WO2024067990A1

WO2024067990A1 - Reconfigurable mimo sensor antenna

Info

Publication number: WO2024067990A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/077260
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexander Khripkov; Tuomo Katajamäki
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2022-09-30
Filing date: 2022-09-30
Publication date: 2024-04-04

Abstract

A reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus includes a traveling wave structure, a dielectric member disposed adjacent to and spaced apart from a surface of the traveling wave structure, and a reflective element disposed adjacent to the traveling wave structure. The reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus is configured to provide entire room coverage for implementations such as contactless vital-sign monitoring and spatial tracking of multiple people using MIMO mmWave sensor antenna topology with convenient sensor allocation in the room side or corner position.

Description

RECONFIGURABLE MIMO SENSOR ANTENNA

TECHNICAL FIELD

The aspects of the disclosed embodiments relate generally to beamforming antennas and more particularly to a reconfigurable beamforming antenna.

BACKGROUND

Smart-automated home or office applications and health monitoring solutions typically require technologies for occupancy detection and activity sensing. Presence information enables intelligent context-aware smart-automated homes, capable of exploiting localization and sensing information, to optimize deployment, operation, and energy usage with no or limited human intervention. This can include for example smart light control, smart HVAC control, turning off unused devices, starting self-propelled devices like cleaning robots, and counting people in a room or elevator. Multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) millimeter wave (mmWave) sensor antenna topologies are commonly implemented for such room coverage applications, where localization and sensing coexist with communication.

In order to provide adequate room coverage in these types of applications, beamforming or beamshaping antenna topologies are needed. The location of a sensor in the center of the room will tend to have limited sensitivity and room coverage. The center position will require wide angle beam coverage and/or reconfigurable sensor beams scanning in order to cover areas at each side around the sensor. While a sensor location at the comer of the room may be the best for aesthetic considerations, beam shaping of the antenna is needed for uniform room coverage.

Thus, there is a need for improved antennas to provide entire room coverage in such room sensing applications. Accordingly, it would be desirable to an antenna apparatus that addresses at least some of the problems described above.

SUMMARY

The aspects of the disclosed embodiments are directed to a reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus. The reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus provides reconfigurable beam tilting with a traveling-wave fed dielectric rod antenna. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments provide entire room coverage for implementations such as contactless vital-sign monitoring and spatial tracking of multiple people using MIMO mmWave sensor antenna topology with convenient sensor allocation in the room side or corner position.

According to a first aspect, the above and further implementations and advantages are obtained by an antenna apparatus. The antenna apparatus comprises a reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus and includes a traveling wave structure, a dielectric member disposed adjacent to and spaced apart from a surface of the traveling wave structure; and a reflective element disposed adjacent to the traveling wave structure. The reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus is configured to provide entire room coverage for implementations such as contactless vital-sign monitoring and spatial tracking of multiple people using MIMO mmWave sensor antenna topology with convenient sensor allocation in the room side or comer position.

In a possible implementation form, a gap is defined between a surface of the dielectric member and the surface of the traveling wave structure. This enables alternation of the dielectric member while the traveling wave structure remains fixed. Beam properties of the antenna apparatus can be flexibly adjusted during the exploitation of the antenna apparatus.

In a possible implementation form, an offset is defined between a centerline of the travelling wave structure and a centerline of the dielectric member. The offset is configured to provide wave matching at transformation of electromagnetic (EM) propagation mode of the traveling wave structure into EM propagation mode of the dielectric member. The offset can also help reduce beam ripple and phase errors of the sensor, as beam distortions caused by the wave reflections at the dielectric member edge are reduced.

In a possible implementation form, the centerline of the dielectric member is arranged at an angle relative to the surface of the traveling wave structure. This defines beam shape and beam tilt antenna parameters, which is useful in providing entire room coverage. Further, this can supress surface waves and parasitic modes by transforming EM propagation mode of the traveling wave structure into EM propagation mode of the dielectric member.

In a possible implementation form, the angle relative to the surface of the traveling wave structure is in one or more of a horizontal plane or a vertical plane. This defines beam shape and beam tilt antenna parameters in both horizontal and vertical planes and is useful in enabling entire room coverage for sensor allocation in the room side or corner position. Further, this can supress surface waves and parasitic modes by transforming EM propagation mode of the traveling wave structure into EM propagation mode of the dielectric member.

In a possible implementation form, the centerline of the dielectric member is disposed perpendicularly to the surface of the traveling wave structure. This defines antenna beam direction generally perpendicular to the surface of the traveling wave structure, enabling optimal operation of the sensor allocated in front of people. Further, this can also supress surface waves and parasitic modes by transforming EM propagation mode of the traveling wave structure into EM propagation mode of the dielectric member.

In a possible implementation form, the dielectric member is disposed adjacent to the surface of the traveling wave structure in a direction of propagation of radio waves. A geometrical center line of the dielectric member is generally aligned with the direction of the axis.

