Assistant Device Geolocation for White Space Spectrum Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location-based wireless spectrum allocation methods require geolocation capabilities, which are costly and impractical for cost-sensitive, stationary devices like digital television sets, and may be hindered by GPS signal blockage, limiting their ability to access white space channels.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method where an assistant device with geolocation capabilities, such as a smartphone, provides location information to a digital television set, enabling it to request and obtain a white space channel allocation, even without built-in GPS, using a spectrum allocation server and database, and ensuring secure communication through cryptographic and authentication mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS receivers are added to cost-sensitive stationary devices like digital television sets, then geolocation capability is improved, but device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an assistant device as an intermediary that performs the geolocation function. Instead of embedding GPS in the TV set, a separate device (smartphone, tablet, or another TV with geolocation capability) determines the location and transmits it to the TV. This mediator approach allows cost-sensitive devices to access geolocation services without incorporating expensive GPS hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If GPS receivers are installed in devices, then location determination is enabled, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The assistant device serves multiple functions: it acts as a geolocation receiver, a communication bridge, and an authentication node. By making the assistant device multi-functional, the system avoids adding dedicated single-purpose components to the TV set, thereby reducing overall system complexity while enabling white space access.
3Measurement precision
If professional installation with manual location configuration is used, then location accuracy is improved, but installation cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service installation by allowing the assistant device to automatically determine its location using GPS or other geolocation methods and transmit this information to the TV set. This eliminates the need for professional installers to manually configure location data, reducing both installation cost and time while maintaining location accuracy.
4Productivity
If fixed devices are made mobile to utilize white space channels, then spectrum utilization is improved, but device stability and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the assistant device continuously monitors location changes and communicates updates to the TV set. When the device moves to a new location, the system receives feedback about the location change and can request new spectrum allocations, ensuring that channel assignments remain valid and reliable even as the device moves.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus ( 204 ) having corresponding computer- readable media comprise: a first transceiver, wherein the first transceiver includes a receiver configured to receive a first message ( 510 ) from a first device ( 202 ), wherein the first message ( 510 ) includes a location of the first device, and a transmitter configured to transmit a second message ( 516 ), wherein the second message includes the location of the first device, and a request for a frequency allocation based on the location of the first device; wherein the receiver is further configured to receive a third message ( 500 ), wherein the third message includes the frequency allocation; and a second transceiver configured to wirelessly communicate on a frequency band indicated by the frequency allocation.