Patent Description:
To meet the demand for wireless data traffic having increased since deployment of <NUM> (4th-Generation) communication systems, efforts have been made to develop an improved <NUM> (5th-Generation) or pre-<NUM> communication system. Therefore, the <NUM> or pre-<NUM> communication system is also called a 'beyond <NUM> network' or a 'post LTE system'.

In the <NUM> system, hybrid FSK and QAM modulation (FQAM) and sliding window superposition coding (SWSC) as an advanced coding modulation (ACM), and filter bank multi carrier (FBMC), non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA), and sparse code multiple access (SCMA) as an advanced access technology have been developed.

In a <NUM> NR UE, millimeter wave communication is achieved using beamforming technique, where a beam is formed by an application of appropriate phase excitation on the elements of a UE antenna array. Thus, the UE can switch between the beam configuration for transmission or reception by changing the phase excitation. This switching is a low overhead operation typically completed within a few microseconds. Further, the UE is typically equipped with multiple antenna arrays and has to choose and track the best antenna array to maximize the received signal power, which in turn maximizes data rate and responsiveness. However, the switching between antenna arrays, unlike beam switching, is a high overhead operation and takes up to <NUM> milliseconds depending on UE capability. Since, the <NUM> NR UE typically includes three or four antenna arrays, even a moderate periodicity of tracking of the best antenna array and its corresponding beam configuration using conventional methods can cause a peak throughput to drop up to <NUM>%. <CIT> is indicated to concern a method and system for sensor-based beam management by user equipment (UE). The method includes obtaining, by the UE, a reference beam pair and a first set of neighbor beam pairs in a first reception direction for connecting with a network; determining, by the UE, a change in the first reception direction, based on sensor data; identifying, by the UE, a second set of neighbor beam pairs in the changed first reception direction; measuring, by the UE, a plurality of beam parameters for neighbor beam pairs in the second set of neighbor beam pairs; determining, by the UE, an optimal beam pair from the identified second set of neighbor beam pairs based on the plurality of measured beam parameters; and configuring, by the UE, an optimal beam pair for connecting with the network.

The disclosure addresses the aforesaid problem of antenna array switching.

The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method for optimal and/or improved antenna array switching for a User Equipment (UE).

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present subject matter. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flowcharts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudo code, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in a non-transitory computer readable medium and executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.

In the disclosure, the word "exemplary" may be used herein to refer, for example, to "serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Further, the term "optimal", as used herein, is interchangeable with and may refer to "optimal and/or improved".

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, various example embodiments thereof are illustrated by way of example in the drawings and will be described in greater detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

The terms "comprises", "omprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by "comprises. a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.

In the following detailed description, reference may be made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating example sensor-based optimal antenna array switching for a UE using a Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) according to various embodiments.

An example operation of sensor-based optimal antenna array switching for a <NUM> NR UE (hereafter, referred as UE) using a RSRP is explained with reference to <FIG>. At operation <NUM>, the UE may perform measurement for signal strength using one or more serving Antenna Array Modules (AAMs) of the UE. The signal strength may be referred as current signal strength. At operation <NUM>, the UE may select a best signal strength value among the measured signal strengths. The best signal strength value may be referred as current signal strength parameter value (R). At operation <NUM>, the UE may compare the current signal strength parameter value (R) of one or more serving AAMs of the UE with an RSRP threshold value. The RSRP threshold value may be referred as a first threshold value. The first threshold value may be a pre-defined threshold value. On comparison at operation <NUM>, if the current signal strength parameter value (R) of one or more serving AAMs of the UE is less than the first threshold value ("Yes" in operation <NUM>), the UE may check for orientation threshold at operation <NUM>. Prior to checking the orientation threshold, the UE may detect at least one orientation parameter of the UE using one or more sensors of the UE at operation <NUM>. The one or more sensors of the UE may comprise, for example, and without limitation, one or more of an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, Time of Flight (ToF), grip sensor, or the like. The orientation parameter may include, for example, and without limitation, one or more of a change in orientation of the UE with respect to direction of base station (BS) signal arrival, a metric indicating total orientation change since last check, AAM blocked or unblocked status by the user grip, user activity status, a rate of device orientation change of the UE, acceleration of device orientation change of the UE, or the like. In an embodiment, the UE may perform operation <NUM> before operation <NUM>. In an embodiment, the UE may perform operation <NUM> after operation <NUM>. At operation <NUM>, the UE may compare at least one orientation parameter with a third threshold value when the current signal strength parameter value of one or more serving AAMs of the UE is less than the first threshold value. The third threshold value may be a pre-defined threshold value. If the at least one orientation parameter exceeds the third threshold value ("Yes" in operation <NUM>), the UE may perform measurements on one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE. For example, the UE may trigger measurements of the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE at operation <NUM>. At operation <NUM>, the UE may check if the measurements of the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE is completed. If the measurements of the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE is not completed ("No" at operation <NUM>), the UE may continue to perform the measurements of the one or more non-serving AAMs. However, if the measurements of the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE is completed ("Yes" at operation <NUM>), the UE may select or update at least the one or more serving AAMs of the UE and the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE based on the measurements performed on the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE at operation <NUM>. Based on the measurement of non-serving AAMs, baseband parameters may be updated with measurements from the non-serving AAMs. Further, using a single or a combination of baseband parameters, at least the one or more serving AAMs of the UE and the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE may be selected. For example, in case if K modules need to be selected as serving AAM among a total of N AAMs in the UE, and the selection is based on the measured RSRP values, then K modules with RSRP higher than the rest of (N-K) modules are marked as serving AAM and the rest (N-K) are marked as non-serving AAM. The baseband parameters may comprise, for example, beam RSRP, Doppler frequency shift and Power Delay Profile (PDP) and beam gain patterns. At operation <NUM>, the UE may check if there is battery power to continue UE operation. If the UE has battery power to continue ("No" in operation <NUM>), the UE may return to operation <NUM> and continue operating with the at least the one or more serving AAMs of the UE and the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE selected or updated at operation <NUM>. However, if the UE does not have sufficient battery power to continue operating ("Yes" at operation <NUM>), the UE may stop operating at operation <NUM>. At any stage during the sensor-based optimal antenna array switching for the <NUM> NR UE using the RSRP, if there is a power down interrupt, for instance, an interrupt received from an external source for UE power down or UE switching from <NUM> to <NUM> at operation <NUM>, the UE in such situations may stop operating at operation <NUM>.