In a possible implementation form, the reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus includes a radome disposed over the traveling wave antenna and the reflective element. The dielectric member is connected to an inner surface of the radome. The use of a radome enables a cost- effective solution and a simplified production cycle by use of the same material for the radome and dielectric member. Injection molding can be applied for one-shot manufacturing of the radome and the dielectric member.

In a possible implementation form a shape of the dielectric member is configurable. The dielectric member is configured to provide beam tilting, beam shaping and define the optimum field of view (FOV) of the antenna apparatus. The configurable shape of the dielectric member enables flexible shaping of the FOV of the antenna apparatus for optimal coverage of rooms and areas with variable sizes and dimensions. Room sizes can be varied from 4x4 square meters to and including 6x6 square meters. In this manner there are no frequency limitations and the antenna apparatus can operate up to Terahertz (THz) frequency ranges.

In a possible implementation form the shape of the dielectric member is tapered. A tapered shape of the dielectric member is configured to provide wave matching at transformation of the EM wave propagating in the dielectric member into free-space radiation. Tapering reduces beam ripple and phase errors of the sensor, as the beam distortions caused by the wave reflections at the dielectric member edge are reduced. In a possible implementation form the dielectric member comprises a non-metallic liquid material contained in an elastic container. FOV patterns reconfigurability is enabled by the mechanically shaped reconfiguration of the elastic container. The antenna apparatus provides uniform coverage of various rooms by corresponding adaptive beam shaping. Adaptive performance improvement to a variety of operation conditions and use-cases at any given moment of the time are enabled.

In a possible implementation form a support member is disposed over the surface of the traveling wave antenna, the dielectric member being coupled to the support member, and wherein the support member is configured to be spaced apart from the surface of the traveling wave structure. The support member assures mechanical robustness, assembly accuracy and stability of multiple dielectric members used with multiple traveling wave antennas in the antenna apparatus. This enables reliable manufacturability. Further, the gap between the support member and the printed circuit board member reduces beam ripple and phase errors of the sensor.

In a possible implementation form the reflective element comprises a discontinuous surface. Beam distortions and phase errors of the antenna apparatus are reduced by the discontinuous surface of the reflective element. The discontinuous surface of the reflective element suppresses surface waves and parasitic modes generated by areas and parts around the traveling wave structure.

In a possible implementation form the reflective element comprises one or more of raised periodic and aperiodic metallic members. Raised periodic or aperiodic metallic members of the reflective element form low-loss reflective elements, such that EM energy is effectively radiated into the free-space, further reducing beam distortions and phase errors of the antenna apparatus.

In a possible implementation form, the dielectric member provides beam shape and field-of- view reconfiguration. The dielectric member is configured to provide beam tilting, beam shaping and define the optimum field of view (FOV) of the antenna apparatus.

In a possible implementation form the traveling-wave structure is a wave-guiding structure supporting electromagnetic wave propagation in the direction of an intended FOV. The outer edge of the wave-guiding structure has an aperture opening towards free space. This generates tilted beam EM radiation at an angle defined by the traveling-wave structure, forming beam coverage of the mmWave sensor antenna, and correspondingly field of view of the reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus. The wave-guiding structure performs as a virtually tilted antenna, because it generates an antenna beam at inclined direction at an angle to the traveling-wave structure surface.

In a possible implementation form the dielectric member forms a part of the radome dielectric cover. This can simplify production by using the same material. Injection molding can be used for one-shot manufacturing of the radome and the dielectric member.

In a possible implementation form the traveling-wave structure is shaped as a waveguide, with the shape of the waveguide and the shape of the aperture opening towards free space gradually expanding towards a direction of radio wave propagation. That enables broadband high efficiency antenna performance, due to the gradient impedance transformation from the RFIC connection feedline impedance to the waveguide aperture impedance.

In a possible implementation form the traveling-wave structure is a patch antenna with an asymmetric-grounding structure supporting electromagnetic wave propagation in the direction of radio wave propagation, the tilted beam direction. The distance between the asymmetric- grounding structure and the outer surface of the traveling-wave structure is gradually decreasing from feeding in the direction of radio wave propagation. This enables efficient beam shaping sensor antenna performance.

In a possible implementation form the antenna apparatus is configured for anonymous presence detection and/or location tracking of living beings. User privacy and compliance with data privacy regulations such as General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is maintained, while enabling user friendly smart home operation and reliable healthcare monitoring.

In a possible implementation form the antenna apparatus includes multiple reconfigurable beamforming antennas performing as a 3D scanning MIMO sensor antennas. That enables high spatial angular resolution for anonymous presence detection and/or location tracking of living beings, ensuring user privacy and compliance with data privacy and protection regulations, while enabling user friendly smart home operation and reliable healthcare monitoring. In a possible implementation form a field of view of the antenna apparatus is reconfigured by the reconfigurable beams of the 3D scanning MIMO sensor antennas, Uniform coverage of various shapes of rooms/ houses / monitoring areas is provided.

