Reconfigurable beam antenna assembly and device comprising the same

Abstract

The present invention can implement a beam antenna assembly with reconfigurable beamforming. For example, the beam shape can be changed according to the mounting location, such as a corner of a ceiling or a wall, etc. Furthermore, the beam coverage (e.g., from limited coverage to full room, etc.) can be changed as needed. The reconfigurable beamforming can in turn facilitate both high resolution (e.g., as needed for high resolution sensing services, etc.) and omni-directional coverage (e.g., as needed for uniform coverage of different rooms by the same sensor device, etc.).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of antennas, and more specifically, to reconfigurable beam antenna assemblies and apparatus including said antenna assemblies. Background Technology

[0002] Smart automated homes or offices may have multiple smart automation applications, including, for example, smart building management, security, and / or health monitoring systems. Such smart automation applications may require the use of detection and activity sensing technologies. Information about human presence enables intelligent context-aware smart automated homes, capable of using location and sensor information to optimize deployment, operation, and energy use with little or no human intervention: smart lighting control, smart heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control, shutting down unused equipment, activating self-propelled equipment (such as cleaning robots), and checking the proper use of equipment (e.g., by counting the number of people in an elevator).

[0003] Furthermore, high-precision positioning and high-resolution sensing services can provide continuous, real-time physiological information for future digital health technologies through dynamic, non-invasive, and non-contact measurements. For example, non-contact analysis of human respiration can be used for, for instance, sleep monitoring (e.g., rating sleep quality, which is important for the human immune, nervous, skeletal, and muscular systems) and / or fall detection (e.g., issuing alarms and notifying family members or family members that someone has fallen).

[0004] These technologies could enable a new set of functions and service capabilities for smart, automated homes, where positioning and sensing may coexist with communication.

[0005] Therefore, in at least some cases, these technologies may need to be implemented using radio frequency (RF) wireless sensors, as vision-based technologies (such as cameras) may compromise user privacy. Consequently, in at least some cases, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) millimeter-wave sensor devices and antenna topologies may be required, for example, for non-contact vital sign monitoring and spatial tracking of multiple people and other objects, such as by distributing sensor devices along the sides or corners of a room to achieve full room coverage. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, which will be further described in the following detailed description. The purpose of this present invention is not to identify key or essential features of the subject matter protected by the claims, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the subject matter protected by the claims.

[0007] One object of the present invention is to realize a beam antenna assembly with reconfigurable beamforming. The above and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Other embodiments are apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, a reconfigurable beam antenna assembly is provided. The reconfigurable beam antenna assembly includes a first number of antenna radiating portions. The antenna assembly has a first number of antenna ports. The reconfigurable beam antenna assembly also includes a second number of feed points. The reconfigurable beam antenna assembly further includes switches connected to the feed points and radio frequency (RF) circuitry. The switches are used to switch the RF circuitry between the feed points. The reconfigurable beam antenna assembly also includes a multimode switching feed waveguide. The multimode switching feed waveguide is used to couple the feed points to the antenna radiating portions such that power from each feed point is distributed in the antenna radiating portions with a predetermined amplitude and a predetermined phase. The invention can realize a beam antenna assembly with reconfigurable beamforming. More specifically, the invention can realize electrically reconfigurable beamforming. Distributing power from each feed point to the antenna radiating portions allows for a distribution ratio to define the beam shape. Distributing power between antenna radiating portions having predetermined amplitudes and predetermined phases allows beam switching in two planes (e.g., a horizontal plane and a vertical plane). For example, the beam shape can be changed depending on the installation location, such as a corner of the ceiling or a wall. Furthermore, beam coverage (e.g., from limited coverage to the entire room) can be changed as needed. Reconfigurable beamforming can also contribute to high resolution (e.g., required for high-resolution sensing) and omnidirectional coverage (e.g., required for uniform coverage of the same sensor device across different rooms).

[0009] In one implementation of the first aspect, the multimode switching feed waveguide is based on a transverse magnetic mode planar waveguide. This implementation allows for optimization of the reconfigurable beam antenna assembly for millimeter-wave frequencies (e.g., frequencies between 10 GHz and 60 GHz).