At operation <NUM>, if the current signal strength parameter value (R) of one or more serving AAMs of the UE is not less than the first threshold value ("No" at operation <NUM>), the UE may go to operation <NUM> to check if there is battery power to continue UE operation.

At operation <NUM>, if the at least one orientation parameter do not exceed the third threshold value ("No" at operation <NUM>), the UE may go to operation <NUM> to check if there is battery power to continue UE operation.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating example sensor-based optimal antenna array switching for a UE using a timer according to various embodiments.

An example operation of sensor-based optimal antenna array switching for a <NUM> NR UE (hereafter, referred as UE) using a timer is explained with reference to <FIG>. At operation <NUM>, the UE may set a pre-configured measurement periodicity. The pre-configured measurement periodicity may be the periodicity with which measurement of non-serving AAMs may be triggered. It may be the same as the timer's time limit. For example, if the periodicity is <NUM> milliseconds then the timer will expire in every <NUM> milliseconds. At operation <NUM>, the UE may start a timer within the UE. The timer may be referred to as a non-serving AAM module monitor timer. At operation <NUM>, the UE may compare the non-serving AAM module monitor timer of the UE with a time limit of the non-serving AAM module monitor timer. The time limit or timer value of the non-serving AAM module monitor timer may be referred to as a second threshold value. The second threshold value may be a pre-defined time limit. On comparison at operation <NUM>, if the timer of the UE exceeds the second threshold value e.g., timer has expired ("Yes" at operation <NUM>), the UE may check for orientation threshold at operation <NUM>. Prior to checking the orientation threshold, the UE may detect at least one orientation parameter of the UE using one or more sensors of the UE at operation <NUM>. The one or more sensors of the UE may include, for example, and without limitation, at least one of an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, Time of Flight (ToF), grip sensor, or the like. The orientation parameter may include, for example, and without limitation, a change in orientation of the UE with respect to direction of base station (BS) signal arrival, a metric indicating total orientation change since last check, AAM blocked or unblocked status by the user grip, user activity status, a rate of device orientation change of the UE, acceleration of device orientation change of the UE, or the like. In an embodiment, the UE may perform operation <NUM> before operation <NUM>. In an embodiment, the UE may perform operation <NUM> after operation <NUM>. At operation <NUM>, the UE may compare at least one orientation parameter with a third threshold value when the non-serving AAM module monitor timer of the UE exceeds the second threshold value. The third threshold value may be a pre-defined threshold value. If the at least one orientation parameter exceeds the third threshold value ("Yes" at operation <NUM>), the UE may perform measurements on one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE. For example, the UE may trigger measurements of the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE at operation <NUM>. At operation <NUM>, the UE may check if the measurements of the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE is completed. If the measurements of the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE is not completed ("No" at operation <NUM>), the UE may continue to perform the measurements of the one or more non-serving AAMs. However, if the measurements of the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE is completed ("Yes" at operation <NUM>), the UE may select or update at least the one or more serving AAMs of the UE and the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE based on the measurements performed on the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE at operation <NUM>. After the measurement of non-serving AAMs, baseband parameters may be updated with measurements from the non-serving AAMs. Further, using a single or a combination of baseband parameters, at least the one or more serving AAMs of the UE and the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE may be selected. For example, in case if K modules need to be selected as serving AAM among a total of N AAMs in the UE, and the selection is based on the measured RSRP values, then K modules with RSRP higher than the rest of (N-K) modules are marked as serving AAM and the rest (N-K) are marked as non-serving AAM. The baseband parameters may comprise, for example, beam RSRP, Doppler frequency shift and Power Delay Profile (PDP) and beam gain patterns. At operation <NUM>, the UE may check if there is battery power to continue UE operation. If the UE has battery power to continue ("No" at operation <NUM>), the UE may return to operation <NUM> and continue operating with the at least the one or more serving AAMs of the UE and the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE selected or updated at operation <NUM>. However, if the UE does not have sufficient battery power to continue operating ("Yes" at operation <NUM>), the UE may stop operating at operation <NUM>. At any stage during the sensor-based optimal antenna array switching for the <NUM> NR UE using the timer, if there is a power down interrupt, for instance, an interrupt received from an external source for UE power down or UE switching from <NUM> to <NUM> at operation <NUM>, the UE in such situations may stop operating at operation <NUM>.