In a possible implementation form, the surface of the traveling wave structure is flat. This is useful to enable a low-profile and visually appealing design of the sensor.

In a possible implementation form, the antenna apparatus with the flat surface radiates a tilted beam. This is helpful in enabling uniform coverage of the area by a sensor that is allocated at the corner or at the edge of the room.

In a possible implementation form, beamforming of the antenna apparatus is mechanically configurable. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments enable a cost-efficient solution for uniform coverage of various rooms by the same sensor antenna apparatus.

In a possible implementation form, beamforming of the antenna apparatus is electrically configurable. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments are configured to provide adaptive coverage of various rooms by the same sensor antenna apparatus, recognizing changes of user scenarios during the sensor antenna apparatus operation.

In a possible implementation form, the traveling-wave structure is a wave-guiding structure supporting electromagnetic wave propagation in the direction of the intended FOV. Directions could be defined as an angular range, by location of the antenna apparatus, intended room and location of the objects in that room, in that FOV.

In a possible implementation form, the wave-guiding structure is shaped as a waveguide, gradually expanding towards an opening in the traveling wave structure. The structure of the disclosed embodiments is configured to generate tilted beam EM radiation at an angle defined by the traveling-wave structure, forming beam coverage of the mm Wave sensor antenna, and corresponding field of view of the reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus. In a possible implementation form, the antenna apparatus is a multi-antenna apparatus. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments enable high spatial angular resolution for anonymous presence detection and/or location tracking of living beings.

These and other aspects, implementation forms, and advantages of the exemplary embodiments will become apparent from the embodiments described herein considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the description and drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the disclosed invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Moreover, the aspects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed portion of the present disclosure, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the example embodiments shown in the drawings, in which like references indicate like elements and:

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an exemplary reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments;

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an exemplary reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments;

Figure 3 illustrates a support member for a reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments;

Figure 4 illustrates an example of multiple reconfigurable beamforming antenna elements incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments;

Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary antenna element for a reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments;

Figure 6 is a graph illustrating wave impedance and propagation of a traveling wave structure for a reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments;

Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary dielectric member for a reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments; Figure 8 illustrates a top view of an exemplary dielectric member for a reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.

Figures 9-10 illustrate exemplary implementations of dielectric members for a reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.

Figures 11-12 illustrates possible implementations of dielectric members for a reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.

Figures 13-15 illustrate the tunable beamshaping in the horizontal plane as a result of mechanical adjustment of the dielectric member for a reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.

Figure 16 is a graph illustrating elevation angle of the peak beam direction for room implementation of a reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.

Figure 17 illustrate an exemplary room implementation of a reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.

Figure 18 illustrates an exemplary patch antenna implementation of a reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary antenna apparatus 100 incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments. The antenna apparatus 100, also referred to as a sensor, generally comprises at least one reconfigurable beam forming antenna. The antenna apparatus 100 of the disclosed embodiments is configured to provide entire room coverage when the antenna apparatus 100 is disposed or allocated along a side of a room or in a comer of a room. The antenna apparatus 100 of the disclosed embodiments can generally be referred to as a 3D scanning reconfigurable MIMO sensor antennas and is configured to provide high sensitivity and accurate detection within an entire indoor environment, while being reliably distinguished from unwanted disturbances.

Referring to Figure 1, in one embodiment, the antenna apparatus 100 generally includes a traveling wave structure 102, a dielectric member 110 disposed adjacent to and spaced apart from a surface 106 of the traveling wave structure, and a reflective element 120 disposed adjacent to the traveling wave structure 102. In one embodiment, the antenna apparatus 100 is disposed on a suitable substrate 130, such as a printed circuit board (PCB), for example. As illustrated in Figure 1, the dielectric member 110 is spaced apart from a surface 106 of the traveling wave structure 102. This enables alteration of the shape, structure and position of the dielectric member 110, while the shape, structure and position of the traveling wave structure 102 remains fixed. The beam properties of the antenna apparatus 100 can be flexibly adjusted in different implementations of the antenna apparatus 100.

The shape of the dielectric member 110 can be any suitable shape and the dielectric member 110 can be aligned in any suitable manner relative to the surface 106 of the traveling wave structure. The peak direction, gain and beam width of the radio wave beam of the antenna apparatus 100 is defined by a shape of the dielectric member 110, and an angling or tilting of the dielectric member 110 relative to the surface 106 of the traveling wave structure 102, in both the horizontal and vertical planes.

