Patent Publication Number: US-2023137792-A1

Title: Vertical beamwidth adjustment to increase mu-mimo pairing efficiency

Description:
SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is directed, in part, to widening a vertical width of a beam to increase MU-MIMO pairing efficiency at a node. A quantity of MU-MIMO user device pairings within the coverage area of a particular beam is monitored, and compared to a total quantity of potential MU-MIMO user device pairings at that node, or within that beam. A pairing efficiency may also be computed. When the quantity of MU-MIMO user device pairings or the pairing efficiency is below a threshold, beamforming weights of the beam may be modified to increase the vertical width, thus increasing the quantity of MU-MIMO user device pairings covered by the beam, which results in an increased pairing efficiency. 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Aspects of the present disclosure are described in detail herein with reference to the attached figures, which are intended to be exemplary and non-limiting, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    depicts a diagram of an exemplary computing environment suitable for use in implementations of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  depict diagrams of increasing a vertical beamwidth according to various aspects herein; 
         FIGS.  3 - 4    depict flow diagrams of exemplary methods for dynamically modifying beamforming weights based on MU-MIMO user device pairings, in accordance with aspects herein; and 
         FIG.  5    depicts an exemplary computing environment suitable for use in implementations of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The subject matter of embodiments of the invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, it is contemplated that the claimed subject matter might be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the terms “step” and/or “block” may be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly described. 
     Various technical terms are used throughout this description. An illustrative resource that fleshes out various aspects of these terms can be found in Newton&#39;s Telecom Dictionary, 31st Edition (2018). 
     Embodiments of our technology may be embodied as, among other things, a method, system, or computer-program product. Accordingly, the embodiments may take the form of a hardware embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. An embodiment takes the form of a computer-program product that includes computer-useable instructions embodied on one or more computer-readable media. 
     Computer-readable media include both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and nonremovable media, and contemplate media readable by a database, a switch, and various other network devices. Network switches, routers, and related components are conventional in nature, as are means of communicating with the same. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media comprise computer-storage media and communications media. 
     Computer-storage media, or machine-readable media, include media implemented in any method or technology for storing information. Examples of stored information include computer-useable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data representations. Computer-storage media include, but are not limited to RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile discs (DVD), holographic media or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, and other magnetic storage devices and may be considered transitory, non-transitory, or a combination of both. These memory components can store data momentarily, temporarily, or permanently. 
     Communications media typically store computer-useable instructions—including data structures and program modules—in a modulated data signal. The term “modulated data signal” refers to a propagated signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed to encode information in the signal. Communications media include any information-delivery media. By way of example but not limitation, communications media include wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, infrared, radio, microwave, spread-spectrum, and other wireless media technologies. Combinations of the above are included within the scope of computer-readable media. 
     By way of background, beamforming is commonly used by telecommunications carriers for many reasons. Some of those reasons include the ability to reach select user devices (e.g., user devices at the cell edge), and to provide better speeds to user devices. In aspects, an antenna array associated with a node may be configured for beamforming, wherein one or more downlink signals can be transmitted in beams having different beam profiles. As used herein, a beam profile or a radiation pattern may be associated with a particular signal, set of signals, antenna, or set of antennas, and may be said to have a vertical beamwidth and a horizontal beamwidth; the horizontal beamwidth is the angular width (i.e., azimuth) of a beam and the vertical beamwidth is the angular height of the beam. For example, traditional macro cells may have an approximately a 120 degree horizontal beamwidth (i.e., a downlink signal is transmitted to user devices in ⅓ of the horizontal plane centered on the antenna) and a 15 degree vertical beamwidth. In aspects, a vertical beamwidth may be fixed (e.g., in a range of 7-15 degrees) or dynamic (e.g., using beamforming techniques, the vertical beamwidth may change in response to network conditions or UE demand). 
     Multiple User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) is a technique where the same physical air interface resources are used by multiple users in an uplink or downlink connection with a base station. Traditionally, the base station establishes uplink (or downlink) transmission with a mobile handset over a single frequency that is exclusive to that particular uplink connection (e.g., an LTE connection with an EnodeB, or 5G connection with a GnodeB). In this regard, typically only one active uplink connection can occur per frequency. MU-MIMO allows multiple users to be paired for uplink over the same frequency, allowing transfer of data over the same physical air resources. This increases efficiency of use of existing resources, at the cost of more expensive or intricate signal processing. 
