Antenna Beam Steering Using Location Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication devices face challenges in directing antenna beams effectively, especially in environments with minimal multipath or when switching between frequency bands, leading to suboptimal signal quality and difficulty in establishing connections with devices outside the initial coverage area.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize location and motion data to determine and adjust antenna beam parameters, enabling beamsteering and beamforming to direct antenna beams towards communication devices over shorter communication ranges, using a combination of sensors and processing elements to calculate optimal beam directions and parameters, even in environments with minimal reflective paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If directional antenna beams are used to focus signal in specific directions, then spectral efficiency and signal quality are improved, but the coverage area is reduced making it difficult to connect with devices outside the initial coverage area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering by continuously adjusting the direction of antenna beams based on real-time location data from sensors (GPS, accelerometer, gyroscope). The beam direction is not fixed but adapts dynamically to track the communicating device's movement, thereby maintaining high signal quality while effectively extending the usable coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where location data from sensors is continuously monitored and used to adjust beam parameters. The communication device's position information feeds back to the antenna control system, which then recalculates and repositions the beam direction to maintain optimal signal connection.
2Productivity
If beamforming is used to direct antenna beams precisely, then data rates and throughput are increased, but the system complexity increases requiring multiple transceiver paths and antenna elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the antenna system multi-functional by integrating multiple capabilities into a single apparatus: location sensing (GPS, accelerometer, gyroscope), beamforming, and beam steering. This universal approach allows the same system to perform both precise beam direction control and adaptive tracking, achieving high data rates without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the communication device's own location data and motion information to automatically adjust beam parameters without requiring external control or complex coordination with other devices. The antenna system serves itself by autonomously calculating optimal beam directions based on sensor feedback.
3Measurement precision
If location data is used to determine beam parameters, then beam direction accuracy is improved, but additional sensors and processing requirements increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions (GPS for location, accelerometer for motion, gyroscope for orientation) into an integrated location determination system. By merging these sensors and their processing functions, the system achieves high beam direction accuracy while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through consolidated hardware and software architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is performed by a first communication device for directing an antenna beam based on a location of a second communication device. The method includes receiving first location data that indicates the location of the second communication device. The first location data is received over a first communication channel. The method further includes determining, based on the first location data, first antenna beam parameters for directing an antenna beam in order to communicate with the second communication device over a second communication channel.