[0010] In one implementation of the first aspect, the multimode switching feed waveguide further includes a microstrip line-based feed network. This implementation enables optimized reconfigurable beam antenna assemblies for low frequencies, such as below 40 gigahertz (GHz). This implementation also enables reconfigurable beam antenna assemblies with low profiles (e.g., height less than one millimeter (mm)).

[0011] In one implementation of the first aspect, the multimode switched feed waveguide further includes one or more dielectric waveguide antennas. This implementation allows for optimization of the reconfigurable beam antenna assembly for micrometer wave frequencies and higher frequencies (e.g., frequencies between 60 GHz and 200 GHz).

[0012] In one implementation of the first aspect, the multimode switched feed waveguide further includes one or more partial reflectors. This implementation allows for a uniform distribution of phase and amplitude, or correspondingly, a predefined distribution.

[0013] In one implementation of the first aspect, the multimode switched-feed waveguide further includes one or more wave-matched reactive loading separation walls. This implementation can suppress parasitic modes.

[0014] In one implementation of the first aspect, the reconfigurable beam antenna assembly further includes a reflective structure for surrounding the radiating portion of the antenna. This implementation can suppress surface waves on a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0015] In one implementation of the first aspect, the reflective structure includes at least one of a metal nail, a metal fence, a mushroom structure, or an electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structure. This implementation can also suppress surface waves on the PCB.

[0016] In one implementation of the first aspect, the reconfigurable beam antenna assembly further includes a cavity-back slot converter for the multimode switching feed waveguide. This implementation enables direct feeding of the multimode switching feed waveguide.

[0017] In one implementation of the first aspect, the multimode switching feed waveguide is based on a dielectric rod waveguide. This implementation allows for optimization of the reconfigurable beam antenna assembly for micrometer wave frequencies and higher frequencies (e.g., frequencies between 60 GHz and 200 GHz).

[0018] According to a second aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a reconfigurable beam antenna assembly according to a first aspect of the invention. The invention enables a beam antenna assembly with reconfigurable beamforming. More specifically, the invention enables electrically reconfigurable beamforming. Power from each feed point is distributed to the antenna radiating portion, allowing a distribution ratio to define the beam shape. Distributing power between antenna radiating portions having predetermined amplitudes and phases allows beam switching in two planes (e.g., a horizontal plane and a vertical plane). For example, the beam shape can be changed depending on the installation location, such as a corner of a ceiling or a wall. Furthermore, beam coverage (e.g., from limited coverage to an entire room, etc.) can be changed as needed. Reconfigurable beamforming can also contribute to high resolution (e.g., required for high-resolution sensing services, etc.) and omnidirectional coverage (e.g., required for uniform coverage of the same sensor device across different rooms).

[0019] In one implementation of the second aspect, the device has a sensing function. This implementation can provide high-resolution sensing services, etc.

[0020] In one implementation of the second aspect, the sensing function includes at least one of at least anonymous presence detection or location tracking: one or more biological entities or one or more autonomously moving objects. This implementation can also enable high-resolution sensing services, etc.

[0021] In one implementation of the second aspect, the sensing function is used to enable beam switching of the reconfigurable beam antenna assembly in a first plane and a second plane, thereby providing switchable field-of-view (FOV) segmentation through the beam switching. Switchable beam FOV segmentation can minimize phase error due to more focused beams. Switchable beam FOV segmentation can further achieve high accuracy and resolution because the beam is focused only on a person (or other object of interest), with less wall reflection and therefore less interference. Due to stable high gain and phase pattern, switchable beam FOV segmentation further expands the total FOV coverage and improves the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

[0022] In one implementation of the second aspect, the sensing function is further configured to use the switchable FOV segmentation to perform at least one of the following: adapting the FOV to the environment of the device, or customizing the FOV to at least one of installation location and / or installation positioning within the environment of the device. This implementation allows for uniform coverage of different rooms by the same sensor device.

