Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting radio frequency (“RF”) signals and corresponding origination locations are disclosed. An RF sensor device includes a software-defined radio and an antenna pair for receiving RF signals. Furthermore the RF sensor device may include a processing unit for processing/analyzing the RF signals, or the processing unit may be remote. The system calculates a phase difference between an RF signal received at two separate antennas of an antenna pair. The phase difference, the distance between the antennas, and the frequency of the RF signal are used for determining the origination direction of the RF signal. In various embodiments, the origination direction may indicate the location of a UAV controller or base station. The software-defined radio may include more than one antenna pair, connected to multiplexers, for efficiently scanning different frequencies by alternating active antenna pairs. Moreover, the system may execute packet-based processing on the RF signal data.

Abstract: A communications system including a transmit processor for determining transmit and azimuth elevation in response to a refractive layer altitude, a transmitter array including a plurality of transmitters each for transmitting one of a plurality of transmitted signals in response to the transmit elevation wherein each of the plurality of transmitted signals is encoded using a data signal and one of a plurality of unique synchronization sequences, and a receiver for receiving the plurality of transmitted signals, isolating each of the plurality of transmitted signals in response to one of the plurality of unique synchronization sequences corresponding to each of the plurality of transmitted signals to generate a plurality of isolated signals, to combine the plurality of isolated signals to generate a combined signal and to generate the data signal in response to the combined signal.

Abstract: A system having a locator device and a plurality of tag devices is disclosed. The locator device comprises an antenna array allowing it to determine an angle of arrival for incoming signals from each of the plurality of tag devices. The system also defines a sequence of time slots, where each time slot has a specific function. The sequence may start with a locator time slot, where the locator device transmits a packet that informs all of the tag devices that this is the start of the sequence. A sync slot follows the locator time slot, where new tag devices may transmit a sync request to the locator device. Upon receipt of a sync request, the locator device assigns the new tag device a tag slot. Following the sync slot are a plurality of tag slots, where each tag device transmits an AoA packet during its assigned tag slot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of massive MIMO communication, comprising: —forming transmission beam set (?), by a base station (BS), with privileged channel directions; —designing additional beam set (?) for optimizing the transmission beam set, so as to detect channel direction change outside the privileged channel directions.

Abstract: A system and method for omnichannel text-based routing, transfer, and customer-to-enterprise communications with smart masking of personal information. The system is a cloud-based network containing an interaction control server, a routing engine, an optimization engine, a media translation server, a mobile application, a business entity portal, mobile and compute devices for business enterprise and customer, and an enterprise database. Taken together or in part, said system optimizes customer interactions by delivering context aware text message, chat or email to customers; and when requested by customer, optimally routes with context, based upon a multitude of variables, to best available resource to handle the customer interaction. The system may be accessed through web browsers or purpose-built computer and mobile phone applications.

Abstract: An antenna, a manufacturing method of the antenna, and an antenna system are provided. The antenna includes a radiation unit, configured to receive a microwave signal from outside and/or send a microwave signal to the outside; an active amplifying unit, configured to receive a plurality of microwave signals inputted by the radiation unit and amplify the plurality of microwave signals; a phase shifting unit, configured to receive a plurality of amplified microwave signals outputted by the active amplifying unit and perform phase adjustment on the plurality of amplified microwave signals; and a power division and transmission unit, configured to combine a plurality of phase-adjusted microwave signals outputted by the phase shifting unit into a microwave signal and output the microwave signal.

Abstract: One example includes a troposcatter communication terminal. The terminal includes an antenna comprising a plurality of communication ports that extend from a rear side of the antenna to a front side of the antenna. The terminal also includes a positioner mechanically coupled to the antenna and being configured to mechanically control positioning of the antenna. The terminal further includes an electronics package mechanically coupled to the rear side of the antenna. The electronics package includes a troposcatter radio communicatively coupled to the antenna via the plurality of communications ports to transmit and receive troposcatter communication signals via the plurality of communication ports at the front side of the antenna.

