Antenna Configuration Parameters for Direction Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly those using IEEE 802.11 standards, the estimation of direction with respect to an access point's antenna array is hindered by varying cable lengths and phases of RF signals across antennas, leading to complexity in determining accurate antenna configuration parameters.
Innovation Solution
Broadcasting relative delays and phases of signals from antennas to user devices, allowing them to estimate their direction using lookup tables and phase/delay differences, thereby reducing the need for complex analog signal processing or uniform cable lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cable lengths and phases of RF signals across antennas are made uniform, then direction estimation accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lookup table as an intermediary data structure that stores pre-calculated phase/delay differences and direction information. This mediator allows the system to achieve accurate direction estimation without requiring uniform cable lengths or complex real-time signal processing, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing phase/delay differences and direction mappings in lookup tables before runtime. This eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations and uniform antenna configurations during operation, reducing both device complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining direction estimation accuracy
2Measurement precision
If complex analog signal processing is used for direction estimation, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex analog signal processing with a digital lookup table approach. Instead of performing real-time analog calculations, the system uses pre-computed tables stored in memory, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining direction estimation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
By pre-calculating direction estimation data and storing it in lookup tables, the system eliminates the need for power-intensive real-time processing during operation, thereby reducing power consumption while preserving measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If all antenna delays and phases are broadcast to user devices, then direction estimation accuracy is improved, but communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for direction estimation from the complete antenna configuration data. Instead of broadcasting all antenna delays and phases, it selectively transmits relevant phase/delay differences and direction mappings from the lookup tables, reducing communication overhead while maintaining estimation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by broadcasting only the necessary subset of antenna configuration parameters (phase/delay differences and direction mappings) rather than complete data. This partial transmission suffices for accurate direction estimation while significantly reducing the quantity of broadcast data
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices related to antenna configuration parameters. A device may determine one or more antennas having one or more phases. The device may determine a first delay associated with a first antenna of the one or more antennas. The device may determine a second delay associated with a second antenna of the one or more antennas. The device may cause to send a frame to a first station device using the first antenna, wherein the frame comprises a first indication of the delay associated with the first antenna and a second indication of the delay associated with the second antenna.