At operation <NUM>, if the timer of the UE has not exceeded the second threshold value e.g., timer has not expired ("No" at operation <NUM>), the UE may go to operation <NUM> to check if there is battery power to continue UE operation.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating example sensor-based optimal antenna array switching for a UE using a Machine Learning (ML) based RSRP according to various embodiments.

An example operation of sensor-based optimal antenna array switching for a <NUM> NR UE (hereafter, referred as UE) using a ML based RSRP is explained with reference to <FIG>. At operation <NUM>, the UE may perform measurement for signal strength using one or more serving Antenna Array Modules (AAMs) of the UE. The signal strength may be referred as current signal strength. At operation <NUM>, the UE may select best signal strength value among the measured signal strengths. The best signal strength value may be referred as current signal strength parameter value (R). At operation <NUM>, a learning module of the UE may update a RSRP threshold value. The RSRP threshold value may be referred as a first threshold value. The learning module may be a trained ML module. The trained ML module used for this purpose may include, but is not limited to, Random Forest method, Support Vector Machines (SVM) model, Deep Neural Networks (DNN) model, Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model, a Reinforcement Learning (RL) model, or the like. The RSRP threshold value may be based on at least one of historic baseband parameters (also, referred as baseband metrics <NUM>) and at least one historic orientation parameter (also, referred as sensor metrics <NUM>) of the UE. The term 'historic' may refer, for example, to measurements performed in past, which may be saved in a memory of the UE. The historic baseband parameters may include, for example, and without limitation, beam Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Doppler frequency shift and Power Delay Profile (PDP), beam gain patterns, or the like. The historic orientation parameter may include, for example, and without limitation, a change in orientation of the UE with respect to direction of base station (BS) signal arrival, a metric indicating total orientation change since last check, AAM blocked or unblocked status by the user grip, user activity status, a rate of device orientation change of the UE, acceleration of device orientation change of the UE, or the like. The historic orientation parameters may be detected by the UE using one or more sensors of the UE. The one or more sensors of the UE may include, for example, and without limitation, an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, Time of Flight (ToF), grip sensor, or the like. In an embodiment, the UE may perform operation <NUM> before operation <NUM> as a first operation. At operation <NUM>, the UE may compare the current signal strength parameter value (R) of one or more serving AAMs of the UE with the RSRP threshold value. On comparison at operation <NUM>, if the current signal strength parameter value (R) of one or more serving AAMs of the UE is less than the first threshold value ("Yes" at operation <NUM>), the UE may perform measurements on one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE. For example, the UE may trigger measurements of the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE at operation <NUM>. At operation <NUM>, the UE may check if the measurements of the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE is completed. If the measurements of the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE is not completed ("No" at operation <NUM>), the UE may continue to perform the measurements of the one or more non-serving AAMs. However, if the measurements of the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE is completed ("Yes" at operation <NUM>), the UE may select or update at least the one or more serving AAMs of the UE and the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE based on the measurements performed on the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE at operation <NUM>. After the measurement of non-serving AAMs, historic baseband parameters may be updated with measurements from the non-serving AAMs. Further, using a single or a combination of updated baseband parameters, at least the one or more serving AAMs of the UE and the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE may be selected. For example, in case if K modules need to be selected as serving AAM among a total of N AAMs in the UE, and the selection is based on the measured RSRP values, then K modules with RSRP higher than the rest of (N-K) modules are marked as serving AAM and the rest (N-K) are marked as non-serving AAM. At operation <NUM>, the UE may check if there is battery power to continue UE operation. If the UE has battery power to continue ("No" at operation <NUM>), the UE may return to operation <NUM> and continue operating with the at least the one or more serving AAMs of the UE and the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE selected or updated at operation <NUM>. However, if the UE does not have sufficient battery power to continue operating ("Yes" at operation <NUM>), the UE may stop operating at operation <NUM>.

In an embodiment, at operation <NUM>, when the UE triggers measurements of the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE, the UE may generate a scheduling list of the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE based on the at least one of the orientation parameter of the UE and subsequently, the UE may perform measurements on one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE based on the generated scheduling list. After operation <NUM>, the UE may continue with operation <NUM>. The scheduling list may be a list of non-serving AAMs which may be measured. For example, if the UE has four AAMs in total (AAM1, AAM2, AAM3 and AAM4), and AAM1 is the serving AAM, then the UE may generate a scheduling list which contains AAM2 and AAM3 for measurement.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating example sensor-based optimal antenna array switching for a UE using a ML based timer according to various embodiments.

