Antenna Radiation Pattern Nulls for Wireless Direction Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining the direction of a wireless peer device are costly, power-intensive, and complex, relying on additional components like compasses and GPS, or large and inefficient radio-frequency beam-formers, which are not suitable for all applications.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses an antenna with selectively introduced nulls or reduced sensitivity in its radiation pattern to monitor communication link quality, allowing for the estimation of the peer device's direction by correlating performance reductions with corresponding antenna changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods using compass and GPS receiver are used to determine direction, then direction-finding capability is achieved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the direction-finding function from complex external components (compass, GPS) and implements it using the existing antenna system's radiation pattern characteristics. By analyzing signal strength variations across different antenna null directions, the system determines peer device direction without adding dedicated direction-finding hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system serves multiple functions: it provides wireless communication and simultaneously enables direction-finding capabilities through its radiation pattern nulls. The same antenna elements used for signal transmission and reception are also used to determine the direction of peer devices, eliminating the need for separate direction-finding components.
2Measurement precision
If radio-frequency beam-former or steerable antenna is used to optimize antenna performance for direction-finding, then direction accuracy is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system's inherent radiation pattern with nulls is utilized for direction-finding without requiring external beam-forming hardware. The system serves itself by using the natural signal strength variations caused by the antenna's radiation characteristics to determine peer device direction, eliminating the need for additional beam-former components.
3Measurement precision
If steerable antenna is used for direction-finding, then direction determination is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the direction-finding function from power-intensive active beam-steering mechanisms and implements it passively by analyzing signal strength variations across the antenna's fixed radiation pattern nulls. This eliminates the need for continuous antenna scanning or beam-steering operations that would consume additional power.
4Measurement precision
If conventional direction-finding methods are used, then direction information is obtained, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors signal strength variations across the antenna radiation pattern during normal wireless communication operations. By maintaining continuous direction-finding measurements through the ongoing communication signal rather than requiring separate measurement phases, the system reduces latency in obtaining direction information.
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 reduces costs, power consumption, and complexity while improving antenna performance and reducing latency, enabling efficient direction-finding in wireless communication devices.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna having an associated radiation pattern
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, devices, and methods for wireless communications. An antenna in which nulls or directions of reduced performance can be selectively introduced is provided, and the performance of a communication link to a wireless communication device is monitored. By correlating the selectively reduced sensitivity of the antenna with reductions in the communication link performance, the direction of the wireless communication device may be estimated. Embodiments of the present invention may be used in numerous applications, such as cell phones, PDA's, and laptops.