[0023] In one implementation of the second aspect, the antenna radiating portion includes multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmit (TX) and receive (RX) antenna radiating portions, such that the antenna spacing in the first plane is Nv. λ / 2, the antenna spacing in the second plane is Nh λ / 2. Where Nv represents the number of antenna ports in the first plane, Nh represents the number of antenna ports in the second plane, and λ represents the free-space wavelength of the operating frequency. This MIMO array topology (i.e., multiple TX and RX antennas) provides high aperture efficiency. That is, using multiple antenna elements at the TX and RX ends, instead of using an array of a single TX antenna and multiple RX antennas, provides better angular estimation resolution while occupying the same aperture array size. The choice of antenna spacing in the array can achieve a good balance between sufficiently low sidelobe levels and sufficiently high angular resolution.

[0024] In one implementation of the second aspect, the radiating portions of the MIMO TX and RX antennas are configured as a sparse array. This MIMO array topology (i.e., multiple TX and RX antennas) provides high aperture efficiency. That is, using multiple antenna elements at the TX and RX ends, rather than using an array of a single TX antenna and multiple RX antennas, provides better angular estimation resolution while occupying the same aperture array size. The choice of antenna spacing in the array can achieve a good balance between sufficiently low sidelobe levels and sufficiently high angular resolution.

[0025] Many of the accompanying features will become clearer and thus easier to understand when referred to the detailed description below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the following figures, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 It is a diagram with reconfigurable patterns in different installation positions;

[0028] Figure 2 It is a diagram of beamforming for an antenna device that is placed flat.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a diagram of a room covered by sensor devices located on the ceiling;

[0030] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the elevation angle of the peak beam direction;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a diagram further illustrating the antenna gain used to meet room coverage requirements;

[0032] Figure 6A and Figure 6B These are diagrams showing the sensor devices installed on the ceiling and walls, respectively.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of a reconfigurable beam antenna assembly provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a diagram of the reflection structure;

[0035] Figure 9A and Figure 9B This is a diagram of a multimode switched feed waveguide;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a more detailed diagram showing the multimode switched feed waveguide;

[0037] Figure 11 This is a diagram of the field distribution within the multimode switched feed waveguide when one port is activated;

[0038] Figure 12 and Figure 13 This is a diagram of the three-dimensional FOV segmentation using a dual-plane scanning reconfigurable beam antenna;

[0039] Figure 14 It is a diagram used to implement the amplitude pattern of the gain;

[0040] Figure 15 It is a diagram of the phase pattern;

[0041] Figure 16 This is a block diagram of an apparatus provided in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] In the following text, the same reference numerals refer to the same or at least functionally equivalent features. Detailed Implementation

[0043] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the invention and illustrate, by way of description, specific aspects to which the invention may be applied. It will be understood that other aspects may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be construed in a limiting sense, as the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0044] For example, it should be understood that the disclosure relating to the described method also applies to the apparatus or system corresponding to performing the method, and vice versa. For example, if specific method steps are described, the corresponding apparatus may include units that perform the described method steps, even if such units are not explicitly described or shown in the drawings. On the other hand, for example, if a particular apparatus is described based on functional units, the corresponding method may include steps that perform the described functions, even if such steps are not explicitly described or shown in the drawings. Furthermore, it should be understood that features of the various exemplary aspects described herein can be combined with each other unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0045] As will be discussed in more detail below, at least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow anonymous presence detection and / or location tracking of one or more organisms and / or one or more autonomously moving objects (e.g., robotic objects).

[0046] To achieve this goal, at least the following conditions may be required:

[0047] It enables highly sensitive and accurate detection of vital signs throughout the indoor environment, while reliably distinguishing them from unwanted interference;

[0048] Non-contact monitoring of individual vital signs (e.g., heartbeat and / or breathing) of multiple people in real-world environments;

[0049] Robustness to voluntary body movements (such as limb movements, walking, etc.);

[0050] It can track an individual's abilities during strenuous exercise (such as walking and standing up).

[0051] At least some of these requirements may be contradictory, and require beamforming antennas and / or multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) sensor topologies optimized for antenna and resolution.

[0052] As will be discussed in more detail below, the present invention provides a reconfigurable beam antenna assembly, at least some embodiments of which can meet the above requirements.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the reconfigurability of beam patterns at different mounting locations 100A and 100B of the sensor device 110.

