Communication Device Spectrum Area Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary usage of white spaces in communication spectra is limited, leading to inefficient spectrum utilization and potential future shortages, as it primarily relies on unused channels in specific regions with few users, and the allocation of secondary usage spectrum is small, especially in the US, where part of the spectrum is auctioned.
Innovation Solution
A communication device and method that determine the location within a service area based on signal receiving conditions to enable secondary usage of the spectrum in areas not limited to white spaces, allowing for efficient use by classifying areas as 'green' or 'gray' spaces, where secondary usage can occur without affecting primary services, and allowing for permission-based or permission-free usage depending on the area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If secondary usage is limited to white spaces (unused spectrum areas), then interference with primary services is avoided, but spectrum utilization efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the service area into three distinct zones based on signal receiving conditions: first area (suitable for primary service), second area (peripheral part with unsuitable receiving conditions), and third area (outside peripheral part). This segmentation allows secondary usage to be permitted in the second and third areas while maintaining protection for the first area, thereby resolving the contradiction between interference avoidance and spectrum utilization efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different usage rules to different spatial zones within the service area. The first area maintains strict primary service protection, while the second and third areas allow secondary usage. This local differentiation enables spectrum utilization improvement in specific regions without compromising overall interference avoidance
2Reliability
If the spectrum allocated for secondary usage is limited (as in US white space auction), then primary service quality is protected, but future spectrum shortage cannot be solved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic spectrum access by continuously monitoring signal receiving conditions and adjusting secondary usage permissions accordingly. The determination unit dynamically identifies the second and third areas based on real-time sensed data, allowing the system to adaptively expand or contract secondary usage zones. This dynamic approach enables more spectrum to be made available for secondary usage while maintaining primary service quality protection
3Productivity
If secondary usage is allowed in areas with unsuitable signal receiving conditions, then spectrum utilization is improved, but interference control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit automatically performs area classification by analyzing sensed data related to signal receiving conditions. The system self-determines which areas qualify as second or third areas based on objective criteria (signal receiving suitability), eliminating the need for manual area designation and reducing operational complexity despite the sophisticated classification logic
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a communication device including: a data acquisition unit that acquires sensed data related to a signal receiving condition in a spectrum assigned to a first communication service; a determination unit that determines which of a first area inside a service area of the first communication service where a signal receiving condition is suitable, a second area inside or in a peripheral part of the service area where a signal receiving condition is not suitable and a third area outside the peripheral part of the service area the communication device is located based on the sensed data acquired by the data acquisition unit; and a secondary usage starting unit that starts usage of a second communication service using a part or whole of the spectrum assigned to the first communication service by a procedure different depending on a kind of the area where the communication device is located determined by the determination unit.