Phased Array Beam Control for HAPS Altitude Coverage Gaps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing phased array antennas on high altitude platform stations (HAPS) face challenges in maintaining consistent wireless coverage due to changes in communication distance and link budget caused by varying altitudes, leading to areas where the beacon broadcast cannot be delivered.

Innovation Solution

The communication control apparatus adjusts the number of transmission elements and beam angles of the phased array antenna based on real-time altitude changes to ensure the beacon broadcast reaches all areas within the coverage area, optimizing link budget and beam width.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the number of transmission elements and beam angles are adjusted dynamically based on altitude changes, then wireless coverage consistency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless coverage consistencyVSAvoidantenna configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the phased array antenna configuration based on real-time altitude changes. The communication control apparatus continuously monitors altitude and automatically adjusts the number of transmission elements and beam angles to maintain consistent wireless coverage, transforming a static system into a dynamic adaptive one that responds to environmental changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes physical parameters of the antenna system (number of transmission elements, beam angles) in response to altitude variations. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system maintains optimal link budget and coverage characteristics across different flight conditions, resolving the contradiction between coverage consistency and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If the beam width is optimized for wide coverage, then area coverage is improved, but link budget deteriorates due to signal dilution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidlink budget

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the coverage area into multiple directional beams rather than using a single wide beam. By dividing the total coverage area into several narrower beams that scan across the coverage zone, the system maintains high signal strength in each direction while collectively covering the entire area, thus preserving link budget while achieving wide coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts beam width and scanning patterns based on altitude and coverage requirements. When wide coverage is needed, the system uses narrower beams with scanning motion rather than a continuously wide beam, maintaining signal concentration while expanding effective coverage area over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Length of stationary object

If the transmission power is increased to extend coverage distance, then communication distance is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication distanceVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing transmission power, the patent changes other parameters including the number of transmission elements and beam forming characteristics. By optimizing the phased array configuration, the system achieves extended communication distance through constructive interference and focused beam patterns rather than brute-force power increase, thus maintaining energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses rapid beam scanning to cover areas that would otherwise require continuous wide-beam transmission. By quickly switching between directional beams, the system achieves extended effective coverage without requiring high continuous power output, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining communication distance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentUS12512900B2Communication control apparatus, program, flight vehicle, and communication control method

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 SOFTBANK CORPORATION

AI summary

Provided is a communication control apparatus which is mounted on a flight vehicle and forms, by using a phased array antenna, a wireless communication area on a ground to provide a wireless communication service to a user terminal in the wireless communication area, the communication control apparatus including: a position information acquisition unit which acquires position information including an altitude of the flight vehicle; a calculation unit which calculates a number of transmission beams output by the phased array antenna, a tilt angle of each beam, and a number of antenna elements used to output each transmission beam, based on the altitude of the flight vehicle; a communication control unit which controls the phased array antenna to output transmission beams according to a result of calculation by the calculation unit.