Abstract: A system for detecting whether an antenna has been disconnected from a coverage extension system is disclosed. The system for detecting disconnected antennas includes an antenna receiving signals from a base station and noise from the environment; a coupler; a transceiver; a power sensor to measure the power intensity of the noise; a controller; and a wired connector, electrically connecting the output of the antenna to the coupler, for carrying said signals and white noise from the antenna to the coupler. The coupler outputs part of the signal and noise to the power sensor and another part of the signal and noise to the transceiver. The controller detects changes in the power intensity of the noise to detect whether the antenna has been disconnected.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for the provision of high data rate and high throughput communications link for drones, in a bandwidth efficient manner. One set of embodiments describe apparatus and methods to mitigate interference from other systems when using the unlicensed radio frequency bands such as the Industrial Scientific and Medical (ISM) bands. Apparatus and methods are also described to enable association of the drone radio sub-system with an “optimal” cell site, such as when the drone uses a directional antenna beam to maximize system throughput. Configurations of a mechanically steerable directional antenna aperture are also disclosed. Other embodiments describe systems and methods to mitigate excessive amounts of interference, and to provide a reliable communications link for signaling and other mission-critical messages.

Abstract: A satellite having a set of antenna elements with predefined directions and beam angles is described. This satellite may dynamically select at least a given antenna element based at least in part on utilization and/or availability of a terrestrial wireless communication network used by an electronic device that communicates with the satellite. Moreover, the satellite may change its attitude based at least in part on the given antenna element, where the changed attitude positions a region in a predefined beam angle of the given antenna element. The satellite may dynamically select the region to which it transmits wireless signals. For example, the region may be selected based at least in part on weather conditions associated with the region and/or priority of content conveyed by the wireless signals. Alternatively, the satellite may receive information specifying the region, the utilization and/or the availability of the terrestrial wireless communication network in the region.

Abstract: A technique includes constructing a WCS (world coordinate system) as a three-dimensional, Cartesian coordinate system based at least in part on (i) a plurality of anchor points detected in a physical space around a device and (ii) a secondary source of information that assists in localizing objects in the physical space. The technique further includes providing the WCS to the device as a coordinate system in which to place holograms.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting radio frequency (“RF”) signals and corresponding origination locations are disclosed. An RF sensor device includes a software-defined radio and an antenna pair for receiving RF signals. Furthermore the RF sensor device may include a processing unit for processing/analyzing the RF signals, or the processing unit may be remote. The system calculates a phase difference between an RF signal received at two separate antennas of an antenna pair. The phase difference, the distance between the antennas, and the frequency of the RF signal are used for determining the origination direction of the RF signal. In various embodiments, the origination direction may indicate the location of a UAV controller or base station. The software-defined radio may include more than one antenna pair, connected to multiplexers, for efficiently scanning different frequencies by alternating active antenna pairs. Moreover, the system may execute packet-based processing on the RF signal data.

Abstract: A multiport planar antenna system with digital reconfigurability to adjust a beam-steering function of the system is described herein. A substrate is provided and a grid of parasitic elements is printed on a surface of the substrate. One or more driven, radiating elements such as monopole or dipole antennas are printed on the substrate proximate the parasitic elements. Switching elements between adjacent parasitic elements are then configured to steer the radiation direction in a particular direction in the azimuth plane. The small form factor of the planar antenna system can be used in a multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) application used by fifth generation (5G) devices such as mobile phones, internet of things (IoT) devices, and vehicles.

Abstract: An optical phased array, includes, in part, K beam processors each adapted to receive a different one of K optical signals and generate N optical signals in response. The difference between the phases of optical signals aLM and aL(M+1) is the same for all Ms, where M is an integer ranging from 1 to N?1 defining the signals generated by a beam processor, and L is an integer ranging from 1 to K defining the beam processor generating the K optical signals. The transmitter further includes, in part, a combiner adapted to receive the N×K optical signals from the K beam processors and combine the K optical signals from different ones of the K beam processors to generate N optical signals. The transmitter further includes, in part, N radiating elements each adapted to transmit one of the N optical signals.

Abstract: A fully autonomous method includes defining a first key performance indicator for a network, monitoring the network based on the first key performance indicator, determining whether a physical capacity augment of the network is recommended based on established platform capacity engineering rules and regular network capacity usage monitoring, configuring a mobile physical capacity augment unit based on the determining step, and autonomously deploying the mobile physical capacity augment unit to implement a physical augment.