In one embodiment, the dielectric member 110 can have a tapered shape. A tapered shape can be used to provide wave matching at transformation of the EM wave propagating from the dielectric member 110 into free-space radiation. A tapered shape also reduces beam ripple and phase errors of the antenna apparatus 100. Beam distortions caused by the wave reflections at the edges of the dielectric member 110 are reduced by the tapered shape. Although a tapered shape is generally referred to herein, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not so limited. In alternate embodiments, the dielectric member 110 can have any suitable geometric shape and structure. The configurable shape of the dielectric member enables flexible shaping of the FOV of the antenna apparatus for optimal coverage of rooms and areas with variable sizes and dimensions. Room sizes can be varied from 4x4 square meters to and including 6x6 square meters, with an operating frequency range up to the THz frequency range.

In the example of Figure 1, an approximate center line Y1 of the traveling wave structure 106 is offset 108 from an approximate centerline Y2 of the dielectric member 110. In one embodiment, the position of the dielectric member 110 can be adjusted to provide wave matching at transformation of electromagnetic (EM) propagation mode of the traveling wave structure into EM propagation mode of the dielectric member. The size of the offset 108 can also be adjusted to help reduce beam ripple and phase errors of the antenna apparatus 100, as beam distortions caused by the wave reflections at the edge of the dielectric member 110 are reduced. In one embodiment, beamforming of the antenna apparatus 100 can be configured by physical or mechanical alteration of one or more of the shape, size and orientation of the dielectric member 110, referred to herein as mechanical beamforming reconfiguration. This mechanical beamforming reconfiguration enables the antenna apparatus 100 to be operated without frequency limitations. For example, in one embodiment, the antenna apparatus 100 can be configured to operate in terahertz (THz) frequency ranges.

In one embodiment, the orientation of the dielectric member 110 relative to the surface 106 of the traveling wave structure 102 is configurable. For example, one or more of the orientation of the dielectric member 110 relative to the surface of the traveling wave structure 102, the angle of the dielectric member 110 relative to the surface 106 of the traveling wave structure 102, or the offset G of the dielectric member relative to the traveling wave structure 102, can be varied.

In one embodiment, an axis Y-Y is defined running through a center of the traveling wave structure 102. The axis Y-Y can be disposed at a spatial angle to vector which is perpendicular to the surface 106 of the traveling-wave structure 102. In one embodiment, the spatial angle is defined by the intended FOV of the antenna apparatus. The spatial angle of the axis Y-Y defines antenna radiation beam direction. A distance range of the sensor coverage angle is defined, as illustrated in Fig. 17.

In one embodiment, the centerline Y2 of the dielectric member 110 is at a spatial angle to vector which is perpendicular to the surface 106 of the traveling wave structure 102 towards the free space. The spatial angle of the axis Y2 defines antenna radiation beam direction. The distance range of the sensor coverage angle is defined, as illustrated in Fig. 17

In one embodiment, the centerline Y2 of the dielectric member 110 is aligned with the direction of the axis Y-Y. The alignment and direction of the centerline Y2 enables configurability of the sensor FOV.

In one embodiment, the dielectric members 110 could be made as a part of the housing of the antenna apparatus 100. For example, referring to Figure 2, in this example, a radome 140 is disposed over the traveling wave structure 102 and the reflective element 120. As shown in this example, the dielectric member 110 is coupled or connected to at least the inner surface 142 of the radome 140.

The dielectric member 110 can be detachable from the radome 140 or an integrated component of the radome. The use of the radome 140 to support the dielectric member 110 enables a cost- effective solution and a simplified production cycle when the same material is used for both the radome 140 and the dielectric member 110. When the dielectric member 110 is an integral part of the radome 140, injection molding can be applied for one-shot manufacturing.

In one embodiment, a material of the dielectric member 110 can include, but is not limited to plastic, ceramics, composites or related dielectrics or artificial materials.

The reconfiguration of solid state dielectric members 110 could be done using linear or rotational displacement, as described below.

In one embodiment, either alone or in combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein, the dielectric member 110 can comprise or be made as a non-metallic liquid material in an elastic container. Such liquid materials might include, but are not limited to, water-based materials or non-water-based materials. In one embodiment, the reconfigurability of the dielectric member 110 using liquid materials can be based on variable pressure by pump or mechanical displacement of the elastic container.

In one embodiment, the beamforming of the antenna apparatus 100 can reconfigured electrically. This provides advantages of a high resolution, omni coverage scanning sensor and sensing system. Electrically reconfigurable beamforming can be based on either discrete components with varying impedance: conductivity (PIN diode, Gunn or Schottky diodes, MIM, transistors) or reactance (varactors). The discrete components can be arranged as a part of the circuit, which can further include control components. Control components are providing beamforming reconfiguration signals to the discrete components. Additionally, the circuit can include conductive elements electromagnetically coupled with the dielectric member 110 and the discrete components. Varying impedances of the discrete components can alter EM-wave scattering properties of the conductive elements. Thus, the EM-wave propagation at the dielectric member 110 is altered, and beamforming properties are reconfigured corresponding to the impedance state of the discrete components. Alternatively, the dielectric member 110 is based on functional radio frequency (RF) materials, such as for example, Liquid Crystals, Barium- Strontium-Titanate, Graphene, Vanadium dioxide or Semiconductors photonics. In this embodiment, control components providing beamforming reconfiguration signals to the functional RF materials are arranged as a part of the circuit. Dielectric parameters and/or conductivity of the functional RF materials are altered by beamforming reconfiguration signals. Thus EM- wave propagation at dielectric member 110 is altered, and beamforming properties are reconfigured corresponding to dielectric parameters and/or conductivity of the functional RF materials.

