Antenna Pattern Switching for Peer Discovery Range and Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in balancing the range benefits of beamforming antenna patterns with the delays associated with rotating beams, particularly in peer-to-peer networks where devices may need multiple discovery transmissions to determine interest.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where different antenna patterns, such as beam and omni-directional patterns, are used during different time periods to transmit peer discovery information, with omni-directional patterns used in a majority of transmission time slots to ensure nearby devices detect signals promptly while beam patterns extend range to farther devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an omni-directional antenna pattern is used to transmit peer discovery signals, then all devices within coverage area can detect signals regardless of position, but the transmission range is limited by power constraints and inability to focus energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by switching between different antenna patterns (omni-directional and beam patterns) over time rather than using a single static pattern. The transmitting device dynamically selects which antenna pattern to use in each transmission time slot, allowing it to adapt between providing broad coverage and extending transmission range.
2Length of stationary object
If a beam antenna pattern is used to transmit peer discovery signals, then greater range is achieved for a given total transmission power, but nearby devices outside the transmitted beam may not detect signals even when in close proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using beam antenna patterns during specific time slots to extend range, while using omni-directional patterns in other time slots to ensure nearby devices can detect signals. This periodic switching between patterns allows the system to achieve both long-range and short-range detectability over time.
3Length of stationary object
If the transmission beam direction is rotated or changed over time to allow surrounding devices to detect discovery signals at greater distance, then range is improved, but significant delay in detection time occurs as compared to omni-directional case
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the transmission time into discrete time slots, with each slot dedicated to a specific antenna pattern. This segmentation allows receiving devices to know when to expect beams in specific directions, reducing detection delay compared to continuous rotation while still achieving extended range through focused beam transmission.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus for communicating information, e.g., peer discovery information, to peer communications devices using multiple antenna patterns at different times are described. One exemplary method includes transmitting first peer discovery information during a first period of time using a first antenna pattern, and transmitting second peer discovery information during a second period of time using a second antenna pattern which is different from the first antenna pattern. In at least some embodiments the first antenna pattern is a beam antenna pattern and the second antenna pattern is an omni-directional antenna pattern. In some embodiments, an omni¬ directional antenna pattern is used at least 50% of the time. This allows devices near the transmitting device to quickly obtain peer discovery information while devices further away make take longer to obtain the peer discovery information since they may need for a beam pattern facing their direction to be used.