Beamforming Control Module for Air-to-Ground Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in providing efficient and reliable connectivity to aircraft due to the three-dimensional nature of air-to-ground communication, which differs from the two-dimensional ground-based systems, resulting in costly and bandwidth-limited connections with limited communication modes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a beamforming control module that utilizes both fixed and dynamic position information to direct steerable beams from antenna arrays, enhancing initial synchronization coverage and allowing base stations to be spaced farther apart, thereby improving communication efficiency and reliability in air-to-ground networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ground based communication systems are used for air-to-ground communication, then two dimensional coverage paradigm is applied, but three dimensional coverage is required for aircraft connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional ground-based coverage to three-dimensional air-to-ground coverage by incorporating vertical dimension considerations. Base stations are configured to provide coverage in three-dimensional space around aircraft, accounting for altitude and spatial positioning, thereby enabling proper ATG communication coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is designed to handle both two-dimensional ground-based communication and three-dimensional air-to-ground communication through a unified framework. The beamforming control module can adapt to different communication scenarios (ground-based and air-to-ground) and adjust beamforming parameters accordingly, providing universal coverage capability.
2Reliability
If base stations are spaced closer together to improve coverage, then coverage reliability is improved, but network cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by determining expected relative positions of aircraft and base stations using position information before establishing communication links. Beamforming parameters are pre-calculated based on predicted aircraft trajectories and base station locations, allowing for proactive beam steering and handoff preparation, which improves coverage reliability without requiring denser base station deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The beamforming control module continuously receives position information from aircraft and base stations, and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust beamforming parameters. This closed-loop control ensures that beams are consistently directed toward aircraft, maintaining reliable coverage even with fewer base stations by optimizing the use of available resources.
3Reliability
If beamforming control module uses position information to direct steerable beams, then initial synchronization coverage is enhanced, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beamforming control module determines expected relative positions of aircraft and base stations using position information before synchronization is needed. By pre-calculating beamforming parameters based on predicted positions, the system enhances initial synchronization coverage without requiring complex real-time processing during the critical synchronization phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes beamforming parameters (such as beam direction, width, and shape) based on position information to optimize synchronization coverage. By dynamically adjusting these parameters according to aircraft and base station locations, the system achieves enhanced coverage while managing processing complexity through parameter optimization rather than structural complexity.
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 solution enables aircraft to maintain continuous communication links with distant base stations, reducing network costs and improving handoff reliability by using directional beams, allowing for more efficient and reliable air-to-ground communication.
Implementation Method 1
The beamforming control module may include processing circuitry configured to receive fixed position information indicative of fixed geographic locations of a plurality of base stations, receive dynamic position information indicative of a three dimensional position of at least one mobile communication station, determine an expected relative position of a first network node relative to a second network node based on the fixed position information and the dynamic position information, and provide instructions to direct formation of a steerable beam from an antenna array of the second network node based on the expected relative position.
Data Source
AI summary
A beamforming control module including processing circuitry may be configured to receive fixed position information indicative of a fixed geographic location of a base station, receive dynamic position information indicative of a three dimensional position of at least one mobile communication station, determine an expected relative position of a first network node relative to a second network node based on the fixed position information and the dynamic position information, and provide instructions to direct formation of a steerable beam from an antenna array of the second network node based on the expected relative position.