Array Antenna Acquisition Beam Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing array antennas are limited in acquiring connections to wireless subscribers outside their omnidirectional range, despite being able to reach them through beamforming, which restricts the extension of communication range and capacity.
Innovation Solution
Allocating a beam for acquisition and defining a coverage area for the array antenna to scan and detect service requests from subscribers beyond the omnidirectional range, with the option to reallocate beams as the antenna approaches capacity to maintain ongoing communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If beamforming is used to extend reach beyond omnidirectional range, then communication range is improved, but connection acquisition capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam management by switching between omnidirectional mode for connection acquisition and directional beamforming mode for ongoing communication. The system dynamically adjusts the antenna radiation pattern based on whether a connection is being established or maintained, resolving the contradiction between range extension and acquisition capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication process into two distinct phases: connection acquisition phase using omnidirectional transmission, and ongoing communication phase using directional beamforming. This segmentation allows each phase to use the optimal transmission mode without compromising the other.
2Power
If array antenna elements are positioned for beamforming, then directional gain is improved, but omnidirectional coverage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures the antenna element activation pattern. During connection acquisition, all elements are activated to provide omnidirectional coverage. During ongoing communication, only the necessary subset of elements is activated to provide focused directional gain, thus resolving the contradiction between directional power and omnidirectional coverage area.
3Length of stationary object
If acquisition beams are allocated for extended range, then connection range is improved, but system capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments beam allocation into acquisition beams for extended range searching and communication beams for maintaining connections. This segmentation allows the system to use fewer resources for acquisition while preserving capacity for ongoing communications, resolving the contradiction between extended acquisition range and system capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system temporarily allocates acquisition beams for extended range connection search, then recovers these resources by transitioning to communication beams once connections are established. This allows the system to extend acquisition range when needed while maintaining high system capacity during normal operation.
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 method effectively extends the acquisition range of the array antenna beyond its traditional limits, enabling connections to subscribers previously out of range while ensuring continuous communication by dynamically managing beam allocation.
Implementation Method 1
This is due at least in part to constructive and destructive interference caused by electromagnetic waves emitted from or transmitted to nearby elements.
Implementation Method 2
an antenna transmitting somewhat equal amounts of electromagnetic radiation in all directions within the plane
Implementation Method 3
Advanced array antennas controlled by digital signal processors can adaptively modify the direction and strength of beams by, for example, making slight modifications to the phase of signals transmitted or received by the various elements of an array antenna. This process is referred to as beamforming
Data Source
AI summary
An array antenna is utilized to enhance the adaptive acquisition capability of a communication connection with one or more wireless subscribers. Subscribers who are located outside the omnidirectional range of the array antenna are acquired by using adaptive beamforming techniques to create an acquisition beam dedicated to acquiring new connections with wireless subscribers. The acquisition beam may sweep through the coverage of the array antenna seeking subscribers who lie beyond the omni range of the array antenna, but fall within the acquisition range using adaptive beamforming.