Patent · US Active

Portable macro antenna system

US10056963B1 · kind B1 · utility

8Cited by
1References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMar 22, 2017
Grant dateAug 21, 2018
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 22, 2037

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH04W88/08
  • WIPO fieldTelecommunications
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Systems and methods for providing temporary cell coverage using lighter than air reflectors. The system can include a balloon or airship (e.g., a blimp) with a reflective lower surface. A ground-based source antenna can be aimed at the balloon to bounce cellular, or other communications, signals off the balloon and then back to the ground. The system can provide additional wireless coverage and bandwidth in remote locations and/or areas of high demand. The coverage area of the system can be adjusted by changing the shape of the bottom surface of the balloon. The coverage area of the system can also be adjusted by changing the height of the balloon above the source antenna. A dedicated source antenna and balloon can also serve as a microwave backhaul antenna system for a temporary cell site, using a balloon with a reflective surface shaped to collimate the radio link in a desired direction.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.