Steerable Directional Antennas for Venue Wireless Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems struggle to provide high-quality services to densely packed users in small, limited spaces such as venues and arenas, due to issues like signal interference and the inability to redirect antennas to accommodate dynamic user densities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of directional antennas placed strategically within or around venues, oriented at specific angles to minimize interference, and equipped with steerable beams to dynamically adjust coverage based on user density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple horn antennas are installed throughout the venue to provide increased wireless coverage, then wireless coverage area is improved, but signal interference increases between antennas directed toward each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by orienting each horn antenna at specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees relative to the venue center) and positioning them in specific locations around the venue perimeter. This creates localized optimal coverage zones for each antenna while minimizing overlap and interference, rather than uniformly distributing antennas throughout the venue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by directing all horn antennas toward the center of the venue rather than having them point in various directions. This asymmetric orientation pattern reduces mutual interference between antennas while maintaining comprehensive coverage, as antennas are positioned and angled to create a coordinated radiation pattern toward the central service area.
2Device complexity
If static antennas are used to provide wireless coverage, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to dynamic user density and concentration is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the horn antennas steerable rather than fixed. Each antenna can be repositioned and reoriented dynamically to track and serve concentrations of mobile users as they move through the venue. This allows the system to adapt to changing user density patterns without adding complex base station infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The steerable horn antenna system serves multiple functions: it provides wide area coverage when users are dispersed, concentrates service on dense user groups when they cluster together, and can be repositioned to serve different venue zones as events progress. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple fixed antenna systems.
3Reliability
If antennas are placed strategically within venue to minimize interference, then signal quality is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the venue coverage into multiple zones, each served by a separate horn antenna positioned at the venue perimeter. This modular approach allows each antenna to be independently installed and optimized for its specific zone, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining high signal quality through targeted coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the spatial dimension by positioning horn antennas around the outer perimeter of the venue rather than within the interior space. This external placement eliminates the need to penetrate venue structures for installation while still providing effective coverage through the antenna's directional beam pattern directed inward toward the venue center.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of directional antennas are arranged between an inner barrier (e.g., ring, wall, fence, glass, etc encircling a field, court, rink, stage, etc) and an outer barrier (e.g., guardrail, wall, etc encircling a seating region, etc) of the venue. Each directional antenna produces a beam pattern that is oriented such that the beam pattern is directed at an angle off-normal from the inner or outer barrier. Further, at least some of the directional antennas are placed at the openings of pedestrian tunnels leading into the seating region of the venue, near the inner barrier of the venue seating region, or placed near a midpoint between the inner and outer barriers so as to provide wireless communication services to users in the seating region of the venue.