An antenna pattern disposed on a three-dimensional object is used to optimize gain, beam pattern, polarization response, or other qualities despite or independently of physical orientation. This invention improves upon existing technologies by providing an antenna pattern on a three-dimensional object to optimize gain, beam pattern, polarization response, or other qualities despite or independently of physical orientation.

A fractal array is used on a polyhedron, though non-fractal and other self-replicating antenna patterns and may be generated through the use of additional transformations and candidate geometric shapes to achieve patterns which are not only arbitrary in terms of wavelength/frequency, but also permit variable radiation patterns and variable polarization other desirable criteria. In addition to the use of variable scaling, geometric patterns, and the like, multiple structures may be placed within the same spatial footprint to permit reception over more bands. As an alternative to a fixed pattern with switches used to swap elements or change feed points, a reconfigurable multi-dimensional array may be used having an active area optimized to maximize reception for a desired frequency and/or direction. This aspect of the invention may exploit flat-panel technology, wherein, for example, a conductor array face on the object may be mapped to an addressable interconnect back plane to achieve a desired level of reconfigurability.

File Number: 0330.00