[0054] The location 100B of the sensor device 110, situated in the center of the room, may have limited sensitivity and room coverage. This location of the sensor device 110 may require wide-angle beam coverage, at least in the horizontal plane. Alternatively, it may be necessary to deploy a reconfigurable sensor beam scan to cover the area around the sensor device 110 on each side.

[0055] Placing the sensor device 110 in a corner of the room (position 100A) may be the best choice for aesthetic reasons. However, installation in a corner ceiling location may not always be possible. Sometimes it is more convenient to mount the sensor device 110 on a vertical wall of the room, as shown in 100B. Figure 1 As shown, two such different installation locations may require different beam coverage from the antenna. Therefore, so-called beam pattern reconfigurability may be needed to allow for different beamforming in different scenarios.

[0056] In the installation location of a sensor device, it may be desirable to be able to focus the beam onto a dedicated, limited coverage area. This can improve beam stability and reduce interference from the environment. However, it may also be desirable to cover the entire room area. Therefore, beam reconfigurability may be desirable, at least in some cases.

[0057] In at least some cases, the corner mounting location of the sensor device may require shaping the antenna beam for uniform room coverage: the beam may need to be tilted, and the peak antenna gain may need to be pointed to the room point furthest from the sensor device.

[0058] As will be discussed in more detail below, at least some of the disclosed embodiments allow a flat-placed antenna to radiate a tilted beam, and the beam pattern to be reconfigurable, without mechanical tilting. This in Figure 2 Figure 200 shows beamforming of a flat-placed antenna device or sensor device 202 mounted on a ceiling 201 and having a field-of-view (FOV) 203.

[0059] As will be discussed in more detail below, at least some of the disclosed embodiments enable electrically reconfigurable beamforming, which in turn enables high-resolution and omnidirectional coverage sensor devices.

[0060] At least some of the disclosed embodiments may allow one or more of the following:

[0061] The minimum phase difference between multiple TX channels and multiple RX channels of a MIMO sensor device or radar (<7.8°, with an average phase difference of 5° in the vertical plane (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB) with a dielectric rod with a radome).

[0062] Flat PCB (e.g., antenna PCB tilted almost 85°).

[0063] The achieved phase error is <22°, averaging 10° over a wide field of view, corresponding to an accuracy of 0.5 meters (m) at a distance of 6 meters;

[0064] It suppresses surface waves and parasitic modes, and reduces distortion caused by the radome;

[0065] The dielectric rod further tilts the beam in the elevation plane: from 23-61° to 30-82°. The dielectric rod reduces beam ripple in the horizontal plane and minimizes the parasitic effects of the radome.

[0066] At least in some of the disclosed embodiments, electrically reconfigurable sensor beamforming can achieve high-resolution omnidirectional coverage scanning sensor devices and sensing systems. The electrically reconfigurable beamforming of the present invention can be based on, for example, discrete components with variable impedance: conductivity (PIN diodes, Gunn diodes or Schottky diodes, metal-insulator-metal (MIM) diodes, transistors) or reactance (varactor diodes). Optionally or additionally, the dielectric rod can be based on functional radio frequency (RF) materials: liquid crystals, barium-strontium titanate, graphene, vanadium dioxide, and / or semiconductor photonics.

[0067] At least some of the disclosed embodiments enable switchable FOV segmentation. The idea is to achieve adaptive sensing at a more general level, using beam-pattern reconfigurable antennas for switchable FOV segmentation. At least in some of the disclosed embodiments, switchable FOV segmentation enables minimizing phase error due to a more focused beam, high accuracy and resolution with less wall reflection achieved by a beam focused solely on a person (or other object of interest), expanded total coverage when multiple FOV areas are combined, and / or improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) due to stable high gain and phase patterning.

[0068] At least in some of the disclosed embodiments, far-beam pattern stability can contribute to better sensing performance. On one hand, within each FOV (Field of View), a focused beam with higher gain can improve the SNR (Sounding Noise Ratio) of each FOV, thus achieving better range estimation accuracy. Higher gain can also increase the coverage of each FOV, and with the use of beam-pattern reconfigurable antennas, the overall combined FOV coverage can be further increased. On the other hand, within each FOV, a focused beam also increases phase stability and reduces the phase difference between antennas in the radar array topology. Minimizing the phase difference can contribute to improved angle estimation accuracy, at least in some of the disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, a focused beam with high beam pattern stability can also improve Doppler estimation accuracy, which can allow for applications such as vital sign detection.

