Distance-Based Communication Squelch for Signal Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems, such as handheld radios and wireless phones with GPS, lack precise control over communication limits based on distance, leading to inefficiencies in emergency response scenarios where strong signals from distant locations interfere with weaker signals from nearby responders.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine the distance between communication terminals and enforce communication limits, preventing receivers from using messages from transmitters if the distance exceeds a predetermined limit, using a processor and memory to manage communication channels and restrict message delivery based on geographic criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If signal strength-based squelch filtering is used, then weak signals are filtered out, but distant strong signals cannot be blocked when they interfere with nearby weak signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the filtering parameter from signal strength to distance. By using GPS location data to calculate actual distances between transmitters and receivers, the system can accurately identify and block distant strong signals that would otherwise interfere with nearby weak signals, while maintaining reliable communication for legitimate nearby transmissions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If communication is limited to strong signals only, then interference from weak signals is reduced, but precise distance-based control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces GPS location data as an intermediary parameter. Instead of directly measuring signal strength or distance, the system uses GPS coordinates of transmitters and receivers to calculate precise distances. This intermediary approach enables accurate distance-based filtering that properly distinguishes between nearby and distant signals regardless of their strength.
3Ease of operation
If distance-based communication limiting is implemented, then precise control over communication range is achieved, but system complexity increases due to GPS integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing multi-functionality of modern mobile devices that already contain GPS receivers for other purposes. By reusing this existing hardware capability for distance-based communication control, the system achieves precise range limitation without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as the GPS functionality serves dual purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system for limiting communication between communication terminals based, at least in part, upon a separation between communication terminals is disclosed. A first communication channel is coupled with a first communication terminal, where the first communication terminal includes a transmitter. A second communication channel coupled with a second communication terminal, where the second communication terminal includes a receiver. A separation determining function finds a distance between the first and second communication terminals. A distance squelch analyzes the distance to prevent use of a message by the receiver.