     In aspects herein, a pairing efficiency, such as a quantity of MU-MIMO pairings compared to a total number of potential MU-MIMO pairings in a particular sector, is analyzed to determine whether a beam should be widened by adjusting the phase and amplitude of that beam. More specifically, in some situations, such as when multiple user devices are distributed within a building, it may be beneficial to widen a vertical beam width to cover more users in that building. This may occur when, for instance, the building is a high-rise building or otherwise taller building with multiple stories. In this scenario, a wider beam is beneficial as it is able to capture more of the user devices within its coverage area. In aspects herein, when the pairing efficiency is lower than a predetermined threshold, a determination is made to widen the beam to increase the pairing efficiency in that particular sector. 
     A first aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a system for dynamically modifying beamforming weights based on MU-MIMO user device pairings. The system includes a processor and one or more computer storage hardware devices storing computer-usable instructions that, when used by the processor, cause the processor to perform various steps. The processor is caused to determine a quantity of MU-MIMO user device pairings served by a node, based on a maximum quantity of potential MU-MIMO user device pairings for the node, determine that a quantity of the MU-MIMO user device pairings for the node is below a threshold, and based on the quantity of the MU-MIMO user device pairings being below the threshold, modify one or more beamforming weights to widen a vertical main lobe. 
     A second aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method for dynamically modifying beamforming weights based on MU-MIMO user device pairings. The method includes determining a quantity of MU-MIMO user device pairings served by a node, and based on a maximum quantity of potential MU-MIMO user device pairings at the node, determining a threshold for MU-MIMO user device pairings for the node. Further, the method includes determining that the quantity of MU-MIMO user device pairings at the node is below the threshold, and modifying one or more beamforming weights to widen a vertical main lobe. 
     According to another aspect of the technology described herein, a method is provided for dynamically modifying beamforming weights based on MU-MIMO user device pairings. The method includes computing a MU-MIMO pairing efficiency for a node, determining that the MU-MIMO pairing efficiency is below a threshold, and based on the MU-MIMO pairing efficiency being below the threshold, modifying one or more beamforming weights to widen a vertical main lobe formed from MU-MIMO at the node. 
       FIG.  1    depicts a diagram of an exemplary network environment  100  suitable for use in implementations of the present disclosure. Such a network environment is illustrated and designated generally as network environment  100 . Network environment  100  is but one example of a suitable network environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the invention. Neither should the network environment be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated. 
     Network environment  100  includes node  102 , an antenna array  104 , wireless communications network  106 , database  108 , MU-MIMO pairing monitor  110 , beamforming weight modifier  112 , a first beam  114 , and a second beam  116 . In network environment  100 , user devices  118   a - 118   e  and  120   a - 120   f  may take on a variety of forms, such as a personal computer (PC), a user device, a smart phone, a smart watch, a laptop computer, a mobile phone, a mobile device, a tablet computer, a wearable computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a server, a CD player, an MP3 player, a global positioning system (GPS) device, a video player, a handheld communications device, a workstation, a router, a hotspot, and any combination of these delineated devices, or any other device (such as the computing device  500 ) that communicates via wireless communications with node  102  in order to interact with a public or private network. 
     In some aspects, the user devices  118   a - 118   e  and  120   a - 120   f  may correspond to computing device  500  in  FIG.  5   . Thus, a user device can include, for example, a display(s), a power source(s) (e.g., a battery), a data store(s), a speaker(s), memory, a buffer(s), a radio(s) and the like. In some implementations, a user device (such as user devices  118 - 138 ) comprises a wireless or mobile device with which a wireless telecommunication network(s) can be utilized for communication (e.g., voice and/or data communication). In this regard, the user device can be any mobile computing device that communicates by way of a wireless network, for example, a 3G, 4G, 5G NR, LTE, CDMA, 6G, or any other type of network. 
