Patent ID: 6195062
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: H01Q

Abstract:
A method of interfacing electromagnetic energy with respect to an electromagnetic wave propagation medium comprising the steps of:(a) providing a three-dimensional arrangement of antenna elements, which includes(a1) a plurality of first antenna elements located in a first plane, and including at least one antenna element coupled to a signal transmission conductor which, when used to drive said at least one antenna element with electrical energy supplied by a signal source, or when used to couple electrical energy received from said at least one antenna element to a signal processing circuit, exhibits an electromagnetic energy radiation pattern in said electromagnetic wave propagation medium having sidelobes relative to a principal lobe thereof, and(a2) a plurality of parasitic antenna elements spatially distributed in a prescribed spatial arrangement in at least one second plane spaced apart from said first plane, and thereby forming said three-dimensional arrangement of antenna elements; and(b) defining the spatial locations of said plurality of parasitic antenna elements relative to said at least one antenna element of said three-dimensional arrangement at spatial positions that reduce said sidelobes in said electromagnetic radiation pattern of said at least one antenna element.