Dynamic Relay Method Selection for Power Conservation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radio relay systems are inefficient, unadaptable, and consume excessive power, particularly in beyond line of sight (BLOS) conditions, due to their reliance on power-intensive decode-and-forward relaying methods and inability to dynamically adjust to varying channel conditions.

Innovation Solution

The system dynamically selects between amplify-and-forward, compress-and-forward, and decode-and-forward relay methods based on measured channel characteristics, such as signal-to-noise ratio and adjacent channel interference, to optimize power usage and adapt to changing conditions, thereby reducing power consumption and improving efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If decode-and-forward relaying method is used, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The relay system dynamically adapts its relaying method based on measured channel conditions. The controller monitors signal-to-noise ratio and other channel characteristics, then selects between amplify-and-forward, compress-and-forward, or decode-and-forward methods in real-time. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to use power-intensive decode-and-forward only when channel conditions warrant it, while using lower-power methods during better conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of the relay by switching between different relaying methodologies (amplify-and-forward, compress-and-forward, decode-and-forward) based on measured channel conditions. When signal-to-noise ratio is high, the system transitions to lower-power parameter settings (amplify-and-forward), and when conditions deteriorate, it transitions to higher-power settings (decode-and-forward) to maintain reliability, thereby optimizing the power-reliability tradeoff.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of stationary object

If conventional relay systems are used, then communication coverage is extended, but efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication coverageVSAvoidsystem efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The relay system employs dynamic adaptation by continuously monitoring channel conditions and adjusting its relaying method accordingly. This dynamic behavior enables the system to maintain extended communication coverage while improving efficiency by avoiding unnecessary use of power-intensive decode-and-forward operations, thus resolving the contradiction between coverage extension and system efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system optimizes efficiency while maintaining coverage by changing operational parameters - specifically, selecting different relaying methods based on measured channel characteristics such as signal-to-noise ratio. This parameter adaptation allows the system to achieve better efficiency without sacrificing the extended coverage capability that relay systems provide.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If decode-and-forward relaying is used, then signal quality is improved, but adaptability to channel conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidadaptability to channel conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The relay system resolves this contradiction by being dynamic rather than static. The controller continuously measures channel conditions including signal-to-noise ratio and adjacent channel interference, then adapts the relaying method in real-time. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to maintain high signal quality through decode-and-forward when needed while demonstrating adaptability by switching to other methods when channel conditions change, thus achieving both signal quality and adaptability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The relay system achieves universality by implementing multiple relaying methods (amplify-and-forward, compress-and-forward, decode-and-forward) within a single platform. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to various channel conditions while maintaining signal quality, as each relaying method serves different channel scenarios. The controller selects the appropriate function based on measured conditions, resolving the contradiction between signal quality and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Length of stationary object

If relay systems operate in BLOS conditions, then communication range is extended, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication rangeVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The relay system dynamically adjusts its operation based on measured channel conditions specific to BLOS environments. By monitoring signal-to-noise ratio and channel characteristics, the system adapts its relaying method to extend communication range while minimizing power consumption. This dynamic adaptation is particularly valuable in BLOS conditions where channel characteristics vary significantly, allowing the system to achieve extended range without proportionally increasing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by selecting different relaying methods based on BLOS channel conditions. When channel conditions permit, the system uses lower-power parameter settings; when conditions deteriorate, it transitions to higher-power settings only as necessary to maintain the extended communication range. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between extending range in BLOS conditions and managing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10271273B2Radio relay architecture and method for power conservation under dynamic channel conditions
Publication Date: 2019.04.23 THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
  • US10271273B2 patent drawing
  • US10271273B2 patent drawing
  • US10271273B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and method are provided for dynamically adjusting relay methodology based on current radio frequency channel conditions by selecting an optimal relay method. Radio relay systems that can dynamically adapt their relay modes in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure can achieve useful power savings over conventional relay systems designed for worst case scenario operation.