Cognitive Base Station Spectrum Sharing via Interference Pricing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The scarcity of unreserved radio communications frequencies due to licensing restrictions and inefficient use of licensed channels, leading to underutilization of available spectrum, necessitates innovative methods for spectrum sharing without significant interference.

Innovation Solution

A cognitive base station system that measures noise and signal interference, selects an appropriate radio frequency channel, and compensates the incumbent provider for any interference caused, using a Radio Frequency Mediation Server to facilitate channel selection and pricing based on interference impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If licensed radio communication channels are used exclusively by their holders, then communication reliability is maintained, but spectrum utilization efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidspectrum utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic spectrum access where the cognitive radio base station continuously monitors channel conditions and dynamically selects available licensed channels for opportunistic use. The system adapts its behavior based on real-time interference measurements and channel availability, allowing flexible utilization of spectrum resources without compromising licensed users' reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the cognitive radio base station measures interference levels on selected channels and uses this information to adjust its operations. The base station provides feedback about channel conditions and interference impacts to both the cognitive radio network and the licensed provider, enabling continuous optimization of spectrum sharing while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If cognitive radios share licensed channels opportunistically, then spectrum utilization efficiency improves, but interference with licensed communications increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum utilization efficiencyVSAvoidinterference with licensed communications
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potential harm of interference into a beneficial pricing mechanism. By measuring and quantifying the interference caused by cognitive radio usage, the system calculates compensation amounts that reflect the actual harm done. This transforms the interference problem into a fair economic exchange, where the cognitive radio base station pays the licensed provider for the spectrum access right.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of spectrum access from free/unrestricted to conditional/paid. By introducing a pricing mechanism based on interference measurements, the system adjusts the terms under which cognitive radios can access licensed channels. The compensation amount dynamically reflects the interference level, creating a balanced approach to spectrum sharing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-generated harmful factors

If base stations use Radio Frequency Mediation Servers for channel selection and pricing, then fair compensation is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefair compensationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a Radio Frequency Mediation Server as an intermediary component that handles the complex tasks of channel selection, interference measurement, and compensation calculation. This mediator sits between the cognitive radio base station and the licensed provider, automating the negotiation process and reducing the complexity burden on individual base stations. The server centralizes the sophisticated algorithms and measurement functions needed for fair compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2257097B1Spectrum Sharing Using Cognitive Radios
Publication Date: 2018.09.12 EMPIRE TECH DEV LLC
  • EP2257097B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2257097B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2257097B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Base stations and mobile devices have limited radio frequency spectrum through which they may communicate. Moreover, this spectrum is usually owned by a party having proprietary control. In order to allow for spectrum sharing, cognitive base stations (CBS) may be configured to select a radio frequency channel owned by another entity for its own use, and to determine how much additional noise it will create for such other entity. Based on this determination, the additional noise may be monetized, so that spectrum owners may be compensated for the additional noise created by use of their radio frequency channel.