Beamforming Antenna Control for Maritime TDMA Interference
Solution Overview
Problem
In maritime wireless communication systems, existing TDMA-based systems face challenges with collision and interference due to ships being unable to share slot occupancy and plan information, leading to reduced communication efficiency and limited distance range.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a beamforming antenna using received signal strength indication (RSSI) and slot occupancy and plan information to enhance transmitting/receiving performance, allowing the antenna to dynamically adjust its beamforming direction and reduce interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If omnidirectional antenna is used for TDMA-based wireless communication, then communication coverage is provided in all directions, but slot collision and interference occur when ships cannot share occupancy status and plan information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transitioning from uniform omnidirectional radiation to directional beamforming. The antenna system creates focused radiation patterns in specific directions based on ship positions and slot occupancy information, rather than radiating equally in all directions. This directional approach reduces interference in non-target areas while maintaining communication coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through adaptive beamforming that continuously adjusts radiation patterns based on real-time slot occupancy status and ship positions. The system dynamically redirects beams to track moving ships and avoids directions where slot collisions are detected, making the communication pattern adaptable rather than static.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sector antennas are used to divide transmission regions, then interference is reduced in specific directions, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making a single omnidirectional antenna perform multiple functions through beamforming technology. Instead of requiring multiple physical sector antennas, the system uses signal processing to create directional radiation patterns from one antenna, reducing hardware complexity while achieving interference reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of using multiple physical sector antennas with an electronic beamforming system. The directional control is achieved through phase and amplitude modulation of signals across antenna elements rather than physical antenna orientation or multiplication, simplifying the mechanical structure.
3Length of stationary object
If directional antenna tracking is used to extend distance range, then communication distance is increased, but system complexity and tracking requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through automatic beam tracking that uses slot occupancy information and ship position data to autonomously adjust beam directions. The system self-corrects and tracks moving targets without requiring complex external tracking apparatus or manual intervention, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where slot occupancy status and ship position information are continuously monitored and used to adjust beamforming parameters. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to automatically adapt to changing communication conditions and extend effective distance while maintaining manageable complexity through intelligent control.
4Reliability
If beamforming antenna control is implemented using slot occupancy and plan information, then slot collision is reduced, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using slot occupancy and plan information in advance to predict and prevent slot collisions before they occur. The system proactively adjusts beamforming parameters based on anticipated ship positions and transmission schedules, rather than reacting after collisions occur, reducing the need for complex real-time conflict resolution.
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 enhances network usage efficiency, reduces error rates, and extends communication distance by minimizing collisions and interference, thereby improving overall communication performance.
Implementation Method 1
a beamforming antenna, which is configured with omnidirectional antennas, including a central antenna and a plurality of parasitic antennas; and a controller controlling a beamforming direction of the beamforming antenna by analyzing a signal received from other station
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method for controlling a beamforming antenna to enhance transmitting/receiving performance and a wireless communication device performing the same in a TDMA-based wireless communication system. The wireless communication device includes a beamforming antenna, which is configured with omnidirectional antennas, including a central antenna and a plurality of parasitic antennas and a controller controlling a beamforming direction of the beamforming antenna by analyzing a signal received from other station. The method for controlling a beamforming antenna includes analyzing, by a wireless communication device having a beamforming antenna, which is configured with omnidirectional antennas, including a central antenna and a plurality of parasitic antennas, a signal received from other station to control a beamforming direction of the beamforming antenna.