Adaptive Vehicular Antenna Sharing for Shadowing and Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicular distributed antenna systems face complexity and inefficiency due to the need for multiple antennas for V2X and cellular communication, leading to issues with shadowing effects, power consumption, and optimal antenna selection for varying environments and communication requirements.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular distributed antenna system that dynamically selects and shares antennas using software defined radio instances, with a router layer optimizing antenna usage based on location, obstructions, and communication needs, and includes features like power management and redundancy to enhance reliability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple antennas are used for V2X and cellular communication to provide 360 degree coverage, then communication reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna systems (V2X and cellular) into a unified distributed antenna system where antennas are shared across different communication functions. The router layer consolidates control of multiple antennas under a single management structure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the benefits of multiple antennas for 360-degree coverage and communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling antennas to serve multiple purposes - the same antenna array supports both V2X communication and cellular communication. The router layer dynamically allocates antennas to different communication protocols and functions based on current needs, allowing the system to achieve versatility without requiring separate dedicated antenna systems for each function.
2Reliability
If multiple antennas are deployed spaced apart for 360 degree coverage, then communication coverage is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic antenna selection where the router layer continuously monitors communication conditions and activates only the antennas currently needed for optimal coverage. Instead of all antennas operating simultaneously, the system dynamically selects and switches between antennas based on real-time signal conditions, vehicle orientation, and communication requirements, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining 360-degree coverage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different antennas to be activated in different spatial zones and operational conditions. The router layer determines which specific antenna or group of antennas should be active based on the direction of incoming/outgoing signals, vehicle orientation, and local communication needs, rather than uniformly activating all antennas. This localized activation strategy reduces power consumption while preserving comprehensive coverage.
3Reliability
If antennas are mounted at different locations for optimal coverage, then signal reception is improved, but shadowing effects from vehicle structure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the router layer continuously monitors signal quality and reception conditions from multiple antenna locations. Based on this feedback, the system identifies which antennas are experiencing shadowing effects and dynamically switches to alternative antennas with better signal paths. This feedback-driven adaptation allows the system to overcome shadowing effects from vehicle structure by selecting antennas that currently have the clearest line of sight to communication towers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic antenna switching to adapt to changing shadowing conditions. As the vehicle moves and orientation changes, the relative shadowing effects from vehicle structure change as well. The router layer continuously adapts the active antenna configuration based on real-time conditions, switching between antennas mounted at different locations to maintain optimal signal reception despite shadowing effects from the vehicle body.
4Productivity
If more antennas are used for high data rate communication, then data transmission speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna resources under a unified router layer management structure that can allocate antennas to different data streams and communication protocols. By merging the control of multiple antennas into a single intelligent routing system, the patent achieves high data transmission speeds through coordinated multi-antenna operation without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the router layer efficiently manages resource allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality where the same antenna array serves multiple communication protocols (V2X, cellular) and multiple data streams simultaneously. The router layer enables dynamic allocation of antennas to different functions and users, allowing the system to achieve high data transmission speeds for multiple applications without requiring separate dedicated antenna systems for each, thereby avoiding proportional increases in device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of vehicular adaptive distributed antenna systems (V-ADAS) or distributed antenna farms. In exemplary embodiments, the system may include antennas that are sharable with one or more software defined radio (SDR) instances. In exemplary embodiments, the system may be configured to be operable for dynamic selection of the best antenna(s) for the specific situation, e.g., for high reliability communication and/or power and performance optimization, rural versus urban, shadowing effects of the vehicle itself and/or nearby obstructions, etc. In exemplary embodiments, the system may be configured to power down one or more of the remote active antennas that are not needed.