Cylindrical Antenna Dynamic Beam Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication networks face limitations in flexibility and efficiency of radio coverage, particularly in providing high-performance radiofrequency transmissions and adapting to varying user equipment locations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a cylindrical antenna entity with a plurality of antenna elements arranged around a substantially circular periphery, allowing for dynamic selection of a subset of antenna elements to provide radio coverage to user equipment, irrespective of its location within the coverage area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sector antennas with fixed beam directions are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the flexibility in directing beams to user equipment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beamforming by enabling the antenna system to electronically adjust beam directions in real-time based on user equipment locations. The base station determines downlink channel quality indicators and uses this information to dynamically form beams toward specific user equipment, replacing fixed sector antennas with adaptable radiation patterns. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize signal directionality without requiring physical antenna reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the antenna system by utilizing multiple antenna elements (4X-Pol columns or 8T8R systems) and adjusting phase and amplitude parameters to form directed beams. By modifying these electromagnetic parameters, the system achieves flexible beam steering and shaping, enabling precise targeting of user equipment while maintaining a structurally integrated antenna array.
2Reliability
If planar sector antennas with wide beam width are used, then coverage area is large, but power radiated decreases significantly near sector borders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna system into multiple independent antenna elements (4X-Pol columns or 8T8R elements) arranged in a planar array. Instead of using a single wide beam from one sector antenna, the system divides the radiation function across multiple elements that can be individually controlled. This segmentation enables the formation of multiple narrower, more focused beams that can be directed precisely toward user equipment, reducing energy spill-over and improving power efficiency at sector boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality optimization by adjusting the beamforming parameters for each antenna element based on the specific location and channel conditions of user equipment. The base station determines downlink channel quality indicators for different spatial directions and applies localized beamforming weights to enhance signal strength in specific directions while minimizing interference and power loss in other directions, particularly at sector borders.
3Reliability
If beam forming is implemented to improve radiofrequency transmission performance, then transmission quality improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service beamforming by enabling the system to automatically determine downlink channel quality indicators and perform beamforming operations without requiring manual configuration or external intervention. The base station autonomously measures channel conditions, identifies optimal beam directions, and adjusts antenna element parameters in real-time. This self-service capability allows the system to maintain high transmission performance while reducing operational complexity through automated adaptation to changing radio conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes feedback mechanisms by measuring downlink channel quality indicators and using this information to adjust beamforming parameters. The system continuously monitors channel conditions and feeds this information back to the beamforming controller, which then optimizes the radiation patterns accordingly. This closed-loop feedback approach enables the system to maintain optimal transmission performance while adapting to varying user equipment locations and channel conditions, reducing the need for complex manual tuning.
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 the flexibility and efficiency of radio coverage, enabling better beam forming performance and improved spectral efficiency by dynamically adapting antenna element usage based on user equipment location and movement.
Implementation Method 1
the antenna entity or functionality comprises a plurality of antenna elements being arranged around a substantially circular periphery of the antenna entity or functionality and by means of which the antenna entity or functionality is enabled to provide radio coverage in the geographical area around the antenna entity or functionality
Implementation Method 2
beam forming plays an important role, in currently known mobile communication networks, for coverage and capacity, especially when using the 3.6GHz band or even higher frequencies
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for enabling communication between a user equipment and an antenna entity or functionality of a base station entity that is part of or associated or assigned to a mobile communication network, wherein the antenna entity or functionality comprises a plurality of antenna elements being arranged around a substantially circular periphery of the antenna entity or functionality and by means of which the antenna entity or functionality is enabled to provide radio coverage in the geographical area around the antenna entity or functionality, wherein, in order to enable communication between the user equipment and the antenna entity or functionality and, at least while the user equipment is in connected mode and located in an arbitrary horizontal direction of the radio coverage area around the antenna entity or functionality, the method comprises the step of dynamically selecting a subset of the plurality of antenna elements in order to provide the user equipment with radio coverage.