     In some cases, user devices  118   a - 118   e  and  120   a - 120   f  in network environment  100  can optionally utilize a network  106  to communicate with other computing devices (e.g., a mobile device(s), a server(s), a personal computer(s), etc.) through node  102 . Network  106  may be a telecommunications network(s), or a portion thereof. A telecommunications network might include an array of devices or components (e.g., one or more base stations), some of which are not shown. Those devices or components may form network environments similar to what is shown in  FIG.  1   , and may also perform methods in accordance with the present disclosure. Components such as terminals, links, and nodes (as well as other components) can provide connectivity in various implementations. The network can include multiple networks, as well as being a network of networks, but is shown in more simple form so as to not obscure other aspects of the present disclosure. 
     The network  106  can be part of a telecommunication network that connects subscribers to their immediate service provider. In some instances, the network  106  can be associated with a telecommunications provider that provides services (e.g., voice, data, SMS) to user devices, such as user devices user devices  118   a - 118   e  and  120   a - 120   f . For example, the network  106  may provide voice and non-voice services, including SMS, and/or data services to user devices or corresponding users that are registered or subscribed to utilize the services provided by a telecommunications provider. The network  106  can comprise any communication network providing voice, SMS, and/or data service(s), such as, for example, a 1× circuit voice, a 3G network (e.g., CDMA, CDMA2000, WCDMA, GSM, UMTS), a 4G network (WiMAX, LTE, HSDPA), a 5G NR network or a 6G network. 
     In some implementations, node  102  is configured to communicate with user devices, such as user devices  118   a - 118   e  and  120   a - 120   f  and other devices that are located within the geographical area, or cell, covered by the one or more antennas of node  102 . Node  102  may include one or more base stations, nodes, base transmitter stations, radios, antennas, antenna arrays, power amplifiers, transmitters/receivers, digital signal processors, control electronics, GPS equipment, and the like. In one aspect, node  102  is a gNodeB, while in another aspect, node  102  is an eNodeB. In particular, user devices  118   a - 118   e  and  120   a - 120   f  may communicate with node  102  according to any one or more of a variety of communication protocols, in order to access the network. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , user devices  118   a - 118   e  are served by the first beam  114  based on their geographic location, being within the coverage area of first beam  114 . As shown, user devices  118   a  and  118   d  are part of a MU-MIMO pairing  122 , and user devices  118   b  and  118   c  are also part of a MU-MIMO pairing  124 . User device  118   e  is not part of a MU-MIMO pairing. User devices  120   a - 120   f , in one aspect, could be located outside of the current coverage area of first beam  114 . In one aspect, the pairing efficiency within the first beam  114  is monitored. When it is determined to be below a predetermined threshold, the phase and amplitude of first beam  114  may be modified in an attempt to increase the pairing efficiency. For instance, the pairing efficiency within first beam  114  may be computed by dividing the current number of pairings by a total number of potential pairings. So, here, the number of pairings is two. If the total number of potential pairings is eight, the pairing efficiency is computed to be 2/8, or 25%. If 25% is below the predetermined threshold, it may be determined to adjust the phase and/or amplitude of the beam to increase the pairing efficiency. The total number of potential pairings is dependent upon carrier&#39;s specific MIMO implementation. 
     As mentioned, one way to increase the pairing efficiency is to adjust the phase and/or amplitude to widen the beam. As shown in  FIG.  1   , first beam  114  may be widened to include more user devices in its coverage area, as shown by second beam  116 . In one aspect, when multiple user devices are vertically spaced apart, such as in a tall building or stadium, the vertical beam width may be increased to provide better coverage for these user devices. As such, as shown in  FIG.  1   , second beam  116  includes user devices  118   a - 118   e  and  120   a - 120   f  Three MU-MIMO pairings,  126 ,  128 , and  130  have been made and cause the pairing efficiency to increase. Instead of a pairing efficiency of 25%, the pairing efficiency increases here to ⅝, or around 62.5%. 
