routes). The intersection data records are ending points corresponding to the respective links, lanes, or segments of the TME data records. The TME data records and the intersection data records represent a road network and/or other traversable network, such as used by vehicles, cars, bicycles, and/or other entities. Alternatively, the geographic database can contain path segment and intersection data records or nodes and connection information/data or other data that represent pedestrian paths or areas in addition to or instead of the vehicle road record data, for example. Alternatively and/or additionally, the geographic database can contain navigable aerial route segments or nodes and connection information/data or other data that represent an navigable aerial network, for example.

The TMEs, lane/road/link/path segments, segments, intersections, and/or nodes can be associated with attributes, such as geographic coordinates, street names, address ranges, speed limits, turn restrictions at intersections, and other navigation related attributes, as well as POIs, such as gasoline stations, hotels, restaurants, museums, stadiums, offices, automobile dealerships, auto repair shops, buildings, stores, parks, etc. The geographic database can include data about the POIs and their respective locations in the POI data records. The geographic database can also include data about places, such as cities, towns, or other communities, and other geographic features, such as bodies of water, mountain ranges, etc. Such place or feature data can be part of the POI data or can be associated with POIs or POI data records (such as a data point used for displaying or representing a position of a city). In addition, the geographic database can include and/or be associated with event data (e.g., traffic incidents, constructions, scheduled events, unscheduled events, etc.) associated with the POI data records or other records of the geographic database.

The geographic database can be maintained by the content provider (e.g., a map developer) in association with the services platform. By way of example, the map developer can collect geographic data to generate and enhance the geographic database. There can be different ways used by the map developer to collect data. These ways can include obtaining data from other sources, such as municipalities or respective geographic authorities. In addition, the map developer can employ field personnel to travel by vehicle along roads throughout the geographic region to observe features and/or record information about them, for example. Also, remote sensing, such as aerial or satellite photography, can be used.

For example, geographic data is compiled (such as into a platform specification format (PSF) format) to organize and/or configure the data for performing navigation-related functions and/or services, such as route calculation, route guidance, map display, speed calculation, distance and travel time functions, and other functions. The navigation-related functions can correspond to vehicle navigation or other types of navigation. The compilation to produce the end user databases can be performed by a party or entity separate from the map developer. For example, a customer of the map developer, such as a navigation device developer or other end user device developer, can perform compilation on a received geographic database in a delivery format to produce one or more compiled navigation databases.

VI. Apparatus, Methods, and Computer Program Products