The next-generation wireless networks are evolving into very complex systems because of the very diversified service requirements, heterogeneity in applications, devices, and networks. The network operators need to make the best use of the available resources, for example, power, spectrum, as well as infrastructures. Traditional networking approaches, i.e., reactive, centrally-managed, one-size-fits-all approaches, and conventional data analysis tools that have limited capability (space and time) are not competent anymore and cannot satisfy and serve that future complex networks regarding operation and optimization cost effectively. A novel paradigm of proactive, self-aware, self-adaptive, and predictive networking is much needed. The network operators have access to large amounts of data, especially from the network and the subscribers. Systematic exploitation of the big data dramatically helps in making the system smart, intelligent, and facilitates efficient as well as cost-effective operation and optimization. We envision data-driven next-generation wireless networks, where the network operators employ advanced data analytics, machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence. We discuss the data sources and strong drivers for the adoption of the data analytics, and the role of ML, artificial intelligence in making the system intelligent regarding being self-aware, self-adaptive, proactive and prescriptive. A set of network design and optimization schemes are presented concerning data analytics. This paper concludes with a discussion of challenges and the benefits of adopting big data analytics, ML, and artificial intelligence in the next-generation communication systems.

Big Data Analytics, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence in Next-Generation Wireless Networks

The present disclosure describes a methodology for wireless power transmission based on pocket-forming. This methodology may include one transmitter and at least one or more receivers, being the transmitter the source of energy and the receiver the device that is desired to charge or power. The transmitter may identify and locate the device to which the receiver is connected and thereafter aim pockets of energy to the device in order to power it. Pockets of energy may be generated through constructive and destructive interferences, which may create null-spaces and spots of pockets of energy ranged into one or more radii from transmitter. Such feature may enable wireless power transmission through a selective range, which may limit operation area of electronic devices and/or may avoid formation of pockets of energy near and/or over certain areas, objects and people.

Wireless power transmission with selective range

Configurations and methods of wireless power transmission for charging or powering one or more electronic devices inside a vehicle are disclosed. A transmitter capable of single or multiple pocket-forming may be connected to a car lighter, where this transmitter may include a circuitry module and an antenna array integrated within the transmitter, or operatively connected through a cable. This cable may allow the positioning of the antenna array in different locations inside the vehicle suitable for directing RF waves or pockets of energy towards one or more electronic devices. Transmitter's configuration can be accessed by one or more electronic devices through Bluetooth communication in order to set up charging or powering priorities.

Wireless charging and powering of electronic devices in a vehicle

The present disclosure may provide a wireless power system which may be used to provide wireless power transmission (WPT) while using suitable WPT techniques such as pocket-forming. Wireless power system may be used in a wireless powered house for providing power and charge to a plurality of mobile and non-mobile devices. Wireless powered house may include a single base station which may be connected to several transmitters. Base station may manage operation of every transmitter in an independently manner or may operate them as a single transmitter. Connection between base station and transmitters may be achieved through a plurality of techniques including wired connections and wireless connections.

Wireless powered house

The present invention describes a methodology for wireless power transmission based on pocket-forming. This methodology may include one transmitter and at least one or more receivers, being the transmitter the source of energy and the receiver the device that is desired to charge or power. Both devices, the transmitter and receiver, may communicate to each other via a wireless protocol. By communicating to each other, the transmitter may identify and locate the device to which the receiver is connected and thereafter aim pockets of energy to the device in order to power it.

Methodology for pocket-forming

Described embodiments include a system, method, and apparatus A system includes an antenna comprising a sub-Nyquist holographic aperture configured to define selectable arbitrary complex radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on a surface of the antenna A path analysis engine tests power transmission pathways from the antenna to a target device located in an environment within a space radiateable by the antenna The environment includes a human being An optimization circuit selects responsive to the tested power transmission pathways a power transmission regime The regime includes an electromagnetic radiation pattern shaped to transfer radiofrequency electromagnetic power from the antenna to the target device without exceeding a radiation exposure limit for humans A gain definition circuit selects a complex radiofrequency electromagnetic field implementing the selected power transmission regime from the at least two selectable, complex radiofrequency electromagnetic fields An antenna controller defines the selected arbitrary complex radiofrequency electromagnetic field in the sub-Nyquist holographic aperture

System wirelessly transferring power to a target device over a tested transmission pathway

Surface scattering antennas with lumped elements provide adjustable radiation fields by adjustably coupling scattering elements along a wave-propagating structure. In some approaches, the surface scattering antenna is a multi-layer printed circuit board assembly, and the lumped elements are surface-mount components placed on an upper surface of the printed circuit board assembly. In some approaches, the scattering elements are adjusted by adjusting bias voltages for the lumped elements. In some approaches, the lumped elements include diodes or transistors.

Surface scattering antennas with lumped elements

Modulation patterns for surface scattering antennas provide desired antenna pattern attributes such as reduced side lobes and reduced grating lobes.

Modulation patterns for surface scattering antennas

Holographic beamforming antennas may be utilized for adaptive routing within communications networks, such as wireless backhaul networks. Holographic beamforming antennas may be further utilized for discovering and/or addressing nodes in a communication network with steerable, high-directivity beams. Holographic beamforming antennas may be further utilized for extending the range of communications nodes and providing bandwidth assistance to adjacent nodes via dynamic adjacent cell assist. In some approaches, MIMO is used in concert with holographic beamforming for additional channel capacity.

Methods and systems for communication with beamforming antennas

Described embodiments include an antenna, method, and an apparatus. The antenna includes a sub-Nyquist complex-holographic aperture configured to define at least two selectable, arbitrary complex radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on a surface with tangential wavenumbers up to 2π over the aperture element spacing (k_apt=2π/a).

Melroy Machado

Papers

System wirelessly transferring power to a target device over a tested transmission pathway

Surface scattering antennas with lumped elements

Modulation patterns for surface scattering antennas

Methods and systems for communication with beamforming antennas

Sub-nyquist complex-holographic aperture antenna configured to define selectable, arbitrary complex electromagnetic fields