Broadband RF Signal Classification for Near-Real-Time Spectrum Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spectrum management devices are limited by their specificity to certain technologies, bulkiness, high cost, difficulty in use, and lack of real-time data analysis, making them inefficient for managing diverse wireless communications spectrum needs.

Innovation Solution

A system that automatically identifies and classifies RF signals, provides real-time data analysis, and offers remote access through a virtualized computing network, using apparatuses with processors, receivers, and sensors to detect and analyze signals from multiple devices, identifying open spaces and optimizing spectrum use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If narrowly tailored spectral analyzer devices are used for specific communications standards, then measurement precision for that specific standard is improved, but device complexity increases and adaptability decreases when standards change

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral measurement precisionVSAvoidadaptability to changing communications standards

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal spectral analyzer that can detect and analyze multiple communications standards (cellular, WiFi, radar, satellite) within a single device. The system uses a broadband receiver capable of tuning across multiple frequency bands and protocols, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices for each standard while maintaining measurement precision through standardized signal processing algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts its measurement parameters, frequency ranges, and analysis algorithms based on the detected signal type and communications standard. The processor automatically adjusts detection settings in real-time based on the received signal characteristics, allowing the same hardware to maintain optimal measurement precision across varying standards without manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If bulky spectrum management systems with complete functionality are used, then adaptability to various spectrum management needs is improved, but ease of operation and portability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectrum management capabilityVSAvoiduser accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the spectrum management system into a distributed architecture where the core analytical processing is performed by portable handheld devices, while centralized cloud-based servers handle data storage, advanced analytics, and system management. This segmentation allows the user interface to be simplified and more portable while maintaining comprehensive spectrum management capabilities through networked access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces a cloud-based server as an intermediary between the portable spectral analyzer and the user interface. The server handles complex data processing, database management, and system configuration, allowing users to access comprehensive spectrum management functionality through simplified web-based interfaces without needing to interact with the underlying system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If external connectivity to remote databases is required for analysis, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to data transmission delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem architecture simplicityVSAvoiddata analysis time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary signal processing and baseline data identification directly at the portable device before data transmission to the cloud. The device performs initial spectrum analysis, detects signal characteristics, and pre-processes measurements locally, reducing the amount of data that needs to be transmitted and analyzed remotely, thereby minimizing time loss while maintaining architectural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If real-time spectrum analysis is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectrum management efficiencyVSAvoiddata processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements real-time analysis at the critical detection stage using signal processing algorithms that identify baseline data and signal characteristics immediately. While comprehensive advanced analytics are performed later in the cloud, the portable device performs sufficient real-time processing to enable immediate spectrum management decisions, achieving productivity improvement without overwhelming local processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12464392B2Systems, methods, and devices for electronic spectrum management

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 DIGITAL GLOBAL SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

Systems, methods, and devices enable spectrum management by identifying, classifying, and cataloging signals of interest based on radio frequency measurements. In an embodiment, signals and the parameters of the signals may be identified and indications of available frequencies may be presented to a user. In another embodiment, the protocols of signals may also be identified. In a further embodiment, the modulation of signals, data types carried by the signals, and estimated signal origins may be identified.