Virtual Concentric Cells for ATG Wireless Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems struggle to provide continuous and efficient connectivity to aircraft at high altitudes due to bandwidth limitations and high latency, with conventional ground-based systems designed for two-dimensional coverage rather than the three-dimensional space aircraft occupy.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of active antennas with steerable beams that form virtual concentric cells, allowing for wireless communication coverage in both vertical and horizontal directions, using beamforming techniques and position information to direct beams towards aircraft, thereby reducing interference from ground-based emitters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional ground-based wireless communication systems use vertical antennas to provide coverage, then device connectivity near the ground is improved, but three-dimensional coverage for aircraft at high altitudes cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional ground-based vertical antenna coverage to three-dimensional coverage by introducing elevation angle capability. Base stations can now steer beams in both azimuth and elevation directions, creating conical coverage areas that extend into the air space where aircraft operate, thereby resolving the limitation of ground-based systems unable to provide aerial coverage
2Adaptability or versatility
If base stations are spaced apart to define overlapping coverage areas, then aircraft connectivity at various altitudes is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering capability at each base station, allowing the system to adaptively direct communication beams toward aircraft at different locations and altitudes. This dynamic adjustment of beam directions in real-time reduces the need for complex static network configurations and overlapping coverage areas, as the system can flexibly track and communicate with moving aircraft through active beam steering
3Area of stationary object
If steerable beams are used to provide coverage in vertical and horizontal directions, then communication coverage is improved, but interference from ground-based emitters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating focused beam structures with controlled spatial characteristics. Each beam is directed precisely toward specific aircraft locations with defined elevation and azimuth angles, concentrating energy only where needed. This focused approach naturally isolates the beam from ground-based emitters by directing energy away from the ground level, thereby reducing interference while maintaining effective aircraft coverage
4Reliability
If virtual concentric cells are formed using active antennas, then continuous air-to-ground communication is enabled, but the system requires extensive cabling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical antenna systems with active antenna elements that can electronically steer beams without physical movement. By using phase and amplitude control of individual antenna elements to achieve beam steering, the system eliminates the need for complex mechanical structures and extensive cabling while maintaining the ability to form virtual concentric cells for continuous communication coverage
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 solution enables continuous and uninterrupted air-to-ground wireless communication by providing sufficient elevation coverage, minimizing interference, and reducing the need for extensive cabling, thus enhancing communication performance for aircraft at high altitudes.
Implementation Method 1
employing active antennas with steerable beams that form virtual concentric cells, allowing for wireless communication coverage in both vertical and horizontal directions, using beamforming techniques
Data Source
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AI summary
A base station within a network for providing ATG wireless communication in various cells may include a first antenna array, a base station unit and a remote radio head disposed between the base station unit and the first antenna array. The first antenna array defines a plurality of first sectors having respective widths defined in azimuth. Each of the first sectors includes a first sector floor and a first sector ceiling at respective elevation angles such that combining first sector floors and first sector ceilings creates at least a portion of a respective first base station conical cell centered at the first base station. The first base station is configured to define additional first base station conical cells at respective elevation angles between the first sector floor and the first sector ceiling. The remote radio head receives location information indicative of a location of an aircraft to enable the remote radio head to form a steerable beam in both azimuth and elevation angle at the first antenna array toward the aircraft.