Beacon-Based Path Loss Measurement for Spectrum Interference Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current satellite service protection schemes are inefficient due to conservative interference thresholds and lack of real-time path loss measurement capabilities, leading to over-protection of FSS sites and underutilization of the C-band downlink spectrum, as conventional propagation models fail to accurately predict transmission loss and adapt to environmental changes.

Innovation Solution

A measurement-based protection system using beacon transmitters and detectors to create a closed loop for real-time path loss measurement and interference management, allowing for accurate propagation modeling and dynamic adaptation to environmental changes, thereby optimizing spectrum usage without impairing satellite receiver protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional propagation models are used for interference management, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of interference detection deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepath loss measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces beacon transmitters and beacon detectors as intermediary devices to measure path loss between FSS sites and terrestrial transmitters. These beacons act as mediators that enable direct measurement of transmission loss without requiring complex propagation models, thereby improving measurement precision while keeping the overall system implementation straightforward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the theoretical calculation system (propagation models) with an empirical measurement system (beacon-based direct measurement). This substitution transitions from using complex mathematical models to using simple direct measurements, improving accuracy while actually simplifying the operational complexity of the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If conservative interference thresholds are applied, then reliability of FSS protection is improved, but productivity of spectrum utilization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveFSS protection reliabilityVSAvoidspectrum utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic interference thresholds based on actual measured path loss values rather than static conservative thresholds. The system continuously measures path loss using beacons and adjusts interference limits accordingly, allowing the thresholds to adapt dynamically to real-world conditions. This enables reliable FSS protection while maximizing spectrum utilization by avoiding unnecessary restrictions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a feedback loop where path loss measurements from beacons are continuously fed back to the SAS (Spectrum Access System). The SAS uses this feedback to adjust interference management decisions in real-time, ensuring that FSS protection remains reliable while optimizing spectrum allocation for terrestrial services. The feedback mechanism enables the system to respond to actual conditions rather than relying on conservative estimates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional propagation models are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but adaptability to environmental changes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to environmental changesVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary path loss measurements using beacons before making interference management decisions. By measuring actual transmission loss in advance through beacon signals, the system prepares accurate baseline data that reflects current environmental conditions. This preliminary action enables the system to adapt to environmental changes while maintaining operational simplicity, as the measurements are automatically performed and stored for later use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12072424B2Systems and methods for interference detection in shared spectrum channels
Publication Date: 2024.08.27 CABLE TELEVISION LAB INC
  • US12072424B2 patent drawing
  • US12072424B2 patent drawing
  • US12072424B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A communication system, includes a satellite receiver in operable communication with a central server, a cellular node configured to operate within a proximity of the satellite receiver, and at least one mobile communication device configured to communicate (i) with the cellular node, (ii) within the proximity of the satellite receiver, and (iii) using a transmission signal capable of causing interference to the satellite receiver. The satellite receiver is configured to detect a repeating portion of the transmission signal and determine a potential for interference from the at least one mobile communication device based on the detected repeating portion.