Multi-Polarized Antenna Array for Accurate Indoor AoA Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current RF transceivers face challenges in accurately determining the location of RF transmitters using angle of arrival methods, particularly in indoor positioning systems, due to limitations in detecting multiple polarizations and handling reflections with existing antenna arrays.

Innovation Solution

A multi-polarized antenna array with multiple feed-points per patch, coupled with a multiplexer and a controller, allows for selective detection of different polarizations, enabling precise localization by determining the angle of arrival and signal strength from each feed-point.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional antenna array is used for angle of arrival measurement, then the structure is simple, but the ability to detect multiple polarizations and handle reflections is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolarization detection capabilityVSAvoidantenna array structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each antenna patch is designed with multiple feed-points that can detect multiple polarizations (horizontal, vertical, and diagonal). This allows a single antenna element to perform multiple functions - detecting signals from different polarization angles and handling both direct and reflected signals, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing the number of antenna elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Each antenna patch is segmented into multiple feed-points (typically 4 feed-points arranged at different locations and orientations). This segmentation allows each feed-point to be optimized for detecting specific polarization angles, enabling the antenna array to capture signals with different polarizations using the same physical antenna structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If multiple antenna elements are added to improve polarization detection, then the polarization detection capability is improved, but the antenna array size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation determination accuracyVSAvoidantenna array area

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Each antenna patch serves multiple purposes by incorporating feed-points oriented at different angles. The same physical antenna patch can detect horizontal, vertical, and diagonal polarizations simultaneously, eliminating the need for additional antenna elements that would otherwise be required to achieve the same polarization detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of increasing the number of antenna elements in the planar dimension, the invention adds functional dimensionality by orienting feed-points at different angles within each patch. This allows the antenna to detect signals from multiple polarization directions without expanding the physical footprint of the antenna array

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If conventional antenna arrays are used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the handling of reflections and multiple polarizations is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal detection reliabilityVSAvoidfeed-point configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each antenna patch is divided into multiple feed-points with different orientations. This segmentation allows the system to separately detect and process signals with different polarizations, improving reliability by providing multiple independent measurement channels that can be used to distinguish direct signals from reflected signals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the previously harmful effect of reflections into useful information. By detecting signals with multiple polarizations, the system can identify reflected signals (which have altered polarization) and use them to improve location determination, transforming what was once a source of error into a beneficial additional measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS11777228B2Multi-polarized antenna array

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 NXP USA INC

AI summary

An apparatus and method for determining location information using a multi-polarized antenna array is disclosed. The multi-polarized antenna array includes a plurality of metal patches and a multiplexer. Each metal patch has at least two feed-points. The multiplexer is coupled to an RF terminal and to each of the at least two feed-points of each of the plurality of metal patches. The antenna array is configurable to couple each feed-point one at a time to the RF terminal. Location information may be determined by a controller coupled to the RF terminal from RF signals received via each feed-point.