An example operation of sensor-based optimal antenna array switching for a <NUM> NR UE (hereafter, referred as UE) using a ML based timer is explained with reference to <FIG>. At operation <NUM>, the UE may set a pre-configured measurement periodicity. In an embodiment, the pre-configured measurement periodicity may be updated by a learning module to increase or decrease the frequency of non-serving AAM module measurements. For instance, the learning module may disable the non-serving AAM module measurements by setting the period to infinity. At operation <NUM>, the UE may start a timer within the UE. The timer may be referred as a non-serving AAM module monitor timer. The time limit or timer value of the non-serving AAM module monitor timer may be referred as a second threshold value. At operation <NUM>, the learning module of the UE may update the timer value. The learning module may be a trained ML module. The trained ML module used for this purpose may include, for example, and without limitation, a Random Forest method, Support Vector Machines (SVM) model, Deep Neural Networks (DNN) model, Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model, a Reinforcement Learning (RL) model, or the like. The timer value may be based on at least one of historic baseband parameters (also, referred as baseband metrics <NUM>) and at least one historic orientation parameter (also, referred as sensor metrics <NUM>) of the UE. The term 'historic' may refer, for example, to measurements performed in past, which may be saved in a memory of the UE. The historic baseband parameters may include, for example, and without limitation, beam Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Doppler frequency shift and Power Delay Profile (PDP), beam gain patterns, or the like. The historic orientation parameter may include, for example, and without limitation, a change in orientation of the UE with respect to direction of base station (BS) signal arrival, a metric indicating total orientation change since last check, AAM blocked or unblocked status by the user grip, user activity status, a rate of device orientation change of the UE, acceleration of device orientation change of the UE, or the like. The historic orientation parameters may be detected by the UE using one or more sensors of the UE. The one or more sensors of the UE may include, for example, and without limitation, an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, Time of Flight (ToF), grip sensor, or the like. In an embodiment, the UE may perform operation <NUM> before operation <NUM> as a first operation. At operation <NUM>, the UE may compare the non-serving AAM module monitor timer of the UE with the time limit of the non-serving AAM module monitor timer. On comparison at operation <NUM>, if the non-serving AAM module monitor timer of the UE exceeds the time limit of the non-serving AAM module monitor timer ("Yes" at operation <NUM>), the UE may perform measurements on one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE. For example, the UE may trigger measurements of the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE at operation <NUM>. At operation <NUM>, the UE may check if the measurements of the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE is completed. If the measurements of the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE is not completed ("No" at operation <NUM>), the UE may continue to perform the measurements of the one or more non-serving AAMs. However, if the measurements of the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE is completed ("Yes" at operation <NUM>), the UE may select or update at least the one or more serving AAMs of the UE and the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE based on the measurements performed on the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE at operation <NUM>. After the measurement of non-serving AAMs, historic baseband parameters may be updated with measurements from the non-serving AAMs. Further, using a single or a combination of updated baseband parameters, at least the one or more serving AAMs of the UE and the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE may be selected. For example, in case if K modules need to be selected as serving AAM among a total of N AAMs in the UE, and the selection is based on the measured RSRP values, then K modules with RSRP higher than the rest of (N-K) modules are marked as serving AAM and the rest (N-K) are marked as non-serving AAM. At operation <NUM>, the UE may check if there is battery power to continue UE operation. If the UE has battery power to continue ("No" at operation <NUM>), the UE may return to operation <NUM> and continue operating with the at least the one or more serving AAMs of the UE and the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE selected or updated at operation <NUM>. However, if the UE does not have sufficient battery power to continue operating ("Yes" at operation <NUM>), the UE may stop operating at operation <NUM>.

At operation <NUM>, if the non-serving AAM module monitor timer of the UE does not exceed the time limit of the non-serving AAM module monitor timer ("No" in operation <NUM>), the UE may go to operation <NUM> to check if there is battery power to continue UE operation.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating example sensor-based optimal antenna array switching for a UE using a ML based triggering according to various embodiments.

An example operation of sensor-based optimal antenna array switching for a <NUM> NR UE (hereafter, referred as UE) using a ML based triggering is explained with reference to <FIG>. At operation <NUM>, the UE may perform measurement for signal strength using one or more serving AAMs of the UE. The signal strength may be referred to as current signal strength. At the same time, the learning module may receive measured signal strength to generate a trigger at operation <NUM>. The learning module may be a trained ML module. The trained ML module used for this purpose may include, for example, and without limitation, Random Forest method, Support Vector Machines (SVM) model, Deep Neural Networks (DNN) model, Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model, a Reinforcement Learning (RL) model or the like. Also, at operation <NUM>, the learning module may receive at least one of historic baseband parameters (also, referred as baseband metrics <NUM>) and at least one historic orientation parameter (also, referred as sensor metrics <NUM>) of the UE. The term 'historic' may refer, for example, to measurements performed in past, which may be saved in a memory of the UE. The historic baseband parameters may include, for example, and without limitation, beam Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Doppler frequency shift and Power Delay Profile (PDP), beam gain patterns, or the like. The historic orientation parameter may include, for example, and without limitation, a change in orientation of the UE with respect to direction of base station (BS) signal arrival, a metric indicating total orientation change since last check, AAA blocked or unblocked status by the user grip, user activity status, a rate of device orientation change of the UE, acceleration of device orientation change of the UE, or the like. The historic orientation parameters may be detected by the UE using one or more sensors of the UE. The one or more sensors of the UE may include, for example, and without limitation, at least one of, an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, Time of Flight (ToF), grip sensor, or the like. Also, at operation <NUM>, the learning module may generate trigger to measure one or more non-serving AAMs based on the measured signal strength and at least one the baseband metrics <NUM> and the sensor metrics <NUM>. At operation <NUM>, when the learning module triggers measurements of the one or more non-serving AAMs, the UE may generate a scheduling list of the one or more non-serving AAMs based on the at least one of the orientation parameters of the UE and subsequently, may schedule the one or more non-serving AAMs from the scheduling list for measurements at operation <NUM>. The scheduling list may be a list of non-serving AAMs which may be measured. For example, if the UE has four AAMs in total (AAM1, AAM2, AAM3 and AAM4), and AAM1 is the serving AAM, then the UE may generate a scheduling list which contains AAM2 and AAM3 for measurement. The UE may perform measurements on one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE based on the generated scheduling list at operation <NUM>. At operation <NUM>, the UE may check if the measurements of the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE is completed. If the measurements of the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE is not completed ("No" at operation <NUM>), the UE may continue to perform the measurements of the one or more non-serving AAMs. However, if the measurements of the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE is completed ("Yes" at operation <NUM>), the UE may select or update at least the one or more serving AAMs of the UE and the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE based on the measurements performed on the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE at operation <NUM>. After the measurement of non-serving AAMs, historic baseband parameters may be updated with measurements from the non-serving AAMs. Further, using a single or a combination of updated baseband parameters, at least the one or more serving AAMs of the UE and the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE may be selected. For example, in case if K modules need to be selected as serving AAM among a total of N AAMs in the UE, and the selection is based on the measured RSRP values, then K modules with RSRP higher than the rest of (N-K) modules are marked as serving AAM and the rest (N-K) are marked as non-serving AAM. At operation <NUM>, the UE may check if there is battery power to continue UE operation. If the UE has battery power to continue ("No" at operation <NUM>), the UE may return to operation <NUM> and continue operating with the at least the one or more serving AAMs of the UE and the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE selected or updated at step <NUM>. However, if the UE does not have sufficient battery power to continue operating ("Yes" at operation <NUM>), the UE may stop operating at operation <NUM>.