[0069] For example, switchable FOV segmentation can be achieved using time-division multiplexing. That is, each FOV segment can be scanned using time-division multiplexing. This time-division multiplexing is compatible with conventional MIMO radar used in sensing applications, where multiple TX antenna elements can be scanned using the same time-division multiplexing method. Using beam-pattern reconfigurable antennas, TX antenna elements can be positioned in different FOV regions simultaneously, and the entire combined FOV can be scanned using time-division multiplexing.

[0070] At least some of the disclosed embodiments can achieve full-aspect-coverage beamforming.

[0071] For room coverage using a sensor device located on the ceiling, the angular parameters of the sensor device's antenna can be estimated for typical room geometry, such as... Figure 3 As shown in Figure 300. In Figure 3 In the diagram, point (A) represents a room with a dimensions of 3 m × 3 m, and point (B) represents a room with a dimensions of 5 m × 5 m.

[0072] At least in some of the disclosed embodiments, the MIMO sensor device antenna scheme can meet the user scenarios with room sizes ranging from 3 m × 3 m to 6 m × 6 m. At least in some of the disclosed embodiments, the radar / sensor antenna can be adjusted for each type of room to achieve the desired antenna gain. G ( θ , The shaped beam pattern is used to meet the requirements for RX power level and SNR, such as Figure 4 As shown in Figure 400. Figure 4 The elevation angle of the peak beam direction is shown. This elevation angle is required to ensure radar sensitivity for all room sizes, where room sizes are marked with points (A)-(D), as shown in the table below.

[0073]

[0074] The expected peak elevation angle is likely to be 65 to 75 degrees, with a maximum of 80 degrees.

[0075] Room coverage defines the theoretical antenna gain G(x) required to meet RX power level and SNR requirements. θ , Based on radar equations and channel models, in Figure 5 Figure 500 shows the target antenna forming pattern in the elevation plane.

[0076] Sensor devices are typically installed in a room at a fixed location, the size of which is stable over time. At least in some of the disclosed embodiments, beam pattern electrical reconfigurability can enable uniform coverage of different rooms using the same sensor device.

[0077] At least in some of the disclosed embodiments, the sensor device mounting location may include, for example, a horizontal or vertical mounting location, depending on user preference. These mounting locations may result in different requirements for the sensor device's FOV and beam properties, such as... Figure 6A Figure 600A and Figure 6B As shown in Figure 600B, where 600A illustrates a sensor device antenna 610 attached to a ceiling 601, and 600B illustrates a sensor device antenna 610 attached to a wall 602. At least in some of the disclosed embodiments, beam pattern reconfigurability can enable uniform coverage of different rooms using the same sensor device.

[0078] Next, based on Figure 7 An exemplary embodiment of a reconfigurable beam antenna assembly 700 is described. Some features of the described device are optional features that provide additional advantages. Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating a reconfigurable beam antenna assembly 700 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The reconfigurable beam antenna assembly 700 can be used to achieve the aforementioned switchable FOV segmentation via a mode-reconfigurable antenna coupled to a multimode-switched feed waveguide. In at least some embodiments, the reconfigurable beam antenna assembly 700 can achieve three-dimensional (3D) or dual-plane scanning.

[0079] The reconfigurable beam antenna assembly 700 includes a first number (e.g., four) of antenna radiating portions 701A to 701D. The antenna assembly 700 has a first number of antenna ports 701A1 to 701D1.

[0080] The reconfigurable beam antenna assembly 700 also includes a second number of feed points or ports 702A to 702D (e.g., two for scanning in one plane, or four for scanning in two planes).

[0081] The reconfigurable beam antenna assembly 700 also includes a switch 703 connected to the feed points 702A to 702D and the radio frequency (RF) circuit 704. The switch 703 is used to switch the RF circuit 704 between the feed points 702A to 702D.

