Hybrid Vector-Matrix Terrain Database for Radio Propagation Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for predicting radio field levels and propagation times in mobile telephone networks require expensive and cumbersome vector databases, leading to high computing costs and inefficiencies, especially in dense urban environments.
Innovation Solution
A method using matrix databases with pixel-based information for terrain height and type, applying vectorization to linearize obstacle contours, allowing for efficient ray tracing and prediction of radio field levels and propagation times, compatible with all radio technologies and frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vector databases are used for ray-tracing propagation modeling, then measurement precision is improved, but computing time increases prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the terrain database into two distinct types: vector data (for precise building contours and obstacles) and matrix data (for general terrain height information). This segmentation allows the system to use vector data only where high precision is critical for ray-tracing calculations, while using the more efficient matrix data for broader terrain representation, thereby reducing overall computing time while maintaining prediction precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the data structure parameter from exclusively vector-based to a hybrid vector-matrix format. By representing terrain elevation as a matrix of height values at discrete grid points rather than continuous vector polygons, the system enables faster random access and interpolation operations during ray-tracing, significantly reducing computing time while preserving sufficient accuracy for propagation prediction.
2Measurement precision
If vector databases are used for ray-tracing propagation modeling, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the terrain database into two distinct types: vector data (for precise building contours and obstacles) and matrix data (for general terrain height information). This segmentation allows the system to use vector data only where high precision is critical for ray-tracing calculations, while using the more efficient matrix data for broader terrain representation, thereby reducing overall computing time while maintaining prediction precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion process that transforms matrix terrain data into localized vector representations only when and where needed for ray-tracing operations. This intermediary step allows the system to maintain the simplicity of matrix data storage while providing vector-level precision at specific locations, reducing both database management complexity and computing time.
3Measurement precision
If vector databases are used for ray-tracing propagation modeling, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the terrain database into two distinct types: vector data (for precise building contours and obstacles) and matrix data (for general terrain height information). This segmentation allows the system to use vector data only where high precision is critical for ray-tracing calculations, while using the more efficient matrix data for broader terrain representation, thereby reducing overall computing time while maintaining prediction precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the data structure parameter from exclusively vector-based to a hybrid vector-matrix format. By representing terrain elevation as a matrix of height values at discrete grid points rather than continuous vector polygons, the system enables faster random access and interpolation operations during ray-tracing, significantly reducing computing time while preserving sufficient accuracy for propagation prediction.
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 approach significantly reduces computing power while maintaining precision and efficiency, enabling real-time analysis and self-calibration, and is applicable to various mobile technologies and frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
a ray can be deflected by reflection or diffraction/scattering
Implementation Method 2
a ray can be deflected by reflection or diffraction/scattering
Implementation Method 3
a ray can be deflected by reflection or diffraction/scattering
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of predicting the level of radio field and/or the duration of radio propagation of a mobile telephone network for the coverage of a cell using the technique of ray tracing and utilizing geographical databases, which is noteworthy in that the database directly utilized is a matrix base composed of pixels, each pixel carrying at least two items of information, an item of information specific to the type of ground cover and an item of information specific to the height of the ground cover, a vectorization processing is applied to the matrix base to linearize the contours of obstacles encountered while rays are fictitiously traced, the rays according to the obstacles encountered being either reflected or diffracted and scattered, whilst the global attenuation and/or the duration of propagation is calculated, the vectorization processing of the contours of obstacles being applied to matrix bases to linearize the contours of obstacles encountered by forming straight lines whose positions and various angles are known accurately.