Dynamic Beam Steering for Vehicular Communications

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicular communication systems face challenges with spectrum congestion and unreliability due to omnidirectional data broadcasting, especially in dense conditions like intersections or traffic jams, which can lead to packet collisions and inefficiencies in spectrum usage.

Innovation Solution

Implementing dynamic beam steering in vehicular communication systems, where the antenna array can adjust its radiation pattern based on real-time conditions, such as vehicle position, surrounding environment, and communication needs, to focus energy towards specific areas of interest, reducing unnecessary broadcasts and improving spectral efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If omnidirectional data broadcasting is used in vehicular communication systems, then all vehicles within range can receive messages, but spectrum congestion and packet collisions increase in dense conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by transitioning from uniform omnidirectional broadcasting to localized directional beamforming. The system identifies specific geographic areas or vehicles of interest and directs communication energy only to those locations using antenna array beamforming, thereby improving reliability in dense conditions while maintaining adaptability to different communication scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the radiation pattern adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The base station dynamically changes beam directions and coverage areas based on real-time traffic conditions, vehicle positions, and communication requirements, allowing the system to optimize between coverage and reliability as conditions change

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If omnidirectional broadcasting is used in vehicular communication systems, then messages can be transmitted to all directions, but spectrum efficiency decreases due to unnecessary broadcasts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebroadcast coverageVSAvoidspectrum efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies taking out by extracting and removing unnecessary broadcast directions from the omnidirectional pattern. The system identifies specific areas where communication is needed and eliminates energy transmission in all other directions, thereby improving spectrum efficiency while maintaining broadcast coverage for relevant vehicles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the radiation pattern parameters (beam direction, beam width, gain) based on traffic conditions and vehicle positions. This allows the system to optimize spectrum efficiency by transmitting energy only where needed while maintaining adaptability to different broadcast coverage requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If directional beamforming is implemented to focus energy, then spectrum efficiency improves, but system complexity increases due to antenna array control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectrum efficiencyVSAvoidantenna array control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by implementing autonomous beamforming control at the base station. The system automatically identifies vehicles of interest, calculates optimal beam directions, and adjusts radiation patterns without manual intervention, thereby managing complexity through automated decision-making while achieving spectrum efficiency improvements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 communication reliability and spectrum efficiency by directing energy only where needed, reducing interference and allowing for spatial reuse of the spectrum, thereby improving bandwidth sharing and coexistence in vehicular communication scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

controlling a radiation pattern of the antenna array to direct wireless energy toward the area of interest

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeamforming:

Data Source

PatentUS10911962B2Dynamic beam steering for vehicle communications

Publication Date: 2021.02.02 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Communication techniques are disclosed. An example apparatus configured for communication comprises a wireless communication system and an antenna array coupled to the wireless communication system. The apparatus also includes a processor configured to nm a communication application, wherein the communication application is configured to determine an area of interest. The apparatus also includes a pattern controller to adjust a radiation pattern of the antenna array to direct wireless energy toward the area of interest.