Abstract: Provided are a deep learning-based beamforming communication system and method, wherein in an indoor environment using millimeter wave communication, in response to reference signals transmitted from a base station to at least one user terminal, reference signal received power and location information for each user terminal location are received from each user terminal and a fingerprint DB is constructed, and from the constructed fingerprint data, a user model is constructed on the basis of reference signal received power for each user terminal location and a blockage model is constructed on the basis of reference signal received power according to each blockage located between the base station and the user terminal.

Abstract: Circuitry and methods of operating the same to delay a signal by a precise and variable amount. One embodiment is directed to a high speed delay line used in automated test equipment. The inventors have recognized and appreciated that an input signal having high data rate may be split into parallel split signals having lower data rates that are delayed in respective parallel delay paths before being combined to generate a delayed signal. One advantage of delaying a signal in such a fashion is to provide high delay line timing accuracy at high data speeds, while using a compact circuit design using circuitry components of lower bandwidth with reduced power consumption, for example by using complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS). A further advantage is that a high speed delay line may be constructed from multiple lower data rate parallel delay lines that are modular, simplifying circuit design.

Abstract: Disclosed are a wireless power transmission device and a control method thereof. The wireless power transmission device includes a communication circuit that receives information transmitted by an electronic device that receives wireless power; an array antenna including multiple cells that radiate wireless power; and a controller that receives the information transmitted by the electronic device through the communication circuit, combines cells of the multiple cells included in the array antenna based on the information and creates a group of cells corresponding to the electronic device, and controls the cells included in the group to radiate the wireless power towards the electronic device.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for interference mitigation. An exemplary method performed by a base station generally includes determining, based on a location of another base station and information regarding the other base station, that the other base station is likely to experience interference while receiving an uplink transmission due to a downlink transmission by the base station and forming a null in a beam of the downlink transmission in a direction matching the location of the other base station.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication technology, and provides a method for adjusting an antenna parameter, a radio device, and an apparatus with a storage function. The method may include: acquiring a target environmental data set, wherein the target environmental data set includes environmental data of an antenna assembly in a current location; comparing the target environmental data set with an environmental data set corresponding to a preset scene; determining a first preset scene to which an antenna assembly corresponding to the target environment data set belongs, to obtain a preset antenna parameter corresponding to the first preset scene, and setting a parameter of the antenna assembly for a radio signal to the preset antenna parameter, wherein the first preset scene is a preset scene to which the current location of the antenna assembly belongs.

Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may perform, for example, a method for receiving interference information, identifying a plurality of interferers, approximating a location of the plurality of interferers, and adjusting an antenna pattern of an antenna. The method can include determining traffic loads and adjusting the antenna pattern according to the traffic loads. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Beamforming for adapting wireless signaling beams in an adaptive and agile manner is contemplated. The beamforming may be characterized by adaptively constructing beam form parameters to provide wireless signaling in a manner that maximizes efficiency and bandwidth according to device positioning relative to a responding base station.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described that provide a repeater for beamforming a received signal at a first radio frequency via one or more scan angles or beamforming directions and then retransmitting and beamforming the transmitted signal at the first radio frequency via one or more scan angles or beamforming directions. Repeaters may perform heterodyning or downconverting on the received signal to reduce a frequency of the signal from the first frequency to an intermediate frequency (IF), and then band-pass filter the IF signal around a desired center frequency. The repeater may then heterodyne or upconvert the filtered IF signal back to the first frequency for the retransmission of the signal.

Abstract: There is set forth herein, in one embodiment, obtaining with a radiofrequency receiver a combined radiofrequency signal having a first stream combined with a second stream, wherein the first stream has a first power level, and wherein the second stream has a second power level, the first power level of the first stream being greater than the second power level of the second stream, wherein the radiofrequency receiver includes one or more antenna; processing the combined radiofrequency signal to recover a first digital bitstream associated to the first stream; and recovering a digital bitstream associated to the second stream using the first digital bitstream.

Abstract: A method comprises operating in an idle user state; determining to exit the idle user state and enter an active user state; obtaining cell loads of cells; calculating association functions based on the cell loads; determining, from among the association functions, a first association function with a maximum value; selecting a first cell associated with the first association function as a target cell; and entering the active user state by connecting to the first cell.

