Mission-Based Network Beamforming for Mobile Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network configurations for unmanned vehicles, especially in Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations, struggle to provide optimal communication coverage due to static beam patterns and lack of dynamic adaptation to the vehicle's route and changing network requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method to dynamically configure network nodes with beam-forming configurations based on a mission definition file, identifying suitable network nodes and determining beam patterns to ensure continuous and optimized network coverage for the vehicle's route, considering current and future network requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static beam patterns are used for network coverage, then network configuration is simple, but communication coverage is insufficient for mobile entities undertaking missions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beamforming configurations that adapt to the mobile entity's position, velocity, and mission requirements. The system transitions from static beam patterns to dynamic beam configurations that are continuously adjusted based on real-time tracking of the mobile entity along its mission route, thereby improving communication coverage reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration of beamforming parameters based on pre-defined mission routes and schedules. By anticipating the mobile entity's future positions and requirements, the network nodes can pre-configure appropriate beam patterns, reducing the need for frequent downlink synchronization processes and improving overall system responsiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic beam-forming configurations are implemented based on mission definition files, then communication capability is improved, but network configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes beamforming parameters (beam directions, beam widths, beam patterns) based on mission definition files that contain mobile entity routes, schedules, and network requirements. This allows the network to adapt to different mission scenarios by adjusting parameters rather than redesigning the entire system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The network nodes autonomously configure their beamforming parameters based on received mission definition files and mobile entity tracking information, without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts to provide optimal communication coverage throughout the mission.
3Productivity
If traditional downlink synchronization processes are used, then beam selection is achieved, but the process is inefficient for mobile entities with changing network requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary beam configuration based on predicted mobile entity positions from mission definition files. Instead of waiting for downlink synchronization to determine beam selection, the system proactively configures beams in advance, significantly reducing synchronization time and improving efficiency for mobile entities.
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
Enhances communication capabilities for unmanned vehicles by providing adaptive network coverage that meets specific requirements, improving connectivity and reducing the need for downlink synchronization processes.
Implementation Method 1
Beamforming or beam-steering is a signal processing technique that allows for directional transmission or reception. This directional transmission is achieved by controlling the elements in an antenna array so as to cause a pattern of constructive and destructive interference that results in the transmitted signal being amplified in a certain direction and attenuated in other directions, resulting in a beam-shaped or lobe-shaped transmission emanating from the transmitter.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer-implemented method of configuring a network to provide network coverage for a mobile entity undertaking a mission is provided. The method comprises: receiving a mission definition file for the mobile entity, the mission definition file indicating a route along which the mobile entity will travel when undertaking the mission and a schedule for the mission; identifying a set of network nodes of the network for providing coverage to the mobile entity during the mission, each network node being associated with a respective portion of the route over which it is to provide network coverage to the mobile entity; determining a set of beam-forming configurations for one or more, or all, of the network nodes based on the mission definition file, each beam-forming configuration being associated with a respective network node and indicating a sequence of beam patterns for providing network coverage to the mobile entity as it travels along the respective portion of the route to be covered by that network node; and configuring the one or more, or all, of the network nodes according to the respective beam-forming configuration associated with that node to cause each network node to form a beam according to the sequence of beam patterns while the mobile entity travels along the respective portion of the route covered by that network node.