NLOS Microwave Antenna Alignment via Pointer-Defined Reflection Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for antenna alignment in Non-Line-Of-Sight (NLOS) microwave radio link systems are time-consuming due to the need for a two-step procedure using wide and narrow beam antennas, and there is a lack of efficient techniques for quickly identifying suitable reflection or diffraction points.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize narrow beam antennas at both nodes, employing a pointer such as a drone or laser to indicate candidate reflection/diffraction points, allowing for quick evaluation and alignment based on channel quality, without the need for a preliminary wide beam antenna step, and enabling automatic, semi-automatic, or manual alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-step procedure using wide beam antenna and narrow beam antenna is used for alignment, then the alignment can be achieved, but the alignment process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the wide beam antenna from the alignment procedure, keeping only the narrow beam antenna. This eliminates the need for the two-step process while maintaining alignment accuracy through the use of a pointer to define candidate reflection/diffraction points that guide the narrow beam antenna directly to the optimal position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pointer (such as a laser pointer or visual marker) as an intermediary tool that defines candidate reflection/diffraction points on surfaces. This mediator enables the narrow beam antenna to quickly identify and align with the optimal point without requiring the preliminary wide beam scanning step.
2Reliability
If multiple candidate reflection/diffraction points are evaluated, then the optimal point can be selected, but the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the alignment process into discrete evaluation of multiple candidate reflection/diffraction points. Each candidate point is independently evaluated by aligning the narrow beam antenna to it and measuring the received signal strength. This segmentation allows systematic comparison of different paths while maintaining a relatively simple procedural framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the received signal strength at each candidate reflection/diffraction point and using this information to select the optimal point. The measurement results provide feedback that guides the selection process, ensuring the best link quality is achieved while keeping the process manageable through quantitative evaluation.
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 significantly reduces the time required for antenna alignment by allowing rapid recognition and evaluation of multiple candidate points, selecting the optimal reflection/diffraction point for efficient microwave radio link establishment, and can operate in challenging environments with remote or hard-to-reach locations.
Implementation Method 1
The antennas of a NLOS radio link are typically aligned towards a common reflection or diffraction point
Implementation Method 2
The antennas of a NLOS radio link are typically aligned towards a common reflection or diffraction point
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3a
Figure 3b
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method and system for alignment of an antenna (4a, 4b) in a microwave radio link system in Non-Line-Of Sight (NLOS) conditions. The method comprises the steps of: • Having a pointer (1) indicating a first position on a surface (2) to define a first candidate reflection/diffraction point (3:1) on the surface (2) • Aligning a first antenna (4a) at a first node (A) and a second antenna (4b) at a second node (B) towards the first candidate reflection/diffraction point (3:1) • Record a relevant property concerning the channel quality between the first node (A) and the second node (B) via the first candidate reflection/diffraction point (3:1). The system comprises the features of: • a first antenna (4a) at a first node (A) • a second antenna (4b) at a second node (B) • a pointer (1) for indicating a position on a surface (2) to define a candidate reflection/diffraction point (3:n) on the surface • a record unit for reading a relevant property concerning the channel quality between the first node (A) and second node (B) via the candidate reflection/diffraction point (3:n). By repeatedly changing candidate reflection/diffraction points and comparing the channel quality for a multitude of candidate reflection/deflection points (3:n, n=1 to N) may a preferred reflection/diffraction point (3:p) be selected towards which the first antenna (4a) and the second antenna (4b) are aligned.