Modulation Scheme Selection via Opportunistic Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Communication networks often favor preferred modulation schemes based on available metrics, neglecting non-preferred schemes that may perform better due to lack of data, leading to incorrect evaluations and suboptimal communication performance.

Innovation Solution

Implementing opportunistic communication using non-preferred modulation schemes, updating communication metrics, and potentially switching to them if successful, to gather data and determine a more robust preferred scheme, even if they offer higher throughput.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If communication networks evaluate modulation schemes based on available metrics to select preferred schemes, then communication reliability is improved, but non-preferred schemes that may perform better are neglected due to lack of data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidmodulation scheme selection flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary testing of non-preferred modulation schemes by transmitting test packets before normal operation. This preliminary action gathers initial metric data for schemes that would otherwise be neglected, enabling future informed selection without compromising ongoing communication reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where metric data from test transmissions of non-preferred schemes is collected and evaluated. This feedback loop allows the network to continuously update its knowledge base about alternative modulation schemes, improving adaptability while maintaining reliability through data-driven decisions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Stability of the object's composition

If the system exclusively uses the preferred modulation scheme based on current metrics, then communication stability is maintained, but opportunity to discover better performing schemes is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication stabilityVSAvoidcommunication throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by transmitting only a limited number of test packets using non-preferred modulation schemes rather than fully switching to them. This partial exploration maintains communication stability while gathering sufficient data to identify potentially superior schemes for future use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by temporarily switching modulation schemes for test transmissions. This parameter variation allows evaluation of different schemes under current channel conditions, enabling discovery of higher throughput options without permanently compromising stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the system tests non-preferred modulation schemes frequently, then accurate metric data is gathered for better scheme selection, but communication overhead and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemetric data accuracyVSAvoidmodulation scheme evaluation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic testing of non-preferred modulation schemes at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action maintains measurement precision by regularly updating metric data while reducing communication overhead and system complexity compared to continuous testing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The test packet mechanism serves multiple functions: it validates channel conditions, gathers metric data for non-preferred schemes, and maintains synchronization. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple tasks into a single universal testing procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10833910B1Opportunistic use of different modulation schemes

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 ITRON GLOBAL SARL

AI summary

Techniques are directed to opportunistically communicating using a modulation scheme that is other than the preferred modulation scheme, to update communication metric data for the second modulation scheme, such as a modulation scheme that has not been used as much as the first modulation scheme. The second modulation scheme may be associated with a higher data rate than the preferred modulation scheme. If communication using the second modulation scheme is successful, subsequent communication may be carried out exclusively using the second modulation scheme, and the communication metrics may develop such that the second modulation scheme becomes the preferred modulation scheme.