5G Antenna Beam Tracking for Vehicle Clusters
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for high-speed communication bandwidth in connected and autonomous vehicles poses challenges for 5G network providers due to the difficulty in providing continuous and reliable 5G signal coverage along road networks, especially with obstructions like buildings and trees interfering with signal penetration.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses beamforming technology to direct and adjust antenna beams to follow vehicle clusters along road links, utilizing location information and beamforming capability data to ensure continuous 5G connectivity by switching to multipath tolerant connections when necessary and sharing vehicle cluster information between antenna arrays for seamless handover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional omnidirectional antenna coverage is used, then signal coverage area is large, but signal strength and reliability deteriorate due to obstructions like buildings and trees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transitioning from omnidirectional antenna coverage to directional beamforming. Instead of uniformly radiating signals in all directions, the system concentrates signal energy into specific directional beams targeted at vehicle locations. This localized signal concentration overcomes obstructions like buildings and trees by directing energy precisely where needed, improving signal reliability without requiring increased overall transmission power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through real-time beam tracking and adjustment. The antenna system dynamically adjusts beam direction, width, and power based on vehicle location information and cluster formation. As vehicles move along road links, the beams dynamically reposition to maintain optimal signal strength, adapting to changing environmental conditions and obstruction patterns to ensure continuous reliable connectivity.
2Reliability
If beamforming is used to target specific vehicles, then signal strength improves, but system complexity increases due to real-time tracking and cluster management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces complexity by merging multiple individual vehicle connections into vehicle cluster management. Instead of independently tracking and managing beams for each vehicle, the system groups vehicles into clusters based on spatial proximity and road link information. A single beam or coordinated beam set serves the entire cluster, significantly reducing the computational burden of real-time tracking while maintaining reliable connectivity for all vehicles in the cluster.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining road link geometries and predicting vehicle cluster trajectories. Rather than reacting to real-time vehicle positions alone, the system uses pre-established road network data to anticipate vehicle movements and pre-position beams accordingly. This predictive approach reduces real-time computational complexity while maintaining high connectivity reliability.
3Reliability
If continuous beam tracking is implemented, then uninterrupted connectivity is achieved, but energy consumption increases due to constant antenna adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by updating beam configurations at optimized intervals rather than continuously. The system monitors vehicle cluster movements and only repositions beams when vehicles cross predefined thresholds or enter new road link segments. This periodic refresh approach maintains uninterrupted connectivity for the duration of each beam configuration while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous real-time adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the service area into discrete road link segments with predefined beam configurations. Each road link has optimized beam parameters stored in advance, and the system switches between these pre-configured segments as vehicles progress along the road. This segmentation eliminates the need for continuous analog beam adjustment, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable connectivity through discrete, optimized beam states.
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 solution provides continuous high-speed 5G connectivity to vehicles by effectively directing antenna beams and adapting to obstructions, ensuring uninterrupted data transmission for applications like autonomous driving and IoT services.
Implementation Method 1
A road side unit of the 5G network transmits a 5G antenna beam to the vehicle cluster
Data Source
AI summary
An approach is provided for providing a wireless data connection to a vehicle. In some aspects, the approach includes receiving vehicle cluster information that is based at least in part on location information of each vehicle in a vehicle cluster traveling on a road link. The approach also includes determining one or more parameters for at least one antenna beam based on the vehicle cluster information, wherein the at least one antenna beam is configured to sufficiently cover the vehicle cluster. The approach further includes controlling the at least one antenna beam to track the vehicle cluster along the road link.