Blind Frequency Spectrum Scanning with Overlapping Tuner Segments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional blind scan methods for frequency spectra are inefficient due to the need for frequent adjustments in step lengths, leading to false detections and reduced scanning efficiency when frequency positions and widths are unknown.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that utilize a signal detection device with a tuner circuit scanning the full-band spectrum in overlapping segments with consistent step sizes, combining these segments to form a combined spectrum, and processing to detect signals by determining center frequencies based on signal strength thresholds, thereby improving detection accuracy and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a traditional blind scan method adjusts step length according to frequency positions in each scan, then signal detection can be performed, but false detections occur and scan efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal detection accuracyVSAvoidscan efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency spectrum is divided into multiple segments that are scanned in parallel using multiple tuners with different fixed step lengths. Each tuner scans a portion of the spectrum independently, avoiding the need for repeated full-spectrum scans while maintaining detection accuracy through segment-specific optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically assigns different fixed step lengths to different tuners based on their scanning capabilities and the spectrum segments they cover. This dynamic configuration allows each tuner to operate optimally for its assigned segment, improving both detection accuracy and overall scan efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If a traditional blind scan method uses varied step lengths, then signal detection is possible, but the detecting device needs to scan the frequency spectrum many times

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal detection capabilityVSAvoidscan time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures multiple tuners with different fixed step lengths before scanning begins. This preliminary setup allows parallel scanning of different spectrum segments from the outset, eliminating the need for repeated scans that would otherwise be required to achieve complete spectrum coverage with accurate signal detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple tuners continuously scan different segments of the frequency spectrum simultaneously without interruption or repetition. This continuous parallel operation ensures that the entire spectrum is covered in a single scanning cycle, significantly reducing the time required compared to sequential scanning methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If a blind scan uses fixed step lengths, then scan efficiency improves, but detection accuracy may decrease due to inconsistent frequency positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescan efficiencyVSAvoidfrequency position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different fixed step lengths are assigned to different tuners based on their specific scanning requirements and the characteristics of the spectrum segments they cover. Each tuner operates with a step length optimized for its local context, maintaining high frequency position accuracy while achieving efficient parallel scanning across the entire spectrum.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3713098B1Device and method of handling a blind scan of a frequency spectrum
Publication Date: 2022.04.27 REALTEK SEMICON CORP
  • EP3713098B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3713098B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3713098B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A signal detection device for handling a blind scan of a frequency spectrum, comprises a receiving circuit, for receiving a full-band spectrum; a tuner circuit, coupled to the receiving circuit, for scanning the full-band spectrum to generate a plurality of overlapped spectrums; and a processing circuit, coupled to the tuner circuit, for constructing a combined full-band spectrum according to the plurality of overlapped spectrums, to detect a plurality of signals in the combined full-band spectrum.