[0082] The reconfigurable beam antenna assembly 700 further includes a multimode-switching feed waveguide 705. The multimode-switching feed waveguide 705 couples the feed points 702A to 702D to the antenna radiating portions 701A to 701D such that the power from each feed point 702A to 702D is distributed in the antenna radiating portions 701A to 701D with a predetermined amplitude and a predetermined phase. The distribution ratio can define the beamform (e.g., cocut). For example, the antenna radiating portions 701A to 701D can be progressively phased in two planes, thereby achieving beam switching in, for example, horizontal and vertical planes.

[0083] For example, the number of TX antennas can be N, and the number of RX antennas can be M, thus forming an N×M MIMO array. Each TX or RX antenna can have a first number (e.g., such as...). Figure 8 The example has four antenna radiating sections 701A to 701D. Therefore, each antenna can have a first number (e.g., four) of antenna ports 701A1 to 701D1 (e.g., as shown in the example). Figure 9A (As shown in the diagram). The multimode switching feed waveguide 705 will receive power from feed ports 702A to 702D (e.g., as shown in the diagram). Figure 9B The energy of (as shown) is coupled to antenna ports 701A1 to 701D1 (e.g., as shown) Figure 9A (As shown).

[0084] In at least some embodiments, the multimode switched feed waveguide 705 may be based on a transverse magnetic (TM) mode planar waveguide.

[0085] In at least some embodiments, the multimode switching feed waveguide 705 may also include a microstripline (MSL) based feed network.

[0086] In at least some embodiments, the multimode switching feed waveguide 705 may also include one or more dielectric waveguide antennas.

[0087] In at least some embodiments, the multimode switching feed waveguide 705 may also include one or more partial reflector walls.

[0088] In at least some embodiments, the multimode switching fed waveguide 705 may also include one or more wave-matched reactive loading separation walls.

[0089] In at least some embodiments, the reconfigurable beam antenna assembly 700 may also include a reflective structure 706 (e.g., a high-impedance surface) for surrounding the antenna radiating portions 701A to 701D. For example, the reflective structure 706 may include metal studs, metal fences, mushroom structures, and / or electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structures. Figure 8 An example of a reflective structure 706 is shown. In at least some embodiments, the reflective structure 706 can suppress surface waves on a PCB.

[0090] In at least some embodiments, the reconfigurable beam antenna assembly 700 may also include a cavity-back slot converter for a multimode switching feed waveguide 705.

[0091] In at least some embodiments, the multimode switching fed waveguide 705 may be based on a dielectric rod waveguide.

[0092] Figure 9A Figure 9B as well as Figure 10 Figures 1000A and 1000B further illustrate the design details of the multimode switched-feed waveguide. Figure 9A (Top view) and Figure 9B (Top view) shows an example of the coupling between the multimode switching feed waveguide 705 and antenna ports 701A1 to 701D1. Viewed from the top, a set of, for example, four slots can be coupled to the bottom of the antenna aperture (e.g., as shown). Figure 8 As shown). From as Figure 10 As shown on the bottom surface, a set of four feeders 702A to 702D can be connected to a single-pole four-throw (SP4T) switch 703, where the common port can be connected to an RF circuit 704. Figure 10 In the middle, the multimode switching fed waveguide 705 may include, for example, an MSL-fed and / or waveguide (WG) antenna, (2) a partial reflector wall indicating uniform phase and amplitude distribution, and (3) a wave-matching response loaded separation wall indicating wave matching response for parasitic mode suppression.

[0093] Figure 11 Figure 1100 shows the field distribution (power flow) within the feed waveguide 705 when one port (port 1) is activated. Power can be distributed to each antenna port with the desired amplitude and phase. Figure 12 Figure 1200 and Figure 13 Figures 1300A to 1300D illustrate the results of a 3D (dual-plane) scan reconfigurable beam antenna. The entire field of view (FOV) can be divided into a set of four segments on two planes, with high-performance beams achievable in each segment.

[0094] In at least some embodiments, the reconfigurable beam antenna assembly 700 can be simplified to a single-plane scan with a set of two antennas. Figure 14 Figure 1400 and Figure 15 Figure 1500 shows the numerical results for this reconfigurable beam antenna assembly 700. Figure 14 In this system, the entire field of view (FOV) in a single plane is divided into two segments, and the beam is switched for each FOV. Figure 14 It is also shown that the roll-off of the beamform can be designed, for example, by adjusting the amplitude balance in the multimode switched feed waveguide 705. For example, beamforming with a smaller roll-off can be achieved. Figure 15 The corresponding phase pattern is shown in the figure. It can be seen that the phase pattern is very flat, with small ripples (<±1 degree) in the field of view (FOV).