At operation <NUM>, if there was no trigger generated for the measurements of the one or more non-serving AAMs ("No" in operation <NUM>), the UE may go to operation <NUM> to check if there is battery power to continue UE operation.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an example UE according to various embodiments.

The UE <NUM> may include I/O interface (e.g., including interface circuitry) <NUM>, processor (e.g., including processing circuitry) <NUM>, data <NUM> in a memory <NUM> and one or more modules (e.g., including various circuitry) <NUM>, which are described below in greater detail.

The UE <NUM> may receive inputs from one or more sensors of the UE <NUM> or/and at least one of the orientation parameter of the UE <NUM> via the I/O interface <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may include various processing circuitry, including, for example, and without limitation, at least one data processor for optimal antenna array switching for the UE <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may include specialized processing units such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc..

In an embodiment, the data <NUM> may be stored within the memory <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to the processor <NUM> of the UE <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may, also, store processor instructions which may cause the processor <NUM> to execute the instructions for optimal antenna array switching for UE <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may include, without limitation, memory drives, etc. The memory drives may further include a drum, magnetic disc drive, magneto-optical drive, optical drive, Redundant Array of Independent Discs (RAID), solid-state memory devices, solid-state drives, etc. The data <NUM> may include, for example, RSRP threshold value <NUM>, time limit value <NUM> and other data <NUM>. In an embodiment, the data <NUM> may include third threshold value (not shown in <FIG>) to store a third threshold value or a pre-defined threshold value.

The RSRP threshold value <NUM> may, for example, store the first threshold value.

The time limit value <NUM> may, for example, store the second threshold value.

The other data <NUM> may store data, including, for example, temporary data and temporary files, generated by one or more modules <NUM> for performing the various functions of the UE <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the data <NUM> in the memory <NUM> may be processed by the one or more modules <NUM> present within the memory <NUM> of the UE <NUM>. The one or more modules <NUM> may be implemented as dedicated hardware units. As used herein, the term module may refer, for example, to an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality. In some implementations, the one or more modules <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to the processor <NUM> for performing one or more functions of the UE <NUM>. The said modules <NUM> when configured with the functionality defined in the present disclosure will result in a novel hardware.

In an implementation, the one or more modules <NUM> may include, but are not limited to, a detecting module <NUM>, a comparing module <NUM>, a performing module <NUM> and a selecting module <NUM>. The one or more modules <NUM> may, also, include other modules <NUM> to perform various miscellaneous functionalities of the UE <NUM>. In an embodiment, the one or more modules <NUM> may, also, include a learning module (not shown in <FIG>). The learning module may be a trained ML module. The trained ML module used for this purpose may be, but not limited to, Random Forest method, Support Vector Machines (SVM) model, Deep Neural Networks (DNN) model, Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model or a Reinforcement Learning (RL) model.

The detecting module <NUM> may detect at least one orientation parameter of the UE <NUM> using one or more sensors of the UE <NUM>. The one or more sensors of the UE <NUM> may include, for example, and without limitation, accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, Time of Flight (ToF) and grip sensor. The orientation parameter may comprise a change in orientation of the UE <NUM> with respect to direction of base station (BS) signal arrival, a metric indicating total orientation change since last check, a rate of device orientation change of the UE <NUM> and acceleration of device orientation change of the UE <NUM>.

