Multiband Antenna System for GPS Signal Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
GPS signal strength is affected by different mechanical user modes, such as free space, head-and-hand, and hand-only, leading to inconsistent performance, and existing solutions like single antenna placement or switched antennas do not adequately account for user loading and orientation, resulting in compromised reception.
Innovation Solution
A multiband, multiport antenna system is employed, where multiple WiFi antennas support GPS frequencies, and a variable power combiner and phase shifter are used to adapt to user proximity and orientation, combining signals and steering the reception pattern to maximize upper hemisphere reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single GPS antenna is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the GPS signal strength becomes inconsistent across different mechanical user modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple WiFi antennas (first and second WiFi antennas) to also function as GPS antennas, creating a merged antenna system that serves dual purposes. This merging approach maintains device complexity at acceptable levels while improving GPS signal consistency across different user modes by having multiple antennas available for GPS reception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by configuring WiFi antennas to support both WiFi communication and GPS frequency reception. The first and second WiFi antennas are capable of operating at GPS frequencies, allowing the same antenna structures to serve multiple functions and improve GPS reliability without adding dedicated GPS antenna hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple GPS antennas are used with switching, then adaptability to different usage conditions is improved, but the system does not account for user loading of an antenna
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the processor determines device orientation using sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope) and adjusts the radiation pattern accordingly. The system continuously monitors user loading conditions and antenna detuning, then dynamically adjusts phase and power combining to compensate for these effects, ensuring accurate signal reception despite varying usage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the antenna system characteristics through variable phase shifters and power combiners. The radiation pattern is dynamically steered based on real-time orientation data from sensors, and the power combining ratios are continuously adjusted to account for user loading and antenna detuning, making the system adaptive rather than static.
3Reliability
If antenna placement is optimized for one orientation, then GPS performance in that mode is improved, but performance in other orientations is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic phase shifting and power combining to steer the radiation pattern according to device orientation. Instead of relying on fixed antenna placement optimized for one orientation, the system dynamically adjusts the electrical characteristics of the antenna array to maintain optimal reception patterns across all orientations, solving the contradiction between orientation-specific optimization and multi-orientation adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes electrical parameters (phase angles, power combining ratios) of the antenna system based on detected device orientation. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system adapts its radiation pattern to maintain consistent GPS performance across different mechanical orientations and user handling conditions.
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 GPS signal strength and directionality, improving reception accuracy and robustness across various user handling conditions by mitigating antenna detuning and optimizing radiation patterns.
Implementation Method 1
A variable phase shifter is coupled to the second WiFi antenna and is to be programmed to steer a reception pattern of the multiband, multiport antenna system
Implementation Method 2
A variable power combiner is coupled to both the first and second WiFi antennas and is to be programmed to combine signals from the first and second WiFi antennas
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for improved Global Positioning System (“GPS”) function employ two multiband, multiport antennas to receive GPS signals. The antennas also serve WiFi frequencies, and the system utilizes the received WiFi signal strength to correct the GPS reception pattern for detuning due to user contact or other factors. The correction is made via selective combination of the GPS signals from the antennas. In addition, a phase shifter in one of the signal paths is used to account for changes in device orientation and to maximize the upper hemisphere component of the GPS reception pattern.