[0095] In at least some embodiments, the type of antenna radiating portion used can depend on the type of feed network of the multimode switching feed waveguide 705. For example, a rectangular waveguide can be coupled to a horn-shaped radiating aperture. This may be suitable for a wide frequency range, such as between 10 GHz and 60 GHz. For lower frequencies, microwave techniques such as coplanar waveguides, microstrip lines, or striplines coupled to patch antenna apertures can be used. For higher frequencies, one implementation can use, for example, a dielectric waveguide feed network coupled to a dielectric rod antenna.

[0096] Figure 16 This is a block diagram of an apparatus 1600 provided according to one embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 1600 includes a reconfigurable beam antenna assembly 700. In at least some embodiments, the apparatus 1600 may have sensing capabilities, thereby allowing the apparatus 1600 to be used as a sensor device or sensing device.

[0097] The device 1600 may further include one or more processors 1611 and one or more memories 1612, the one or more memories 1612 including computer program code. The device 1600 may also include... Figure 16 Other elements not shown in the diagram.

[0098] Although device 1600 is described as including only one processor 1611, device 1600 may include more processors. In one embodiment, memory 1612 is capable of storing instructions. Furthermore, memory 1612 may include storage units.

[0099] Furthermore, processor 1611 is capable of executing stored instructions. In one embodiment, processor 1611 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single-core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single-core processors. For example, processor 1611 may be embodied as one or more of various processing devices, such as a coprocessor, microprocessor, controller, digital signal processor (DSP), processing circuitry with or without a DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), microcontroller units (MCUs), hardware accelerators, dedicated computer chips, etc. In one embodiment, processor 1611 may be used to perform hard-coded functions. In one embodiment, processor 1611 is embodied as an executor of software instructions.

[0100] The memory 1612 may be embodied as one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices, and / or a combination of one or more volatile memory devices and non-volatile memory devices. For example, the memory 1612 may be embodied as a semiconductor memory (e.g., mask ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), flash ROM, random access memory (RAM), etc.).

[0101] In at least some embodiments, the sensing functionality may include anonymous presence detection and / or location tracking of one or more biological entities and / or one or more autonomously moving objects (e.g., robotic objects).

[0102] In at least some embodiments, the sensing functionality can be used to enable beam switching of the reconfigurable beam antenna assembly 700 in a first (e.g., vertical) plane and a second (e.g., horizontal) plane, thereby providing switchable field-of-view (FOV) segmentation through the beam switching.

[0103] In at least some embodiments, the sensing function can also be used to adapt the FOV to the environment of the device 1600 using the switchable FOV segmentation, and / or to customize the installation position and / or installation location of the FOV in the environment of the device 1600.

[0104] In at least some embodiments, the antenna radiating portions 701A to 701D may include multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmit (TX) and receive (RX) antenna radiating portions, such that the antenna spacing in the first plane is Nv. λ / 2 and the antenna spacing in the second plane is Nh λ / 2. Where Nv represents the number of antenna ports in the first plane, Nh represents the number of antenna ports in the second plane, and λ represents the free-space wavelength of the operating frequency.

[0105] In at least some embodiments, the radiating portions of the MIMO TX and RX antennas can be configured as a sparse array.

[0106] Other features of the device 1600 associated with the antenna assembly 700 are derived directly from the features and parameters of the antenna assembly 700, and therefore will not be repeated here.

[0107] The functions described herein may be performed at least in part by one or more computer program product components (e.g., software components). According to one embodiment, apparatus 1600 may include a processor or processor circuitry, such as a microprocessor, which executes program code to perform the operations and functions described herein. Alternatively or additionally, the functions described herein may be performed at least in part by one or more hardware logic components. Examples, but not limited to, illustrative types of available hardware logic components include field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application-specific standard products (ASSPs), system-on-a-chip (SOCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and graphics processing units (GPUs).

