Variable Beam Antenna Direction Control via Wide Angle Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communication systems using high-frequency bands like millimeter waves face challenges in determining beam directions, especially when initial beam directions are unknown, leading to reduced communication speed and prolonged search times, particularly in scenarios with multiple wireless stations.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication system employing a combination of a variable beam antenna and a wide angle antenna operating in different frequency bands, where the beam direction is controlled using a control signal in a lower frequency band, allowing for reliable determination of beam directions and stable communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a variable beam antenna is used to compensate for high propagation loss in high frequency bands, then communication reliability is improved, but beam direction search time is prolonged when initial beam directions are unknown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam direction search process into two phases: an initial coarse search phase using wide angle antennas to identify approximate beam directions, followed by a fine search phase using variable beam antennas to precisely determine optimal directions. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by using different antenna types for different search stages, reducing overall search time while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary beam direction estimation using wide angle antennas before engaging the variable beam antenna for precise communication. This preliminary action provides initial beam direction information that guides the subsequent fine search, significantly reducing the time required for the variable beam antenna to establish reliable communication.
2Reliability
If sequential beam direction search is performed between multiple wireless stations, then optimal beam alignment is achieved, but average communication speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication establishment process into rapid initial connection using wide angle antennas and subsequent high-speed data transmission using variable beam antennas. This allows multiple wireless stations to establish connections in parallel during the initial phase, improving average communication speed while maintaining optimal beam alignment through the subsequent fine-tuning phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wide angle antennas as intermediary devices that facilitate initial connection establishment between multiple wireless stations without requiring precise beam alignment. These antennas act as mediators that enable rapid connection setup, after which variable beam antennas take over for high-speed communication, thus resolving the contradiction between alignment accuracy and communication speed.
3Reliability
If beam direction is frequently updated to track moving stations, then communication stability is maintained, but communication speed is continuously reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic beam direction updates rather than continuous updates. The wide angle antenna performs coarse direction tracking at lower frequency intervals, while the variable beam antenna performs fine adjustments at higher frequency intervals only when necessary. This periodic action maintains communication stability for moving stations while minimizing the impact on communication speed by avoiding unnecessary frequent updates.
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 enables reliable determination of beam directions between wireless stations, enhancing communication stability and reducing average communication speed reduction, even in scenarios with multiple stations.
Implementation Method 1
a first antenna transmitting a radio wave in a first frequency band
Implementation Method 2
a second antenna transmitting a radio wave in a second frequency band lower in frequency than the first frequency band
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication system includes a plurality of wireless stations. Each of at least two of the plurality of wireless stations includes, a first antenna transmitting a radio wave in a first frequency band, a second antenna transmitting a radio wave in a second frequency band lower in frequency than the first frequency band, a first transceiver transmitting and receiving a main signal in the first frequency band, and a second transceiver transmitting and receiving a control signal in the second frequency band. At least one of the at least two wireless stations includes, a variable beam antenna making a beam direction variable as the first antenna, a wide angle antenna having a radiation range equal to or wider than a variable range of the beam direction as the second antenna, and a controller controlling the beam direction of the variable beam antenna according to the control signal.