Figure 3 illustrates one example of a support member or frame 300 for an antenna assembly including multiple reconfigurable beam forming antenna apparatus 100 incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments. In one embodiment, the support member 300 includes multiple dielectric elements or members generally shown as 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322 and 324. The dielectric elements 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322 and 324 are configured to be disposed over the surface of respective traveling wave structures, such traveling wave structure 102 described herein.

In the example of Figure 3, the support member 300 comprises a mesh grid support. The dielectric elements 310-324, also referred to herein as members or rods, are interconnected for mechanical robustness. The mesh grid support 300 in this example is configured to be lifted above the antenna surface such that there is a decoupling gap from the plastic of the support member 300 to the traveling-wave structures, as is further described herein. In one embodiment, the decoupling gap, similar to the gap G described with respect to Figure 1, is approximately 1 millimeter.

In one embodiment, the support member 300 includes spacers 302. Referring also to Figure 4, when the support member 300 is disposed over a substrate 400, the spacers 302 are configured to space the dielectric members 310-324 away from a surface of respective ones of the corresponding traveling wave structures or antenna elements 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, 420, 422 and 424.

The use of a mesh grid support, such as the support member 300, can provide a number of advantages. These can include, but are not limited to a virtually tilted antenna up to 85 degrees, two dimensional (2D) beam shaping of individual antennas in a 2D endfire array, suppressed surface waves and parasitic modes, reduced distortions caused by the radome, sensor phase errors of less than 10 degrees in a FOV range of 20 degrees to and including 85 degrees and a sensor FOV in the range of 30 degree to an including 85 degrees at approximately -3 dB.

The substrate 400 of Figure 4, which in one embodiment is a printed circuit board antenna assembly, can include a plurality of antenna elements 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, 420, 422 and 424. The different antenna elements will generally comprise a traveling wave structure 102 and a reflective member 120 as described herein. Although eight antenna elements are shown in the example of Figure 4, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not so limited. In alternate embodiments, the substrate 400 can include any suitable number of antenna elements and the space member 300 can include a suitable number of dielectric members 300. The spacer member 300 is configured to be disposed over the antenna assembly 400 in order to position the dielectric members 310-324 relative to respective ones of the antenna elements 410-424, as is generally described herein. The spacers 302 are suitably dimensioned to provide the gap G described with respect to Figure 1.

In the example of Figure 4, the direction of radio wave propagation is generally indicated by arrow 430. Structure, topology and beamforming reconfiguration of the antenna elements 414, 416 and 424 are disclosed in Fig. 5 - 16 and the description below. Antenna elements 410 and 412 are generally arranged in a direction along the direction 430 of radio wave propagation. Antenna elements 420 are generally arranged perpendicular to the direction 430 of radio wave propagation.

The antenna elements 418 and 422 in this example can be described as dummy traveling wave structures. In one embodiment, such dummy traveling-wave structures 418, 422 can be arranged around the active antenna elements 420 in order to achieve uniform surrounding structures around the active antenna elements 420. The dummy traveling-wave structures 418, 422 in this example are used to stabilize the beam shapes and improve coverage of the FOV. Further improvement of the beam shape stability can be achieved by asymmetric traveling-wave structures compensating mutual coupling of adjacent antenna elements. Advantages of this type of structure include a virtually tilted antenna PCB up to 60 degrees and suppressed surface waves and parasitic modes with a radome. In one embodiment, the antenna apparatus 100 includes a waveguide-feed transformation of a microstrip (MSL) feedline to the traveling-wave structure. This provides broadband, efficiency of approximately -IdB for mm Wave antennas. The MSL feeding is optimized for radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) connection at the same layer. In this manner, minimum feedline loss is introduced.

Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the antenna element 416 of Figure 4 along the plane C-C. In one embodiment, the antenna element 416 is a MIMO sensor antenna. The antenna element 416 includes a traveling-wave structure 502, shaped as waveguide 504 gradually expanding towards the opening aperture 506 on top of the antenna element 416. The aperture 506 of the traveling-wave structure in this example has a width expanding from the waveguide 504 towards the free space radiation direction.