     Network environment  100  also includes MU-MIMO pairing monitor  110 , which is generally responsible for monitoring MU-MIMO pairings within a particular sector, or within a particular beam, such as first beam  114  or second beam  116 . MU-MIMO pairing monitor  110  may be integral to or associated with node  102 . Alternatively, in some aspects, MU-MIMO pairing monitor  110  is not associated with node  102  and instead communicates with node  102  to receive pairing information. MU-MIMO pairing monitor  110  may also be responsible for computing the pairing efficiency and determining whether it is below or above the predetermined threshold. 
     When the pairing efficiency is below the predetermined threshold, beamforming weight modifier  112  may be instructed to modify one or more of the phase or amplitude of the beam to vertically widen the beam to increase the pairing efficiency. Beamforming weight modifier  112  may be integral to or associated with node  102 , as antenna array  104  is the component that forms the beams. 
       FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  depict diagrams of increasing a vertical beamwidth according to various aspects herein. Initially,  FIG.  2 A  illustrates node  206  having beam  208  whose coverage area includes the user devices  210   a - 210   h  within building  204 . As shown here, there is no need for increasing a vertical beamwidth of beam  208 , as all or most of the user devices within building  208  are covered.  FIG.  2 B  illustrates node  208  with beam  214  whose coverage area includes user devices  220   a - 220   c . While three user devices are illustrated within beam  214 , other quantities of user devices are contemplated to be within the coverage area of beam  214 . Additionally, while no MU-MIMO pairings are illustrated for the sake of simplicity, pairing efficiency will be discussed within the discussion of  FIG.  2 B . As such, within beam  214 , there are one or more MU-MIMO pairings and the pairing efficiency is lower than a predetermined threshold. As such, it is determined that the vertical beamwidth is to be increased to accommodate and cover user devices that are vertically geographically separated from user devices  220   a - 220   c.    
     Continuing with the aspect of  FIG.  2 B , once it has been determined to increase the vertical beam width of beam  214 , a beam such as beam  216  may be produced by modifying the phase and/or amplitude of beam  214 . As shown within beam  216 , user devices  220   d - 220   g  are now included within the coverage area of beam  216 , in addition to user devices  220   a - 220   c . There are one or more additional MU-MIMO pairings of user devices  220   d - 220   g , thus increasing the pairing efficiency within the beam. 
       FIG.  3    depicts a flow diagram of an exemplary method for dynamically modifying beamforming weights based on MU-MIMO user device pairings, in accordance with aspects herein. At block  302 , a quantity of MU-MIMO user device pairings at a node is determined. In a particular aspect, this quantity of pairings is determined in a particular beam produced by an antenna array at the node. In some aspects, the node (e.g., eNodeB, gNodeB) has this pairing information. The pairing information may be requested from the node. At block  304 , a threshold for MU-MIMO user device pairings for the node is determined. In some aspects, the threshold for MU-MIMO user device pairings is a pairing efficiency, which is based on a quantity of current pairings and a total quantity of potential pairings, where the quantity of potential pairings is based on, for example, the particular antenna array/subarrays utilized at the node, such as a size of the antenna array/subarray. 
     At block  306 , it is determined that a quantity of MU-MIMO user device pairings at the node is below the threshold. At block  308 , one or more beamforming weights (e.g., phase and/or amplitude) are modified to widen a vertical width of the main lobe. In aspects, widening the width of the main lobe may cause the quantity of pairings to increase, thus exceeding the threshold. Further, increasing the quantity of pairings also causes the pairing efficiency to increase, as there are more pairings when compared to the quantity of potential pairings. In one aspect, the quantity of MU-MIMO pairings or the pairing efficiency at a node may be continuously monitored such that if the vertical beam width can be narrowed without adversely affecting the quantity of pairings or the pairing efficiency, the beamforming weights may be modified to narrow the vertical beam width. 
       FIG.  4    depicts a flow diagram of an exemplary method for dynamically modifying beamforming weights based on MU-MIMO user device pairings, in accordance with aspects herein. At block  402 , a MU-MIMO pairing efficiency for a node is computed. As discussed, the pairing efficiency is computed by comparing the current quantity of MU-MIMO pairings to a total quantity of potential MU-MIMO pairings at a particular node, or for a particular beam. For instance, computing the pairing efficiency may comprise determining a quantity of MU-MIMO pairings at the node, and based on a maximum quantity of potential MU-MIMO user device pairings at the node and the quantity of MU-MIMO user device pairings, determining the pairing efficiency. At block  404 , it is determined that the pairing efficiency is below a threshold. Based on this, at block  406 , one or more beamforming weights are modified to widen a vertical main lobe formed from MU-MIMO beamforming at the node. 
