Distributed Beamforming With Portable Devices for Long-Range Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in establishing reliable long-distance communication links for portable devices without bulky or costly equipment, especially in environments where traditional infrastructure is lacking.
Innovation Solution
A communication system comprising multiple discrete communication devices with isotropic antenna elements and controllers, where a master device determines the relative locations of follower devices and assigns phase delay values to form a collective antenna array that transmits messages with a phase taper, effectively creating a beam towards a target.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a parabolic dish is used to focus RF energy towards an intended target, then communication range is extended, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna array into multiple discrete communication devices, each with its own isotropic antenna element. Instead of using a single complex parabolic dish, the system segments the communication function across multiple portable devices that collectively form a distributed antenna array, reducing individual device complexity while extending communication range through coordinated beamforming
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple discrete communication devices with isotropic antenna elements to function as a unified antenna array. By merging the transmitting capabilities of multiple devices and coordinating their phase delays, the system achieves the beam-focusing effect of a parabolic dish without requiring the bulky hardware, thus extending communication range while maintaining device portability
2Length of stationary object
If a tower-mounted beamforming transmitter with large antenna arrays is used, then transmission distance is increased, but system cost and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large tower-mounted antenna array into multiple portable communication devices distributed in space. Each device contributes a portion of the beamforming function, allowing the system to achieve long transmission distances without requiring a centralized tower infrastructure, thus reducing infrastructure requirements while maintaining transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables standard portable communication devices with isotropic antennas to perform the specialized function of beamforming transmission. By making these devices multi-functional—capable of both normal communication and coordinated beamforming—the system eliminates the need for specialized tower infrastructure, allowing long-distance transmission using universally available portable devices
3Weight of moving object
If isotropic antenna elements are used in portable communication devices, then device portability is maintained, but communication range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple portable devices with isotropic antenna elements to create a distributed antenna array that achieves long communication range. By merging the weak signals from multiple isotropic antennas through coordinated phase delay, the system maintains device portability while collectively achieving the long-range communication capability that would otherwise require bulky focused antennas
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 reliable long-distance communication beyond the range of individual devices, achieving extended communication ranges without the need for additional hardware, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
assign different phase delay values to the communication devices based on the relative locations of the follower devices to the master device
Implementation Method 2
the isotropic antenna elements of the communication devices to collectively form an antenna array that transmits the message payload with a phase taper defined by the phase delay values to form a beam in a direction of interest towards a target
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system and method include a group of multiple, discrete communication devices, each including an isotropic antenna element and a controller. A role of a first communication device is master device, and the role of the other communication devices is follower device. The controller of the master device determines relative locations of the follower devices to the master device, and assigns different phase delay values to the communication devices based on the relative locations. The controller of the master device communicates message information including the phase delay values, a message payload, and a transmit time to the follower devices for the isotropic antenna elements of the communication devices to collectively form an antenna array that transmits the message payload at the transmit time. The antenna array transmits the message payload with a phase taper defined by the phase delay values to form a beam towards a target.