Referring also to Figure 6, a depth h_LWA (x) and width W_LWA (x) of the traveling-wave structure is gradually reduced from the waveguide 504 towards the free space. This enables a gradual transformation of the wave impedance Z_LWA(x from the feedline port 50 Ohms to free-space wave impedance 377 Ohm. The dimension profiles configure a transverse magnetic (TM) electromagnetic mode to propagate along the traveling-wave structure, such that the propagation constant k_LWA = /3_LWA ~ ja_LWA, where phase constant is /3_LWA < k₀, k₀ = 27T/ ₀ - propagation constant in free space. A value of the propagation phase constant /3_LWA is adjusted for the target FOV range of the sensor, with the peak direction 0_LWA approximately defined by equation sin

_LWA/k_Q. a_LWA is defining combination of dissipative loss and energy transformation from the traveling-wave into the transverse electromagnetic (TEM) free-space radiation wave.

In one embodiment, reflective structures 508, such as the reflective elements 120 described with respect to Figure 1, are arranged in a front portion of the traveling-wave structure 502. The reflective structures 508 can be formed as a high-impedance surface (HIS), Electromagnetic band gap (EBG), reflectors, metamaterials or the like. The reflective structure 508 generally define high impedance at the opening edge of the traveling-wave structure 502. For example, an impedance Z_HIS of the reflective structure 508 can be Z_HIS » 50 Ohm. a wave propagation constant k_HIS = —ja_HIS , a_HIS define a combination of dissipative loss and energy transformation from the traveling-wave into the TEM free-space radiation wave. The sensor FOV is defined by the antenna beam direction and beamwidth, which are configured by k_LWA = PLWA ~ J^aLw A ^ar|d k_HIS = —ja_HIS.

The shape of the dielectric member 110 of Figure 1 is configurable. Figure 7 illustrates one example of a dielectric member 710 for a reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus 100 incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments. In this example, the dielectric member 710 has a tapered shaped. The dimensions of the cross-section of the dielectric member 710 in the antenna plane are tapered, gradually reducing from the traveling-wave structures towards free space.

Slanted dielectric members, such as the dielectric member 710, are configured to decouple tilted beam radiation from the ground (GND) surface, transforming the traveling-wave TM modes into hybrid (HE) modes along the dielectric member 710. Those HE modes are GND- decoupled, thus the inhomogeneous structures of the GND, such as the PCB edge, and other PCB components nearby the traveling wave structure, will have minor effects on the antenna beam properties. This significantly reduces beam ripple and phase errors of the antenna apparatus 100.

The aspects and general configuration of the dielectric member 710 shown in Figure 7 are similar to the aspects and configuration of the dielectric member 110 described with respect to Figure 1. In this example, the shape of the dielectric member 710 is tapered and oriented at an angle, or slanted, with respect to the substrate or printed circuit board 730 over which the dielectric member 710 is disposed. The peak direction, gain and beam width of the beam formed by the antenna apparatus 700, which is similar to antenna apparatus 100 described above, is defined by the shape of the dielectric member 710 and tilting of the dielectric member 710 in horizontal and vertical planes.

As is illustrated in this example of Figure 7, the shape or footprint of the dielectric member 710 is wider at the base 702 and narrower at the top 704. In this example, the base 702 is shown disposed closest to the substrate 730.

In the example of Figure 7, the portion 706 of the dielectric member 710 is generally narrower that the portion 708 of the dielectric member 710. In one embodiment, the angle or slant of the dielectric member 710 relative to the substrate 730 can be in the range of 10 degrees to and including 90 degrees.

Figure 8 is a top view of one embodiment illustrating linear displacement of the dielectric member 710 of Figure 7. Dielectric members 710 of various shapes are configured to be replaced, one instead of another, in order to define the beam shape correspondingly. The examples of Figures 9, 10 and 11 illustrate different, or optional shapes of exemplary dielectric members 710a and 710b. The two dielectric members 710a and 710b in this example are merely shown together in the Figures for illustration and comparison purposes only. Generally, only one of the dielectric members 710a, 710b will be implemented.

Referring also to Figure 5, linear displacement of a dielectric member 110, is configured such that base of the dielectric member 110 remains at the same position relatively to the aperture 506 on top of the antenna element 416. For the dielectric member 710 of Figure 7, the position of the upper part 704 of the dielectric member 710 varies for each particular shape of the dielectric member 710.

In the example of Figures 9 and 10, when the exemplary dielectric member 710a is implemented, the dielectric member 710a has an approximate centerline Y2a that is generally perpendicular to the surface 106 of the traveling wave structure 102. When the exemplary dielectric member 710b is implemented, the dielectric member 710b can have an approximate centerline Y2b that is inclined to the surface 106, defining significantly tilted beam in elevation plane.

