Embedding Data Messages in Pilot Signals for Rapid Broadcast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face limitations in broadcasting data messages to a large number of users simultaneously, leading to inefficiencies in emergency messaging, as seen in scenarios like a college campus with 12,000 subscribers, where an emergency text message may take up to 80 minutes to reach all users.
Innovation Solution
The method involves embedding a data message into the pilot signal broadcast by base stations, allowing wireless communication devices to receive the message by modifying the pilot signal to include the data, enabling simultaneous delivery to all devices in a sector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional broadcast-mode messaging is used to deliver messages to all users in a sector, then the messaging system can support individual user communications, but the time required to deliver a message to all users increases significantly (e.g., 60-80 minutes for 12,000 subscribers)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pilot signal (used for channel monitoring) with the data message into a single composite signal. This merging allows the message to be transmitted alongside the pilot signal that devices already monitor, eliminating the need for separate broadcast channels and enabling simultaneous delivery to all users in the sector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the pilot signal serve dual functions: its original function of indicating channel availability and its new function of carrying data messages. By embedding the message within the pilot signal structure, the same signal infrastructure is used for both purposes, achieving universal utilization of the communication resource.
2Device complexity
If the pilot signal is kept simple and single-frequency, then the signal structure remains easy to process, but the capability to carry additional data information is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the data message within the pilot signal structure, similar to nesting one object inside another. The message is inserted into the pilot signal's frame structure, allowing the message to be contained within the existing signal framework without requiring a completely new signal design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies parameters of the pilot signal (such as inserting message bits into the signal frame, changing chip sequences, or modifying signal characteristics) to enable data carrying capability while maintaining the fundamental pilot signal structure. These parameter changes allow the signal to convey additional information without fundamentally altering its nature.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method for data communication between a wireless-communication system and one or more wireless-communication devices. The wireless-communication system broadcasts a standard pilot signal over a pilot channel. The method comprises (a) the wireless-communication system transmitting a first broadcast-mode message in a coverage area of the wireless-communication system, wherein the first broadcast-mode message indicates that the wireless-communication system will be operating in an alternative broadcast mode, and (b) the wireless-communication system operating in the alternative broadcast mode. Operating in the alternative broadcast involves (i) generating a modified pilot signal comprising the standard pilot signal and a data message inserted in the standard pilot signal and (ii) broadcasting the modified pilot signal via the pilot channel, which enables a wireless-communication device receiving the modified pilot signal to extract the data message therefrom.