Guided Wave Communication System Status Reporting Without Return Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing and reporting status within communication networks, particularly in high-bandwidth environments like smart phone and portable device networks, where traditional methods require electrical return paths and are not scalable for increased data usage.

Innovation Solution

A guided wave communication system that uses electromagnetic waves bound to transmission media like wires or dielectric materials, allowing for propagation without an electrical return path, enabling efficient data transmission and status reporting through couplers and transceivers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional communication methods with electrical return paths are used, then reliable status reporting can be achieved, but the system complexity and scalability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestatus reporting reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the return path requirement from the communication system by using electromagnetic waves that propagate through transmission media (power lines, cables, or waveguides) without needing a separate electrical return path. The electromagnetic waves carry both power and status information in one direction, eliminating the need for bidirectional electrical circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission medium serves multiple functions: it acts as both the power delivery path and the communication channel for status reporting. The electromagnetic waves simultaneously convey electrical power to remote devices and carry status information back to the source, combining two separate functions into one unified system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of energy

If electromagnetic waves bound to transmission media are used, then propagation loss is reduced and bandwidth is increased, but the requirement for specific transmission media structures is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepropagation lossVSAvoidtransmission media structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses existing transmission media structures (power lines, cables, waveguides) that are already deployed in the system for power delivery. Instead of installing new dedicated communication infrastructure, the system copies the existing media's electromagnetic field characteristics to carry additional status information, leveraging already-present structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the electromagnetic field parameters (frequency, mode, coupling strength) of the existing transmission media to enable bidirectional functionality. By adjusting these parameters, the same physical infrastructure can efficiently carry both power delivery and status reporting functions with minimal additional structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If out-of-band status conveyance is implemented, then data transmission efficiency is enhanced, but the available bandwidth for status information is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidavailable bandwidth

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the electromagnetic spectrum by using out-of-band frequencies for status information that are separate from the main data transmission bands. This segmentation allows status reporting to occur without interfering with primary data communications while utilizing the same physical transmission medium, effectively creating dedicated channels through frequency division.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enhances data transmission efficiency by reducing propagation loss and enabling communication over various transmission media, including uninsulated wires, without the need for electrical return paths, thus supporting increased bandwidth demands and network scalability.

Implementation Method 1

a first waveguide device is configured to couple a first electromagnetic wave onto a transmission medium such that the first electromagnetic wave is guided by and propagates along the transmission medium without requiring an electrical return path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

monitoring a plurality of parameters associated with a first waveguide device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11456771B1Apparatuses and methods for facilitating a conveyance of status in communication systems and networks

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include systems, apparatuses, and methods for monitoring a value of a parameter associated with a first waveguide device that is configured to couple a first electromagnetic wave onto a transmission medium such that the first electromagnetic wave is guided by and propagates along the transmission medium without requiring an electrical return path, and periodically transmitting, based on the monitoring, a status of a health of the first waveguide device, wherein the periodic transmission of the status of the health occurs at a rate that is less than once every ten seconds. Other embodiments are disclosed.