Distributed Antenna System Sensor-Based Dynamic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless cellular base stations face challenges in providing reliable coverage within buildings and stadiums due to limited transmit power and interference from physical obstacles, leading to poor service quality.
Innovation Solution
A distributed antenna system (DAS) with building sensors that gather environmental data to dynamically control the operational state of communication components, optimizing RF signal distribution and reducing unnecessary radiation, thereby enhancing coverage and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional macro base stations are used to provide wireless coverage, then the system is simple to deploy, but the coverage quality within buildings and stadiums is poor due to limited transmit power and physical obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single macro base station into multiple distributed antenna units (DAUs) that are strategically placed throughout the building or stadium. Each DAU provides localized coverage, eliminating dead zones and improving overall coverage quality while distributing the transmit power across multiple locations rather than relying on high power from a single remote location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-point (macro base station) coverage model to a distributed spatial network of antenna units. By placing antennas in three-dimensional space throughout the coverage area (including elevated positions and multiple floors), the system creates volumetric coverage that overcomes line-of-sight blockages from physical obstacles.
2Reliability
If distributed antenna system with many communication components is deployed to improve coverage, then the coverage quality improves, but the energy consumption and RF pollution increase due to continuous operation of all components
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of each distributed antenna unit based on real-time sensor data detecting user presence, movement, and density. When sensors detect no or few users in a particular zone, the corresponding DAU transitions to a low-power or sleep state. When user activity increases, the DAU activates or increases power output, ensuring coverage quality is maintained only where and when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensor networks throughout the building continuously monitor user presence and activity levels, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adjust the operational state of communication components in response to actual demand, reducing energy consumption during low-activity periods while maintaining service quality during high-demand periods.
3Reliability
If all communication components operate continuously to ensure reliable service, then the service availability is maintained, but the RF pollution and energy waste increase in areas with no or low user activity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of operating all antenna units at full power continuously, the system applies partial action by activating only the necessary subset of DAUs based on detected user activity. Sensors identify areas with user presence and activate only those communication components serving those areas, avoiding excessive RF transmission in unused zones and reducing overall RF pollution while maintaining service availability where needed.
4Use of energy by moving object
If sensor data is continuously monitored and processed to dynamically control communication components, then the energy efficiency improves, but the system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to handle multiple functions through a unified architecture: it processes sensor data from various types of sensors (motion detectors, occupancy sensors, user density monitors), makes decisions about antenna unit activation, adjusts power levels, and coordinates with the network management system. This multi-functional controller reduces the need for separate specialized systems for each function, managing complexity through integration rather than proliferation of components.
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed antenna system (DAS) having a communication component management system is provided that includes at least one communication component, at least one building sensor and at least one controller. The at least one communication component is used to establish a communication link between user equipment within an area of a building and the DAS. The at least one building sensor is located to sense environmental conditions within the building as part of a building control management system. The at least one controller is in communication with the at least one communication component. The at least one controller is further communicatively coupled to receive sensor data from the at least one building sensor. The at least one controller is configured to selectively change an operation state of the at least one communication component based at least in part on received sensor data from the at least one building sensor.