Path Loss Determination Using Active Signal Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for determining path loss in wireless networks require dedicating a specific frequency channel, which is costly and inefficient, and disrupts the existing frequency use plan.

Innovation Solution

The method involves identifying and using an active communication channel within the existing frequency use plan for determining path loss by measuring the transmitted and received signal strengths, without disabling or revising the frequency use plan, and geolocating the wireless device and receiver.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a dedicated frequency channel is allocated for path loss measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but frequency resource efficiency deteriorates and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepath loss measurement accuracyVSAvoidfrequency resource efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes existing frequency channels serve dual purposes: both active communication and path loss measurement. By utilizing the same frequency channels for both communication traffic and measurement activities, the system eliminates the need for dedicated measurement channels, thereby improving frequency resource efficiency while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own active communication signals to perform path loss measurements. The communication channels themselves provide the measurement signals, eliminating the need for separate dedicated measurement resources. This self-service approach allows the system to measure path loss using existing infrastructure without additional channel allocations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a dedicated frequency channel is allocated for path loss measurement, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidfrequency plan complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables existing frequency channels to serve multiple functions simultaneously - active communication and path loss measurement. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated measurement channels and complex frequency planning, reducing operational complexity while maintaining measurement reliability through proper signal identification and processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If active communication channels are used for path loss measurement, then frequency resource efficiency is improved, but measurement accuracy may deteriorate due to interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency resource efficiencyVSAvoidpath loss measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts measurement information from active communication signals by identifying and separating the communication signal components from the measured signal. The receiver identifies active communication channels and extracts path loss measurement data from these signals, effectively separating the measurement function from the communication function while using the same physical channel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses signal identification and processing as an intermediary mechanism to enable measurement on active channels. By identifying the active communication signal and using it as a reference, the system can measure path loss even in the presence of other communications, effectively mediating between the need for efficient resource use and accurate measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8320264B2Method and apparatus for determining path loss by active signal detection

Publication Date: 2012.11.27 GEOSCOPE TECH PTE LTD

AI summary

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method for determining a path loss value of a signal transmitted from a wireless device and received by a receiver, where the wireless device and the receiver operate within a wireless communication system having at least one cell having at least one sector operating on at least one frequency channel. The method includes: (i) identifying a geographic area where the path loss value is to be determined; (ii) identifying a first cell, a first sector, and a first frequency channel associated with the geographic area wherein said wireless device is actively communicating with said receiver using said first frequency channel; (iii) receiving at said receiver the signal transmitted from said wireless device on said first frequency channel; (iv) receiving at said receiver an indication of transmission signal strength of said signal; (v) measuring at said receiver the received signal strength of said signal; and (vi) determining the path loss value of said first frequency channel as a function of the indication of transmission signal strength and the received signal strength.