[0108] Any ranges or device values ​​given herein may be extended or modified without losing the desired effect. Furthermore, unless expressly prohibited, any embodiment may be combined with another embodiment.

[0109] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or actions, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. In fact, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims, and other equivalent features and actions are intended to fall within the scope of the claims.

[0110] It should be understood that the above benefits and advantages may relate to one embodiment or several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages. It is further understood that a reference to "one" entry may refer to one or more of these entries.

[0111] The steps of the methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order, or simultaneously when appropriate. Furthermore, individual boxes can be removed from any method without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Aspects of any of the above embodiments can be combined with aspects of any other described embodiments to form other embodiments without losing the desired effect.

[0112] As used herein, the term "comprising" means including the identified method, block, or element, but such blocks or elements are not included in an exclusive list, and the method or apparatus may include other blocks or elements.

[0113] It should be understood that the above description is given by way of example only, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art. The above description, examples, and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments. Although various embodiments have been described above with some degree of specificity or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art can make various modifications to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this specification.

Claims

1. A reconfigurable beam antenna assembly (700), characterized in that, include: The first number of antenna radiating sections (701A to 701D) and the antenna assembly (700) have the first number of antenna ports (701A1 to 701D1). The second number of feed points (702A to 702D); A switch (703) is connected to the power supply points (702A to 702D) and the radio frequency (RF) circuit (704) for switching the RF circuit (704) between the power supply points (702A to 702D). A multimode switching feed waveguide (705) is provided for coupling the feed points (702A to 702D) to the antenna radiating portions (701A to 701D), the multimode switching feed waveguide comprising: One or more partial reflectors, the reflectors causing the power from each feed point (702A to 702D) to be distributed in the radiating portion (701A to 701D) of the antenna with a predetermined amplitude and a predetermined phase; One or more wave-matched reactive loading separation walls are used to suppress parasitic modes.

2. The reconfigurable beam antenna assembly (700) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multimode switching feed waveguide (705) is based on a transverse magnetic mode planar waveguide.

3. The reconfigurable beam antenna assembly (700) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The multimode switching feed waveguide (705) also includes a microstrip line-based feed network.

4. The reconfigurable beam antenna assembly (700) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The multimode switched feed waveguide (705) also includes one or more dielectric waveguide antennas.

5. The reconfigurable beam antenna assembly (700) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also includes a reflective structure (706) for surrounding the radiating portion (701A to 701D) of the antenna.

6. The reconfigurable beam antenna assembly (700) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The reflective structure (706) includes at least one of a metal nail, a metal fence, a mushroom structure, or an electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structure.

7. The reconfigurable beam antenna assembly (700) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also includes a cavity back slot converter for the multimode switched feed waveguide (705).

8. The reconfigurable beam antenna assembly (700) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multimode switching fed waveguide (705) is based on a dielectric rod waveguide.

9. An apparatus (1600), characterized in that, Includes the reconfigurable beam antenna assembly (700) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The apparatus (1600) according to claim 9, characterized in that, It has sensing capabilities.

11. The apparatus (1600) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The sensing function includes at least one of the following: anonymous presence detection or location tracking: one or more organisms or one or more autonomously moving objects.

12. The apparatus (1600) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The sensing function is used to enable beam switching of the reconfigurable beam antenna assembly (700) in a first plane and a second plane, thereby providing switchable field of view (FOV) segmentation through the beam switching.

13. The apparatus (1600) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The sensing function is also used to perform at least one of the following using the switchable FOV segmentation: adapting the FOV to the environment of the device (1600), or customizing the FOV to at least one of the following in the environment of the device (1600): installation location and / or installation positioning.

14. The apparatus (1600) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The antenna radiating section (701A to 701D) includes multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmit (TX) and receive (RX) antenna radiating sections, such that the antenna spacing in the first plane is Nv*λ / 2 and the antenna spacing in the second plane is Nh*λ / 2, where Nv represents the number of antenna ports in the first plane, Nh represents the number of antenna ports in the second plane, and λ represents the free space wavelength of the operating frequency.

15. The apparatus (1600) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The radiating portions of the MIMO TX and RX antennas are configured as sparse arrays.

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