Abstract: A wireless communication device includes a look-up table that stores a beam pattern table, and at least one beamforming antenna transmitting or receiving a radio signal with a beam pattern specified by a set of antenna weight vectors selected from the beam pattern table, where a number of antenna weight vectors for obtaining a beam pattern with a narrow half power beam width for transmission included in the beam pattern table is larger than a number of antenna weight vectors for obtaining a beam pattern with a narrow half power beam width for reception.

Abstract: An optical phased array, includes, in part, K beam processors each adapted to receive a different one of K optical signals and generate N optical signals in response. The difference between the phases of optical signals aLM and aL(M+1) is the same for all Ms, where M is an integer ranging from 1 to N?1 defining the signals generated by a beam processor, and L is an integer ranging from 1 to K defining the beam processor generating the K optical signals. The transmitter further includes, in part, a combiner adapted to receive the N×K optical signals from the K beam processors and combine the K optical signals from different ones of the K beam processors to generate N optical signals. The transmitter further includes, in part, N radiating elements each adapted to transmit one of the N optical signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for beam splitting using multiple antennas are disclosed. An example wireless networking device includes an antenna system having a plurality of antennas; and a controller configured to select test beam antenna weight vectors (AWVs) configured to detect and/or localize a responder device, receive channel measurement responses corresponding to the test beam AWVs, determine a combined beam AWV directed substantially towards the responder device based, at least in part, on the test beam AWVs and/or the corresponding channel measurement responses, and configure the antenna sub-system to form a wireless communication channel according to the determined combined beam AWV between the wireless networking device and the responder device.

Abstract: The present invention is designed to expand the coverage of reference signals in small cells that are arranged to overlap a macro cell, and, furthermore, reduce the interference between the small cells and improve the received quality of the reference signals in user terminals. The radio communication method of the present invention provides a radio communication method in a radio base station forming a small cell that is placed to overlap a macro cell, and includes the steps of generating a reference signal for measuring received quality, in a first transmission period in which beamforming is not executed, transmitting the reference signal in a narrower transmission bandwidth and with greater transmission power than in a second transmission period in which beamforming is executed, and allocating the reference signal to a band associated with information that is specific to each radio base station forming a small cell, and transmitting the reference signal.

Abstract: An antenna array system comprises a plurality of antenna elements arranged in an antenna array in a geometric shape. The antenna array system further includes a first sub-array that forms an interior of the antenna array and a second sub-array that forms an exterior of the antenna array. In addition, the first sub-array is a subset of the second sub-array. A number of antenna elements in the first sub-array is greater than a number of antenna elements in the second sub-array. The antenna array system determines an exact satellite location of a satellite within a solid angle of ambiguity using a first virtual pattern and a second virtual pattern.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described that provide for establishment of communication links between nodes in a wireless network, in which an access node (e.g., a node that provides access to a core network) may provide a communication link configuration and resources for communications between multiple nodes. In some cases, an access node may receive a request from a first node to establish a communication link with a second node. The communication link may be, for example, a directional transmission beam that carries data or control information, or a combination thereof, between the first node and the second node. The access node may determine the communication link configuration based on one or more link measurements provided by the first node or second node, and provide the configuration information to one or both of the first node or the second node.

Abstract: A distance determination system is disclosed. In various embodiments, the system includes a transmitter configured to transmit a first pulse at a first frequency and a second pulse at a second frequency; a receiver configured to receive audio signals; and a processor coupled to the receiver and configured to detect whether an intermodulation product of the first pulse and the second pulse is present and above a threshold amplitude in an audio signal received by the receiver; and determine, based at least in part on whether the intermodulation product of the first pulse and the second pulse is detected to be present and above a threshold amplitude, whether a distance to a surface is greater than a distance corresponding to the first pulse and the second pulse.

Abstract: In 5G, a high degree of automated management and control mechanisms can coordinate various radios in relatively close proximity, via a zone, or in a cluster. Reactive automation coupled with hybrid algorithms utilizing internal radio states and known or expected external events or entities can enable a smart proactive 5G automation. The smart proactive 5G automation can minimize signaling between the radios and provide a hybrid distributed and centralized model utilizing a radio access network intelligent controller to increase spectrum efficiencies. Additionally, the smart proactive 5G automation can provide new service opportunities that can be offered by service providers.

Abstract: Directional transmission in a mobile ad-hoc network includes receiving position data for peer nodes in the network. When transmitting a data packet to a peer node, the position of the peer node is determined with reference to a position database. An electronically steerable antenna is focused to transmit to the position and the packet is transmitted. The electronically steerable antenna is then placed in an omnidirectional mode to receive packet transmissions.

Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may perform, for example, a method for receiving interference information, identifying a plurality of interferers, approximating a location of the plurality of interferers, and adjusting an antenna pattern of an antenna. The method can include determining traffic loads and adjusting the antenna pattern according to the traffic loads. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A signal quality associated with radio transmissions from a first device (100) to a second device (10) is determined. Further, an uncertainty of the determined signal quality is determined. Depending on the determined signal quality and uncertainty, a beamforming configuration, applied by the first device (100) for performing the radio transmissions to the second device (10), is adapted.

Abstract: Systems and methods for combining signals from multiple active wireless receivers are discussed herein. An exemplary system comprises a first downconverter, a phase comparator, a phase adjuster, and a second downconverter. The first downconverter may be configured to downconvert a received signal from a first antenna to an intermediate frequency to create an intermediate frequency signal. The phase comparator may be configured to mix the received signal and a downconverted signal to create a mixed signal, compare a phase of the mixed signal to a predetermined phase, and generate a phase control signal based on the comparison, the downconverted signal being associated with the received signal from the first antenna. The phase adjuster may be configured to alter the phase of the intermediate frequency signal based on the phase control signal. The second downconverter may be configured to downconvert the phase-shifted intermediate frequency signal to create an output signal.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a plurality of feeds that form analog beams. The plurality of feeds is divided into a plurality of panels, each panel including one or more feeds from the plurality of feeds. The apparatus also includes processing circuitry, which determines a target area for communications coverage and divides the target area into a plurality of regions. The processing circuitry generates, for each region, a plurality of analog beams. A subset of panels of the plurality of panels generates one or more analog beams of the plurality of analog beams. The plurality of analog beams covering each region forms a cluster. The processing circuitry generates, in each cluster, one or more hybrid beams. Each hybrid beam is a digital beam that is generated by combining one or more analog beams of the plurality of analog beams corresponding to the cluster.

Abstract: A distance determination system is disclosed. In various embodiments, the system includes a transmitter configured to transmit a first pulse at a first frequency and a second pulse at a second frequency; a receiver configured to receive audio signals; and a processor coupled to the receiver and configured to detect whether an intermodulation product of the first pulse and the second pulse is present and above a threshold amplitude in an audio signal received by the receiver; and determine, based at least in part on whether the intermodulation product of the first pulse and the second pulse is detected to be present and above a threshold amplitude, whether a distance to a surface is greater than a distance corresponding to the first pulse and the second pulse.

Abstract: An array of antenna elements is energized as a plurality of concentric rings of the antenna elements, each of the concentric rings energized with a respective signal from a first transceiver, the signal having a continuously varying progressive phase between the antenna elements to generate n respective electromagnetic orbital angular momentum (OAM) beams each having a respective OAM mode m where m ranges from 0 to ±n. The beams are contemporaneously generated orthogonal to each other. The circumferential phase profile of the signal for a concentric ring of ? antenna elements is 2?m radians, and the progressive phase difference between each of the ? antenna elements is 2?m/? radians. The first transceiver transmits the beams to a second transceiver which demodulates them and sends demodulation quality information to the first transceiver for determination of whether to transmit the beams in full multiplexing, full diversity or partial diversity.

Abstract: A consumer premise equipment (CPE) which may comprise a processor, a storage medium, and an antenna, wherein the processor may be operatively coupled to the storage medium and the antenna to receive, from multiple antennas of a hub station, a first beam training announcement signal that may inform the CPE to be ready to receive a beam training packet using one or more beams, wherein the beam training packet may include a plurality of symbols that are each beamformed using a different beamformer or precoder; and send, to the hub station, a beamforming feedback report based on measurements taken by the CPE, possibly as a result of the CPE receiving the first beam training announcement signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving communication using angle dithering are presented. Embodiments of the present invention provide increased throughput and robustness after link establishment by providing fast fading characteristics in environments dominated by slow fading. In particular, fast fading characteristics are induced by steering the transmitter and receiver antennas in optical and beyond line-of-sight troposcatter communication systems based on dither patterns. In non-line-of-sight (NLOS) communication systems, using coordinated dither patterns at the transmitter and receiver ensures that successive common scattering volumes become decorrelated, whereas in line-of-sight optical communication systems, the dither pattern is based on the tropospheric scintillation in free space traversed by the established link.

