3D Antenna Array for Vertical Radiowave Direction Estimation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing direction estimating devices using array antennas are limited to estimating radiowave arrival directions only in parallel or horizontal planes, failing to accurately determine vertical directions due to the placement of multiple chip antennas on the same plane.
Innovation Solution
A direction estimating device with antennas placed on multiple surfaces, including a first and second surface in parallel, utilizing a radiowave intensity obtainer and estimator to calculate the arriving direction of radiowaves based on received signal strength indications (RSSI) from multiple antennas with different main lobe directions, allowing for both horizontal and vertical direction estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple chip antennas are placed on the same plane, then the device structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the radiowave arriving direction can only be estimated in parallel direction to the plane, not in vertical direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar antenna arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial configuration by placing antennas on both the front surface and back surface of the board. This dimensional expansion enables the system to detect radiowaves arriving from vertical directions in addition to horizontal directions, thereby resolving the limitation of the conventional single-plane arrangement while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If antennas are placed on multiple surfaces, then the direction estimation capability is enhanced to include vertical directions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into separate segments located on different surfaces of the board. Specifically, it places at least one antenna on the front surface and at least one antenna on the back surface, creating distinct spatial segments. This segmentation approach enables comprehensive three-dimensional direction estimation while keeping each individual antenna configuration simple and manageable, thus reducing overall system complexity.
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
Enables accurate estimation of radiowave arrival directions in both horizontal and vertical planes, enhancing the precision and capability of tracking radiowave sources, even when the source is moving, by adjusting the orientation and altitude of the device.
Implementation Method 1
a radiowave intensity obtainer that obtains a received signal strength indication (RSSI) of a radiowave received by the plurality of antennas placed on the first surface, and by the at least one antenna placed on the second surface
Data Source
AI summary
A direction estimating device includes a plurality of antennas placed on a front surface of a board to have different main lobe directions of directivities, at least one antenna placed on a back surface of the board, a radiowave intensity obtainer that obtains a received signal strength indication (RSSI) of a radiowave received by the plurality of antennas placed on the front surface of the board, and by the at least one antenna placed on the back surface of the board, and an estimator that estimates an arriving direction of the radiowave based on the RSSI of the radiowave obtained by the radiowave intensity obtainer.