Sector Antenna Video Relay for 360° FPV Signal Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing FPV systems face limitations in operating range and are susceptible to signal interference, with current relay devices failing to provide 360° circular sector coverage and stable signal transmission at long distances without complex control systems, while increasing emission power reduces energy efficiency and is not always feasible due to weather or operational constraints.
Innovation Solution
A real-time video signal relay device utilizing a system with sectoral antennas and a microcontroller to select the active sector based on signal power levels, combined with an omnidirectional antenna to cover blind zones, ensuring seamless 360° coverage and minimizing noise and losses, and a digital radio transceiver for long-distance transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If emission power is increased to extend transmission range, then operating range is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sector selection where the microcontroller continuously monitors signal power levels from multiple sectoral antennas and automatically switches between active sectors based on real-time conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain reliable communication at lower power levels by selecting the optimal sector, thereby extending transmission range without proportionally increasing energy consumption.
2Device complexity
If single antenna is used to simplify device structure, then device complexity is reduced, but coverage area deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coverage area into multiple sectors, each served by a dedicated sectoral antenna. The antenna system is segmented into several directional antennas arranged circumferentially, each covering a specific angular sector. This segmentation allows the system to achieve 360° circular coverage without requiring a single complex omnidirectional antenna, as each simpler sectoral antenna focuses energy in its specific direction, improving both coverage area and signal quality within each sector.
3Reliability
If sectoral antennas are used to improve signal directionality, then signal quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the microcontroller continuously monitors the power level of video signals received from each sectoral antenna. Based on this feedback, the system automatically determines which sector provides the strongest signal and switches the active sector accordingly. This feedback-driven automatic sector selection improves signal quality by consistently selecting the optimal antenna while keeping the control system relatively simple through algorithmic decision-making rather than complex hardware control.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple antennas are used to achieve 360° coverage, then coverage area is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sectoral antennas into a unified antenna module with coordinated control. The sectoral antennas are arranged circumferentially and oriented to overlap adjacent sectors, creating seamless 360° coverage. The microcontroller integrates the control of all antennas, selecting the active sector based on signal power levels from the video camera. This merging approach achieves comprehensive coverage while managing complexity through centralized intelligent control rather than independent management of each antenna.
Data Source
AI summary
A real-time video signal relay device includes a platform for receiving an analog video signal, a system for controlling the received signal, and a system for converting the received signal into a digital data flow. The system for receiving the analog video signal includes an antenna module and a set of analog video signal receivers, the antenna module includes a set of sectoral antennas arranged circumferentially and oriented so as to overlap adjacent sectors. Each of the analog video signal receivers is connected to two antennas. Each of the analog video signal receivers is configured to determine a power level of the video signal that is transmitted to the sectoral antenna to which the analog video signal receiver is connected. The system for controlling the received signal includes a microcontroller that is connected to each analog video signal receiver and a video switcher that is connected to the microcontroller and to the set of the analog video signal receivers. The microcontroller is configured to select an active sector based on a video signal power level, and the system for converting the received signal into the digital data flow comprises a video encoder and a digital radio signal transceiver device.