The rate of device orientation change of the UE <NUM> and acceleration of device orientation change of the UE <NUM> may be detected using one or more sensors of the UE <NUM> involving, for example, two factors: (<NUM>) tracking Angle of Arrival (AoA) of a base station signal and (<NUM>) tracking device orientation using the one or more sensors of the UE <NUM>. Using the one or more sensors of the UE <NUM> and sensor fusion algorithms, the UE <NUM> may be capable of estimating its orientation in 3D polar coordinates (θ,ϕ). The UE <NUM> may, also, estimate the angle of arrival (PAoA) i.e., direction of strongest signal reception. Useful metrics for Antenna Array Module (AAM) switching may be of the form fr(PAoA, θ,ϕ). Once parameters such as PAoA, θ and ϕ values are known, time rate of change of device orientation may be computed i.e., d(PAoA)/dt, d(θ)/dt and d(ϕ))/dt and corresponding d<NUM>(PAoA)/dt<NUM>, d<NUM>(θ)/dt<NUM> and d<NUM>(ϕ))/dt<NUM>. Here, dθ/dt may be referred as rate of change of zenith, dϕ/dt may be referred as rate of change of azimuth, d<NUM>θ/dt<NUM> may be referred as acceleration of change of zenith, and d<NUM>ϕ/dt<NUM> may be referred as acceleration of change of azimuth.

The metric indicating total orientation change may be detected using one or more sensors of the UE <NUM> in the following illustrative way: one or more points Pm in coordinate space may be identified for each AAM with respect to its dominant beam gain directions. The metrics for module switching using distance are of the form dm = fmd(P AoA, θ,ϕ) where dm may denote an equivalent distance metric of modul m with respect to dominant angle of arrival PAoA. For instance, the module m with least dm has higher probability of being the serving module.

Rate of change metric with respect to time of dm may serve as a useful parameter for serving AAM change.

The beam gain pattern may be detected using one or more sensors of the UE <NUM> in the following way: one or more points Pm in coordinate space may be identified for each AAM with respect to its dominant beam gain directions. For each point Pm of an AAM, a beam gain may be computed corresponding to bm = fmb(PAoA, θ,ϕ). Given the angle of arrival PAoA = (θAoA,ϕAoA) in polar, beam pattern function gp of the module for each point p ∈ P, bm may be computed as follows:
<MAT>.

Here, bm may be expected to be high when pm is close to PAoA for serving AAM and may fall off rapidly otherwise. Time rate of change metric of bm may serve as a useful parameter for serving AAM change.

Blockage information may be useful in scheduling the non-serving AAMs and its beams. For example, when the UE <NUM> is lying flat on its back, it may be redundant to scan the non-serving AAMs beams in the corresponding direction due to the large path loss. The blockage information may be estimated using Time of Flight (ToF) sensor.

The comparing module <NUM> may perform multiple actions. At first, the comparing module <NUM> may compare current signal strength parameter value of one or more serving Antenna Array Modules (AAMs) of the UE <NUM> with the first threshold value or non-serving AAM module monitor timer of the UE <NUM> with the second threshold value. The second threshold value may be a time limit of the non-serving AAM module monitor timer. In an embodiment, the first threshold value and the second threshold value may be based on at least one of historic baseband parameters and at least one historic orientation parameter of the UE <NUM>. The historic baseband parameters may comprise beam Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Doppler frequency shift and Power Delay Profile (PDP) and beam gain patterns whereas the historic orientation parameter may comprise a change in orientation of the UE <NUM> with respect to direction of base station (BS) signal arrival, a metric indicating total orientation change since last check, AAM blocked or unblocked status by the user grip, user activity status, a rate of device orientation change of the UE <NUM> and acceleration of device orientation change of the UE <NUM>. In another step, the comparing module <NUM> may compare the at least one orientation parameter with the third threshold value when the current signal strength parameter value of one or more serving AAMs of the UE <NUM> is less than the first threshold value or when the non-serving AAM module monitor timer of the UE <NUM> exceeds the second threshold value.

The performing module <NUM> may perform measurements on one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE <NUM> when the at least one orientation parameter exceeds the third threshold value. In an embodiment, the performing module <NUM> may generate a scheduling list of the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE <NUM> based on the at least one of the orientation parameter of the UE <NUM> and the performing module <NUM> may perform measurements on one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE <NUM> based on the generated scheduling list. The scheduling list may be a list of non-serving AAMs which may be measured. For example, if the UE has four AAMs in total (AAM1, AAM2, AAM3 and AAM4), and AAM1 is the serving AAM, then the UE may generate a scheduling list which contains AAM2 and AAM3 for measurement.

The selecting module <NUM> may select at least the one or more serving AAMs of the UE <NUM> and the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE <NUM> based on the measurements performed by the performing module <NUM> on the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example method for optimal antenna array switching for a UE according to various embodiments.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the method <NUM> includes one or more blocks for optimal antenna array switching for a <NUM> NR UE (hereafter, referred as UE). The method <NUM> may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions. Generally, computer executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions, which perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types.

The order in which the method <NUM> is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

At block <NUM>, the detecting module <NUM> of the UE <NUM> may detect at least one orientation parameter of the UE using one or more sensors of the UE. The one or more sensors of the UE <NUM> may include, for example, and without limitation, at least one of an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, Time of Flight (ToF), grip sensor, or the like. The orientation parameter may include, for example, and without limitation, a change in orientation of the UE <NUM> with respect to direction of Base Station (BS) signal arrival, user activity, a metric indicating total orientation change since last check, a rate of device orientation change of the UE <NUM>, acceleration of device orientation change of the UE <NUM>, or the like.