Figures 11 and 12 illustrate an exemplary rotational displacement of an exemplary dielectric member 910 for beam tilting. In this example, different positions of the dielectric members 910, relative to the substrate 930, are illustrated as positions 910a, 910b and 910c. The different positions 910a, 910b and 910c are shown together merely for illustration and comparison purposes. Generally only position might be implemented at a time. In alternate embodiments, more than one dielectric member can be implemented, each at a different position, depending on the particular implementation and environment. While only three positions are illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not so limited. In alternate embodiments, the dielectric member 910 can be arranged at any suitable rotational displacement. Referring also to Figure 5, in some embodiments, rotational displacement is done such that base 902 of the dielectric member 910 of Figure 9, remains at the same position relatively to the aperture 506 on top of the antenna element 416, while upper part 908 of the dielectric member 910 is displaced mechanically, corresponding to the desired position. The centerline Y9 is effectively rotated with each different position. Beam shape is reconfigured accordingly, based on each position, as illustrated in Figures 13, 14 and 15.

The dielectric member 900 in this example goes through exemplary positions, illustrated as 910a, 910b and 910c at any given moment of time. Mechanical adjustment of the position and angle of the dielectric member 910 relative to the substrate 930 results in tuneable beam shaping in the horizontal plane. In one embodiment, the mechanical adjustment of the position and angle of the dielectric member 910 is defined by the dielectric member 910 and configuring it accordingly. In one embodiment, the dielectric member 910 can be coupled to the substrate 930 in a manner that allows the dielectric member 910 to be rotated or moved to a desired position and angle.

Mechanical adjustment of the shape of the dielectric member 110 can also result in beam switching. Figures 13-15 illustrate how mechanical adjustment of the shape and position of a dielectric member result in tunable beam shaping in the horizontal plane. The shape and positioning of the dielectric member 110 is different in each of Figures 13-15. The peak direction of the tilt angle of the dielectric member 110 in these examples is defined by the shape and the tilting. This enables FOV adjustment in horizontal plane from approximately -70 degrees to and including +70 degrees, by the inclination angle of the dielectric member 110. Mechanical adjustment of the dielectric member 110 along the direction of radio wave propagation will result in tunable beam shaping in the vertical plane.

In one embodiment, a spacing between individual positions 910a, 910b and 910c if the dielectric element(s) 910 can be approximately 5 millimeters, as is illustrated in Figure 12. In alternate embodiments, the positions 910a, 910b and 910c can be adjusted and any suitable spacing implemented.

Figure 18 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus 800 incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments in conjunction with a broadside antenna element. Beamforming is based on a patch antenna 802 feeding the configurable dielectric member 803 disposed adjacent to and spaced apart from the patch antenna 802 surface. The peak direction, gain and beam width of the radio wave beam of the antenna apparatus 800 is defined by a shape of the dielectric member 803, and an angling or tilting of the dielectric member 803 relative to the antenna 802, in both the horizontal and vertical planes. As shown in Figure 18, in this example, a patch antenna 802 is disposed over a shield or other suitable carrier 804, which comprises a discontinuous reflective surface. A glass cover 806 is disposed over the configurable dielectric member 803. In this example, there is a spacing of approximately 0.5 millimeters between a surface of the configurable dielectric member 803 and a surface of the patch antenna assembly 802. There is also a spacing of approximately 1.5 millimeters between one side of the glass cover 806 and the surface of the patch antenna 802.

The aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be implemented in user scenarios for room size from 3 x 3 square meters up to and including 6 x 6 square meters. Mechanical adjustment of the antennas is required for each type of the room in order to meet requirements for receive (RX) power levels and signal to noise ratio (SNR) by shaped-pattern of antenna gain G(/?,(z>), as shown in Figure 16.

The antenna apparatus 100, or sensor, is typically installed in a room at a fixed position and the room size is stable in time. An example of a room-based implementation of a reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus 100 is illustrated in Figure 17. In this example, the sensor 100 is mounted in conjunction with, or on, a ceiling 150 of the room. A total height of the sensor apparatus 100 in this example is approximately 5 millimeters. A one-time mechanical adjustment of the antenna apparatus 100 for each type of the room is sufficient to assure efficient sensor operation throughout the entire product life. The reconfigurability of the beam patterns enables achieving uniform coverage of various rooms by the same sensor product.

In one embodiment, the antenna apparatus 100 can be implement in a whole house sensor application, such as the Huawei Whole House Smart Al Sensor, https://consumer.huawei.com/cn/wholehome/ai-sensor/. With a diagonal ceiling installation, full coverage of the entire room or house is realized. The user features include static human presence perception; human position and trajectory tracking, accurate positioning of human movement, functional area customization, Al intelligent anti-interference sensors, and ultra- perceptual boundaries, precise subdivision of spaces and scenes, super-sensing recognition, accurately distinguishing people or objects. With the millimeter-wave and infrared fusion perception capability, the antenna apparatus 100 of the disclosed embodiments can be implemented to intelligently identify people or objects. With eight (8) Al intelligent antiinterference models, the antenna apparatus 100 can be implemented to actively identify changes in objects such as sweepers, fans, and curtains, and effectively resist interference.

