Adaptive Antenna Beamforming for Wireless Coverage Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless network operators face challenges in providing uniform coverage within a defined geographic area using standard antennas, as they are not adaptable to specific locations and often result in resource wastage and interference due to overlapping coverage.

Innovation Solution

The use of adaptive antennas with a mathematical model-based optimization process to determine beamformer weights, which adjusts the radiation patterns of phased array antennas to optimize coverage and reduce interference within a specific geographic area of interest.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If standard passive antennas are used, then the system is simple and easy to manufacture, but the coverage cannot be tailored to specific geographic areas resulting in resource wastage and interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage tailoringVSAvoidantenna system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static passive antennas with fixed radiation patterns to adaptive antennas that can dynamically adjust their radiation patterns through software-controlled beamforming weights, allowing the coverage area to be tailored to specific geographic regions while managing interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the antenna system by adjusting beamforming weights (amplitude and phase) to synthesize desired radiation patterns, enabling the same physical antenna to produce different coverage areas and shapes by modifying electrical parameters rather than physical structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If coverage is extended beyond the desired geographic area, then more areas are covered, but resources are wasted and interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork performanceVSAvoidresource wastage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating signal energy precisely within the desired geographic coverage area using synthesized radiation patterns, while reducing or eliminating signal transmission outside this area, thereby improving network reliability within the target zone and reducing resource wastage and interference in surrounding areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If unique antennas are manufactured for each site, then optimal coverage is achieved, but production costs and complexity become prohibitive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage optimizationVSAvoidproduction feasibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single type of adaptive antenna that can perform multiple functions and produce different radiation patterns through software configuration, eliminating the need to manufacture unique physical antennas for each site while still achieving optimal coverage tailored to specific geographic requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If antenna locations are constrained to available mounting positions, then installation is easier, but coverage quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidcoverage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent compensates for suboptimal antenna locations by adjusting beamforming weights to synthesize radiation patterns that optimize coverage from the constrained mounting positions, allowing the system to achieve good coverage quality without requiring ideal physical locations for each antenna

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances network performance by increasing the probability of successful packet transmission and data capacity within the coverage area, reducing dropped packets and improving data transfer rates compared to standard passive antennas.

Implementation Method 1

a phased array antenna's radiation pattern is determined by the 'weights' that are programmed into the antenna (signal magnitudes and phases)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhased Array:

Implementation Method 2

The process of determining the set of weights (e.g., beamformer weights) that will produce a desired pattern is referred to as 'pattern synthesis.'

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeamforming:

Data Source

PatentUS9648502B2System for tailoring wireless coverage to a geographic area

Publication Date: 2017.05.09 TRIMBLE INC

AI summary

Provided herein are systems and methods (i.e., utilities) that allow for synthesizing antenna patterns for wireless access points that provide coverage in a wireless network. The utilities utilize various mathematical models to identify antenna settings that enhance coverage of a coverage area.