Adaptive Beam Tracking for Directional Antenna Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication apparatuses employing directional antenna systems face challenges in maintaining effective communication due to changes in operating conditions, such as movement or external obstructions, which can disrupt beam alignment and signal quality.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an adaptive beam tracking system that maintains a beam pattern table with entries for each communicating apparatus, using monitoring of signal quality and timing to invoke beam pattern searches and update antenna weights for optimal beam patterns, ensuring continuous communication performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If directional antenna systems are used to improve antenna gain, then communication performance is improved, but the system becomes sensitive to changes in operating conditions such as movement and external obstructions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication performanceVSAvoidsensitivity to operating conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic beam tracking by continuously monitoring signal quality metrics (RSSI, SNR) and automatically updating beam patterns in response to changing conditions. The system transitions from static beam configuration to dynamic adaptation, where beam weights are adjusted in real-time based on monitored signal characteristics, enabling the system to maintain optimal performance despite device movement or environmental changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms by monitoring signal quality metrics (received signal strength indication, signal-to-noise ratio) and using this information to trigger beam pattern searches. The system continuously receives feedback about communication link quality and adjusts beam patterns accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing operating conditions while maintaining reliable communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If beam pattern searches are conducted frequently to adapt to changing conditions, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to repeated searches

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam pattern adaptationVSAvoidtime for beam searches
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic beam pattern searches triggered by monitoring signal quality thresholds. Instead of continuous searching, the system periodically initiates beam searches when specific conditions are met (e.g., signal quality drops below a threshold, or a time interval elapses). This periodic approach balances adaptability with time efficiency, conducting searches only when necessary rather than continuously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the search trigger parameters dynamically by monitoring signal quality metrics (RSSI, SNR) and comparing them against thresholds. The system adjusts when to initiate searches based on parameter changes in signal quality, rather than using fixed time intervals. This allows the system to adapt search frequency to actual communication conditions, reducing unnecessary searches while maintaining responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If antenna weights are continuously updated to maintain optimal beam patterns, then communication performance is maintained, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication performanceVSAvoidenergy for beam tracking
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic beam pattern updates rather than continuous updates. Beam searches and weight updates are triggered periodically or when signal quality thresholds are breached, rather than occurring continuously. This reduces the energy consumption associated with constant beam tracking while maintaining communication performance through timely updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the beam tracking system to self-regulate by monitoring its own signal quality metrics and autonomously deciding when beam pattern updates are necessary. The system uses its own performance data (RSSI, SNR measurements) to trigger updates only when needed, rather than following external control signals. This self-service approach minimizes unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9318805B2Updating a beam pattern table
Publication Date: 2016.04.19 QUALCOMM INC
  • US9318805B2 patent drawing
  • US9318805B2 patent drawing
  • US9318805B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus that employs a directional antenna system updates a beam pattern table that includes entries corresponding to each of the other apparatuses with which the apparatus communicates. For example, for each of the other apparatuses, the beam pattern table may specify the antenna weights to be used to provide a quasi-omni-directional beam pattern, a sector level beam pattern, and a refined beam pattern when communicating with that other apparatus. In some aspects, the beam pattern table includes one or more characteristics associated with each of the beam patterns. These characteristics may be used in conjunction with a beam search criterion to trigger updating of the beam pattern table.