At block <NUM>, the comparing module <NUM> of the UE <NUM> may compare current signal strength parameter value of one or more serving Antenna Array Modules (AAMs) of the UE <NUM> with a first threshold value or non-serving AAM module monitor timer of the UE <NUM> with a second threshold value. The second threshold value may be a time limit of the non-serving AAM module monitor timer. The first threshold value and the second threshold value may be based on at least one of historic baseband parameters and at least one historic orientation parameter of the UE <NUM>. The historic baseband parameters may include, for example, and without limitation, at least one of beam Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Doppler frequency shift and Power Delay Profile (PDP), beam gain patterns, or the like.

At block <NUM>, the comparing module <NUM> of the UE <NUM> may compare the at least one orientation parameter with a third threshold value when the current signal strength parameter value of one or more serving AAMs of the UE <NUM> is less than the first threshold value or when the non-serving AAM module monitor timer of the UE <NUM> exceeds the second threshold value.

At block <NUM>, the performing module <NUM> of the UE <NUM> may perform measurements on one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE <NUM> when the at least one orientation parameter exceeds the third threshold value.

At block <NUM>, the selecting module <NUM> of the UE <NUM> may select at least the one or more serving AAMs of the UE <NUM> and the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE <NUM> based on the measurements performed on the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example method for optimal antenna array switching for a UE using ML based triggering according to various embodiments.

At block <NUM>, the learning module of the UE <NUM> may trigger measurements on one or more non-serving Antenna Array Modules (AAMs) of the UE <NUM> based on at least one of baseband parameters and orientation parameters of the UE <NUM> using one or more sensors of the UE. The one or more sensors of the UE <NUM> may include, for example, and without limitation, at least one of an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, Time of Flight (ToF), grip sensor, or the like. The orientation parameter may include, for example, and without limitation, at least one of a change in orientation of the UE <NUM> with respect to direction of Base Station (BS) signal arrival, user activity, a metric indicating total orientation change since last check, a rate of device orientation change of the UE <NUM>, acceleration of device orientation change of the UE <NUM>, or the like.

At block <NUM>, the performing module <NUM> of the UE <NUM> may generate a scheduling list of the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE based on the at least one of the orientation parameter of the UE.

At block <NUM>, the performing module <NUM> of the UE <NUM> may perform measurements on the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE based on the generated scheduling list.

At block <NUM>, the selecting module <NUM> of the UE <NUM> may select at least the one or more serving AAMs of the UE and the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE based on the measurements performed on the triggered one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE.

<FIG> illustrates an application of grip sensor usage for non-serving antenna array module monitoring for a UE grip change according to various embodiments.

With reference to <FIG>, the antenna array module M0 may be a serving antenna array module initially, which gets blocked due to user holding the UE <NUM> in gaming position. Further, antenna array module M1 may, also, be blocked as shown in the <FIG>, due to the hand grip.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating example of conventional approach for non-serving antenna array module monitoring.

With reference to <FIG>, the UE <NUM> may perform measurement for signal strength (RSRP) using a serving antenna array module M0 of the UE <NUM> at operation <NUM>. At operation <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may compare the RSRP with a specific threshold for the serving antenna array module M0. When RSRP falls below the specific threshold for the serving antenna array module M0("Yes" at operation <NUM>), antenna array module monitoring may be triggered. The UE <NUM> then may measure all non-serving antenna array modules M1 and M2 at operations <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, including antenna array module M1, which is blocked. Thereafter, the best antenna array module may be found and then the UE <NUM> may switch to the best antenna array module at operation <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating example optimization using grip sensor according to various embodiments.

With reference to <FIG>, the UE <NUM> may perform measurement for signal strength (RSRP) using a serving antenna array module M0 of the UE <NUM> at operation <NUM>. At operation <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may compare the RSRP of the serving antenna array module M0 with a specific threshold for the serving antenna array module M0 and at operation <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may receive input from grip sensor. When RSRP falls below the specific threshold for the serving antenna array module M0 or the input from the grip sensor indicates that the serving antenna array module M0 is blocked ("Yes" at operation <NUM>), antenna array module monitoring may be triggered. At operation <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may find blocked non-serving antenna array module between a non-serving antenna array module M1 and a non-serving antenna array module M2 based on the input from the grip sensor. Note that the non-serving antenna array module M1 is blocked. Then the measurement is prioritized for the unblocked non-serving antenna array module M2. The UE <NUM> may measure the non-serving antenna array module M2 at operations <NUM> and <NUM>. At operation <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may determine whether the non-serving antenna array module M2 meets switching criterion, for example, signal strength (RSRP) of the non-serving antenna array module M2 greater than or equal to a specific threshold for the non-serving antenna array module M2. If the non-serving antenna array module M2 meets switching criterion, for example, RSRP of the non-serving antenna array module M2 greater than or equal to a specific threshold for the non-serving antenna array module M2("Yes" at the operation <NUM>), the UE <NUM> may select the non-serving antenna array module M2 as a new serving antenna module at operation <NUM>. Otherwise("No" at the operation <NUM>), the UE may measure the non-serving antenna array module M1 and switch to the best antenna array module at operation <NUM>.

Ideal configuration profile for beam management is highly correlated with user activity. Using the sensors equipped in the UE <NUM>, user activity such as walking, jogging and the like may be predicted quite efficiently using the learning module using sensor waveform signatures. The sensors may consider the user activity for antenna array module configuration. For example, antenna array module switching frequency is much higher while jogging than standing. Thus, ideal frequency of non-serving antenna array module measurements should be much higher for jogging than other two cases of standing or walking. Thus, measurement profiles based on user activity can yield substantial gains in performance.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating example learning-based setup for achieving user activity detection and loading respective measurement profile according to various embodiments.