In a smart home scenario, the antenna apparatus 100 can be implemented for light control depending on human location, body position, human activity; air conditioning control depending on human location, body position, human activity; ultra-perceptual stillness, and accurate identification of millimeter-level micro-movements. Based on the millimeter-level micro-motion of the human body's breathing chest, the antenna apparatus 100 can be implemented to accurately sense the existence of the human body. When the antenna apparatus 100 senses that someone is sleeping in the bedroom, the antenna apparatus 100 can be configured to automatically turn on a night light when it is detected that another person steps into the bedroom, so as not to disturb the sleep of the person sleeping.

In one embodiment, a room, such as for example an approximately 16 square meter inner space, can be freely divided. This supports custom linkage equipment and smart scenes. The antenna apparatus 100 can be configured to detect when a person step into such an area, such as custom desk area and automatically trigger a reading mode. The reading mode could include for example, causing a desk lamp to light up slowly, and causing an electronically controlled desk and chair to be adjusted to a suitable height, creating a quiet and comfortable reading experience.

The aspects of the disclosed embodiments enable a phase difference between the transmit and receive channels of the antenna apparatus 100 in a range of 4 degrees to and including eight degrees. In one embodiment, the phase different is less than approximately 7.8 degrees, with an average difference of approximately 5 degrees in the vertical plane. An exemplary implementation could include a printed circuit board based antenna apparatus 100, with one or more dielectric members connected to a radome cover.

Other advantages of the antenna apparatus 100 can include, but are not limited to, a virtually tilted antenna up to 85 degrees; achieved phase error of less than approximately 22 degrees, with 10 degrees on average in the field of view. This corresponds to approximately 0.5 meters accuracy at a 6 meter distance.

In an implementation with a radome, the radome will suppress surface waves and parasitic waves, as well reduce distortion. The dielectric members tilt the beam further in elevation plane, such as from 23 - 61 degrees or 30 - 82 degrees. The dielectric member also reduces beam ripple in the horizontal plane, while minimizing the parasitic effects of the radome.

The dielectric member 110 can be assembled as part of the antenna apparatus 100 in a number of manners. In one embodiment, the dielectric member(s) 110 can be affixed to the PCB substrate 130. The dielectric member(s) 110 in this example can be one or more of glued to the PCB substrate 130, secured to the PCB substrate 130 with screws or other suitable fasteners or clips. In one embodiment, the dielectric member(s) 110 can be soldered to the PCB substrate 130. In an implementation with a radome 130, the dielectric member(s) can be secured to, or be part of, the radome cover 130. In alternate embodiments, the dielectric member(s) 110 can be secured with respect to the antenna apparatus 100 in any suitable manner.

Thus, while there have been shown, described and pointed out, fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to the exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form and details of devices and methods illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the presently disclosed invention. Further, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements, which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results, are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus (100) comprising: a traveling wave structure (102); a dielectric member (110) disposed adjacent to and spaced apart from a surface (106) of the traveling wave structure (102); and a reflective element (120) disposed adjacent to the traveling wave structure (102).

2. The reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein a gap (G) is defined between a surface (112) of the dielectric member (110) and the surface (106) of the traveling wave structure (102).

3. The reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an offset (108) is defined between a centerline (Yl) of the travelling wave structure (102) and a centerline (Y2) of the dielectric member (110).

4. The reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the dielectric member (110) is disposed adjacent to the surface (106) of the traveling wave structure (102) in a direction of propagation of radio waves.

5. The reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the centerline (Yl) of the dielectric member (110) is arranged at an angle relative to the surface (106) of the traveling wave structure (102).

6. The reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus (100) according to claim 5, wherein the angle relative to the surface (106) of the traveling wave structure (102) is in one or more of a horizontal plane or a vertical plane.

7. The reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the centerline (Y2) of the dielectric member (110) is disposed perpendicularly to the surface (106) of the traveling wave structure (102).

8. The reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a radome (140), the radome (140) disposed over the traveling wave antenna (102) and the reflective element (120), the dielectric member (110) being connected to an inner surface (142) of the radome (140).

9. The reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a shape of the dielectric member (110) is configurable.

10. The reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the shape of the dielectric member (110) is tapered.

11. The reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the dielectric member (110) comprises a non-metallic liquid material contained in an elastic container.

12. The reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a support member (400) disposed over the surface (112) of the traveling wave antenna (102), the dielectric member (110) being coupled to the support member (400), and wherein the support member (400) is configured to space apart the dielectric member (110) from the surface (112) of the traveling wave structure (102).

13. The reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the reflective element (120) comprises a discontinuous surface.

14. The reconfigurable beamforming antenna apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the reflective element (120) comprises one or more of raised periodic and aperiodic metallic members.