     Referring to  FIG.  5   , a diagram is depicted of an exemplary computing environment suitable for use in implementations of the present disclosure. In particular, the exemplary computer environment is shown and designated generally as computing device  500 . Computing device  500  is but one example of a suitable computing environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the invention. Neither should computing device  500  be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated. 
     The implementations of the present disclosure may be described in the general context of computer code or machine-useable instructions, including computer-executable instructions such as program components, being executed by a computer or other machine, such as a personal data assistant or other handheld device. Generally, program components, including routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like, refer to code that performs particular tasks or implements particular abstract data types. Implementations of the present disclosure may be practiced in a variety of system configurations, including handheld devices, consumer electronics, general-purpose computers, specialty computing devices, etc. Implementations of the present disclosure may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote-processing devices that are linked through a communications network. 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  5   , computing device  500  includes bus  502  that directly or indirectly couples the following devices: memory  504 , one or more processors  506 , one or more presentation components  508 , input/output (I/O) ports  510 , I/O components  512 , power supply  514 , and radio  516 . Bus  502  represents what may be one or more busses (such as an address bus, data bus, or combination thereof). Although the devices of  FIG.  5    are shown with lines for the sake of clarity, in reality, delineating various components is not so clear, and metaphorically, the lines would more accurately be grey and fuzzy. For example, one may consider a presentation component such as a display device to be one of I/O components  512 . Also, processors, such as one or more processors  506 , have memory. The present disclosure hereof recognizes that such is the nature of the art, and reiterates that  FIG.  5    is merely illustrative of an exemplary computing environment that can be used in connection with one or more implementations of the present disclosure. Distinction is not made between such categories as “workstation,” “server,” “laptop,” “handheld device,” etc., as all are contemplated within the scope of  FIG.  5    and refer to “computer” or “computing device.” 
     Computing device  500  typically includes a variety of computer-readable media. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by computing device  800  and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media may comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. 
     Computer storage media includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices. Computer storage media does not comprise a propagated data signal. 
     Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. 
     Memory  504  includes computer-storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory. Memory  504  may be removable, nonremovable, or a combination thereof. Exemplary memory includes solid-state memory, hard drives, optical-disc drives, etc. Computing device  500  includes one or more processors  506  that read data from various entities such as bus  502 , memory  504  or I/O components  512 . One or more presentation components  8708  presents data indications to a person or other device. Exemplary one or more presentation components  508  include a display device, speaker, printing component, vibrating component, etc. I/O ports  510  allow computing device  500  to be logically coupled to other devices including I/O components  512 , some of which may be built in computing device  500 . Illustrative I/O components  512  include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, printer, wireless device, etc. 
     Radio  516  represents a radio that facilitates communication with a wireless telecommunications network. Illustrative wireless telecommunications technologies include CDMA, GPRS, TDMA, GSM, and the like. Radio  516  might additionally or alternatively facilitate other types of wireless communications including Wi-Fi, WiMAX, LTE, or other VoIP communications. As can be appreciated, in various embodiments, radio  516  can be configured to support multiple technologies and/or multiple radios can be utilized to support multiple technologies. A wireless telecommunications network might include an array of devices, which are not shown so as to not obscure more relevant aspects of the invention. Components such as a base station, a communications tower, or even access points (as well as other components) can provide wireless connectivity in some embodiments. 
     Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the scope of the claims below. Embodiments in this disclosure are described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this disclosure after and because of reading it. Alternative means of implementing the aforementioned can be completed without departing from the scope of the claims below. Certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims 
     In the preceding detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof wherein like numerals designate like parts throughout, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, embodiments that may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the preceding detailed description is not to be taken in the limiting sense, and the scope of embodiments is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.