With reference to <FIG>, the UE <NUM> may perform measurement for the sensor equipped in the UE <NUM> at operation <NUM>. At operation <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may determine whether the sensor reading is available. If the sensor reading is available("Yes" at operation <NUM>), the UE <NUM> may perform a learning-based user activity classification. For example, a learning-based network may periodically perform user activity recognition. At operation <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may determine whether the user activity is changed. Upon detection of a change in activity("Yes" at operation <NUM>), the UE <NUM> may update measurement profile at operation <NUM>. At operation <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may wait for receiving abort signal. At operation <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may determine whether to receive the abort signal. If the abort signal is received("Yes" at the operation <NUM>), the UE <NUM> may terminate the process at operation <NUM>. Otherwise("No" at the operation <NUM>), the UE <NUM> may go back to the operation <NUM>.

At operation <NUM>, if the sensor reading is unavailable("No" at operation <NUM>), the UE <NUM> may go to the operation <NUM> to wait the abort signal.

At operation <NUM>, Upon detection of no change in activity("No" at operation <NUM>), the UE <NUM> may go to the operation <NUM> to wait the abort signal.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide optimal antenna array switching using UE orientation and signal strength parameter value/timer before triggering tracking, which minimizes the tracking overhead while simultaneously maximizing and/or improving UE responsiveness and consequently, peak throughput.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure use aspects of ML and selective scheduling of antenna arrays using data from UE sensors and signal strength parameter value/timer, which minimizes and/or reduces redundant AAM measurements, thereby, lowering power consumption of non-serving AAM.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure present a UE side implementation for optimal antenna array switching, which addresses the delays caused in the antenna array switching process due to dependency of network side transmit beam tracking optimization.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure allow saving power and increasing data rate without compromising UE responsiveness by minimizing and/or reducing redundant antenna array on time for antenna measurements and switching.

The described operations may be implemented as a method, system or article of manufacture using standard programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof. The described operations may be implemented as code maintained in a non-transitory computer readable medium where a processor may read and execute the code from the computer readable medium. The processor may include, for example, and without limitation, at least one of a microprocessor and a processor capable of processing and executing the queries. A non-transitory computer readable medium may include media such as magnetic storage medium (e.g., hard disk drives, floppy disks, tape, etc.), optical storage (CD-ROMs, DVDs, optical disks, etc.), volatile and non-volatile memory devices (e.g., EEPROMs, ROMs, PROMs, RAMs, DRAMs, SRAMs, Flash Memory, firmware, programmable logic, etc.), etc. Further, non-transitory computer-readable media include all computer-readable media. The code implementing the described operations may further be implemented in hardware logic (e.g., an integrated circuit chip, Programmable Gate Array (PGA), Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), etc.).

The terms "an embodiment", "embodiment", "embodiments", "the embodiment", "the embodiments", "one or more embodiments", "some embodiments", and "an embodiment"may refer, for example, to "one or more (but not all) embodiments of the disclosure" unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms "including", "comprising" "having" and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to", unless expressly specified otherwise.

The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless expressly specified otherwise.

A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention.

When a single device or article is described herein, it will be readily apparent that more than one device/article (whether or not they cooperate) may be used in place of a single device/article. Similarly, where more than one device or article is described herein (whether or not they cooperate), it will be readily apparent that a single device/ article may be used in place of the more than one device or article or a different number of devices/articles may be used instead of the shown number of devices or programs. The functionality and/or the features of a device may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are not explicitly described as having such functionality/features. Thus, other embodiments of the invention need not include the device itself.

The illustrated operations of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, 2d, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate certain events occurring in a certain order. In alternative embodiments, certain operations may be performed in a different order, modified or removed. Moreover, operations may be added to the above-described logic and still conform to the described embodiments. Further, operations described herein may occur sequentially or certain operations may be processed in parallel. Yet further, operations may be performed by a single processing unit or by distributed processing units.

Finally, the language used in the disclosure has been selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the disclosure not be limited by this detailed description. Accordingly, the disclosure of various example embodiments of the disclosure is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the disclosure.

Claim 1:
A method for antenna array switching for a User Equipment, UE, the method comprising:
detecting (<NUM>), by the UE (<NUM>), at least one orientation parameter of the UE using one or more sensors of the UE (<NUM>);
comparing (<NUM>), by the UE (<NUM>), a current signal strength parameter value of one or more serving Antenna Array Modules, AAMs, of the UE with a first threshold value or comparing a non-serving AAM module monitor timer of the UE with a second threshold value;
comparing (<NUM>), by the UE, the at least one orientation parameter with a third threshold value based on the current signal strength parameter value of one or more serving AAMs of the UE being less than the first threshold value or based on the non-serving AAM module monitor timer of the UE exceeding the second threshold value;
based on the at least one orientation parameter not exceeding the third threshold value, not performing, by the UE, measurements on one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE;
based on the at least one orientation parameter exceeding the third threshold value,
performing (<NUM>), by the UE, the measurements on the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE; and
selecting (<NUM>), by the UE, at least one of the one or more serving AAMs of the UE and the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE based on the measurements performed on the one or more non-serving AAMs of the UE.