Geolocated Mobile Power Measurements for Network Signal Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Content distributors lack signal strength measurements at various locations within their network coverage areas due to varying signal quality affected by environmental factors, making it difficult to determine service availability.
Innovation Solution
Mobile devices autonomously collect signal power measurements and geolocation data, uploading them to a database for the distributor to provide accurate signal quality information to subscribers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional fixed measurement systems are used, then measurement stability is maintained, but coverage area and location flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the measurement system from static to dynamic by enabling mobile devices to move freely while collecting signal measurements. The system adapts to changing locations through GPS tracking and dynamic data upload, allowing coverage area expansion without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages existing mobile devices (smartphones, tablets) that users already possess for other purposes. These universal devices perform multiple functions: daily communication, navigation, and now signal quality measurement. This eliminates the need for dedicated measurement equipment, expanding coverage without adding specialized infrastructure.
2Loss of information
If mobile devices are used for autonomous measurement collection, then data coverage and location information are improved, but energy consumption and device resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes existing mobile device capabilities (GPS, signal receivers, processors, communication modules) that are already powered and operational for other purposes. The measurement function leverages these self-service resources without requiring separate power sources or additional energy-intensive infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of deploying dedicated measurement equipment that would consume dedicated energy resources, the patent creates a virtual measurement network by copying the measurement function across existing mobile devices. This distributes the measurement task across multiple devices, each using its own existing resources, rather than concentrating energy consumption in dedicated measurement infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If distributors deploy dedicated measurement infrastructure, then measurement precision is ensured, but deployment cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the distributor deploy measurement infrastructure (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by having end-user mobile devices perform the measurements. The distributor receives and processes the data rather than collecting it through dedicated infrastructure, dramatically simplifying deployment while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a data server as an intermediary that receives measurements from multiple mobile devices and aggregates the data. This intermediary consolidates the measurement function, allowing individual mobile devices to use standard sensors while achieving distributed measurement precision through statistical aggregation and validation at the server level.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique is described for mobile metering of a communication network. As an example, a server may receive, from one or more mobile devices, one or more data packets and extract one or more power measurements, determine a distribution protocol associated with the one or more power measurements, identify a geolocation associated with the one or more power measurements, and determine signal quality data based on the geolocation and the one or more power measurements, and store the signal quality data at a server.