Cumulative Leakage Index Calculation Using GPS Polygon Grids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calculating the cumulative leakage index (CLI) in broadband cable communication systems are inaccurate and inconsistent due to varying techniques for approximating the proportion of the service area inspected, leading to significant differences in computed CLI values between different systems and making comparisons between systems meaningless.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that use a global positioning system and signal egress receiver to generate and collect polygons representing locations of signal detectors, limiting the number of polygons to determine a value that accurately reflects the proportion of the service area monitored, and dividing the measurement of egress signal strength by this value to calculate the CLI, ensuring consistent and accurate shielding integrity assessments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different techniques are used to approximate the proportion of service area inspected, then the calculation method is flexible and adaptable, but the computed CLI values vary greatly and become inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of area approximation from using various geometric shapes (circles, rectangles, polygons) to using a standardized grid system where the service area is divided into uniform cells. This standardization of the spatial parameter eliminates variability in CLI calculations while maintaining adaptability to different service area sizes and shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the continuous service area into discrete, countable units (grid cells) that can be systematically inspected and counted. This segmentation transforms the continuous area measurement problem into a discrete counting problem, ensuring consistency in CLI calculation across different systems.
2Ease of operation
If the service area is approximated using simple geometric shapes, then the calculation is easier and faster, but the accuracy of the inspected area proportion decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The service area is divided into a grid of uniform cells, creating discrete segments that are easy to count and track. This segmentation maintains calculation simplicity while improving accuracy by providing a more precise representation of the actual service area boundaries compared to simple geometric approximations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified grid-based model (copy) of the actual service area that preserves the essential spatial relationships and boundaries. This model copy is easier to work with for calculations while maintaining sufficient accuracy for CLI determination.
3Measurement precision
If more polygons are collected to represent detector locations, then the coverage measurement is more detailed, but the data processing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous spatial data from detector locations is segmented into discrete grid cells. Each detector location is mapped to one or more grid cells, transforming complex continuous location data into simple discrete cell identifiers that are easier to process and analyze.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified grid-based representation (copy) of the detector location data that preserves the essential coverage information while reducing data complexity. This grid model serves as an efficient data structure for calculating inspected area proportion.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides a consistent and accurate calculation of the CLI, allowing for meaningful comparisons between different broadband communication systems and improving the overall accuracy and reliability of shielding integrity assessments.
Implementation Method 1
a global positioning system receiver
Implementation Method 2
signal egress receiver to generate and collect polygons representing locations of signal detectors
Data Source
AI summary
An improved, adaptive and uniformly applicable estimation of the percentage or fraction of a broadband communication system (BCS) plant that is monitored for signal egress during a given period of time is provided by generating and collecting polygons along all possible routes traversed by BCS service vehicles within a service area, preferably by comparison with a roadway map, to define the service area with improved accuracy. The number of polygons generated and collected is then limited by the number of polygons in which DCS service vehicles have been reported in a given period of time or inspection interval. The limited number of polygons is then divided by the number of polygons generated and collected to determine a fraction or percentage of the BCS system which has been monitored during the given time period and can be used in a computation of a cumulative leakage index (CLI) value.