Abstract: Systems and methods can support determining the physical position of a wireless device. Radio frequency sensors may be positioned within an electromagnetic environment where user equipment devices are serviced by a base station. The radio frequency sensors can receive wireless uplink signals transmitted from the user equipment devices to the base station. Data samples can be generated from the received signals. The data samples may be partitioned in time and frequency to generate spectrum tiles. The spectrum tiles may be statistically aggregated to reduce the quantity of data samples. A clustering algorithm may be applied to the statistically aggregated spectrum tiles to determine clusters of spectrum tiles. Signal parameters associated with respective clusters of spectrum tiles may be computed. Physical locations associated with user equipment devices can be estimated from the signal parameters associated with the respective clusters of spectrum tiles.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, system and computer program product for augmenting an electronic map with pointing gestures are provided. The computer-implemented method, system and computer program product display an electronic map of a current location of a user of the electronic map, receive an indication that a person is gesturing, and augment the electronic map by displaying an area toward which the person is gesturing on the electronic map.

Abstract: Various antenna systems are presented that have independently steerable receive and transmit beams. The antenna system may include multiple antenna element systems. Each antenna element system may include multiple phase shifters that alter the phase of received signals and signals to be transmitted. Directions of a first transmit beam, a second transmit beam, a first receive beam, and a second receive beam may be steered independently using the phase shifters. Each antenna element system may include a polarization system.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatus for enhancing a beamforming training procedure. For example, according to certain aspects, devices may exchange information regarding the number of beamforming transmit sectors each device plans to use for both partial and full sector sweeps, as well as the number of receive antennas. The devices may also exchange timing information used to synchronize when the devices start to perform the partial and full sector sweeps, after detecting a lost link.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an identifier for a first user initiating a communication between a first device associated with the first user and a second device associated with a second user, retrieving, using the identifier, a privacy rule associated with the first user, determining, based on the privacy rule and social-networking information associated with the first user, whether one or more items of information associated with the first user are allowed to be revealed to the second user, and sending, to the second device, any of the items of information associated with the first user that are allowed to be revealed to the second user for display in association with the communication between the first device and the second device.

Abstract: A transmit beamforming gain and a receive beamforming gain may be used when adjusting an uplink transmit power. For example, a user equipment (UE) may receive downlink communications from a base station on a receive beam having a beamforming gain that is different from a beamforming gain for an uplink transmit beam. The UE may adjust an uplink transmit power (e.g., for transmitting a random access channel (RACH)) based on a difference in the beamforming gains. For example, a parameter representing the difference in the beamforming gains, in addition to a maximum allowed transmit power, a target preamble received power, and an estimated path loss, may be used when determining an adjusted uplink transmit power for a RACH transmission. The adjustment may result in a higher or lower transmit power depending on the difference in the receive beamforming gain and the transmit beamforming gain.

Abstract: A communication device includes a processor subsystem that is in communication with a communication module, which is communicatively coupled to a millimeter wave (mmWave) antenna array to transmit and receive signals. The processor subsystem executes a computer program product of a near-field detection application in memory to perform a method. The mmWave antenna array transmits an mmWave signal that is swept across a range of frequencies and receives any back-scattered signals in the range of frequencies. The processor subsystem determines whether a near-field obstruction exists based on magnitude and phase characteristics of the received back-scattered signals. In response to determining that a near-field obstruction exists, the processor subsystem perform a selected one of: (i) altering a transmission beam transmitted by the communication device; and (ii) triggering an application to execute on the communication device, the application intended to interact with a user of the communication device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method for listening-based transmission. The method is performed at a communications device of a first type with a plurality of beams and operable on an unlicensed spectrum. The method comprises identifying a beam direction for a communications device of a second type when there is data directed to the communications device of the second type and obtaining a backoff counter for the identified beam direction. The method also comprises selecting at least one beam direction for listening during. The beam in each of the at least one beam direction covers at least one communications device of the second type having data directed thereto. The method further comprises scheduling transmission to a communications device of the second type in the identified beam direction when the backoff counter corresponding to that beam direction reaches a certain threshold. Embodiments also relate to corresponding apparatus.