Hybrid Radar-Comm Spectrum Sharing via Multi-Dimensional Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RF spectrum allocation is limited due to increased civil demand, leading to a need for more efficient methods that allow object detection systems like radar and radio communications devices to coexist in the same bands simultaneously, as existing technologies exclude simultaneous use and do not effectively share radio spectrum access between communications and object detection signals.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a hybrid communications network with shared resource allocation protocols that utilize dimensions of separability such as time-division, frequency-division, spatial-division, and code-division multiplexing, accounting for radar-specific operational parameters, and incorporating a decentralized network architecture with a shared medium access control and resource allocation manager to proactively manage resource allocation and prevent conflicts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional spectrum allocation methods are used, then spectrum exclusivity is maintained, but spectrum utilization efficiency deteriorates due to inability to allow simultaneous use by multiple users
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrum resource is segmented into multiple dimensions (time slots, frequency channels, spatial beams, code sequences) to allow multiple radar and communication devices to share the same physical spectrum simultaneously without interference. Each dimension can be independently allocated to different devices based on their operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-dimension spectrum allocation to multi-dimensional resource allocation by introducing time-division, frequency-division, spatial-division, and code-division multiplexing. This dimensional expansion enables simultaneous coexistence of multiple users in the same spectral band.
2Adaptability or versatility
If reactive spectrum allocation is used, then existing transmissions are accommodated, but proactive resource management capability is lost leading to suboptimal spectrum sharing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring resource allocation protocols and exchanging operational parameters between devices before actual transmission occurs. This includes pre-establishing time slots, frequency channels, spatial beams, and code sequences to avoid conflicts and optimize spectrum sharing in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where devices exchange operational parameters and receive allocations based on their specific requirements. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to varying operational needs while maintaining proactive resource management rather than reacting to transmissions after they occur.
3Adaptability or versatility
If centralized spectrum management is used, then coordination is simplified, but system scalability deteriorates due to infrastructure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Each radar and communication device autonomously manages its own resource allocation by executing the shared protocol locally. Devices independently calculate their time slots, frequency channels, spatial beams, and code sequences based on exchanged operational parameters, eliminating the need for centralized infrastructure while maintaining coordinated spectrum access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal resource allocation protocol that can be executed by any combination of radar and communication devices regardless of their specific operational requirements. This multi-functional protocol enables scalability by allowing new devices to join the network without requiring infrastructure modifications, as long as they implement the standardized allocation algorithm.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided herein for implementing a hybrid communications network including both radar and radio communications devices. These systems and methods may advantageously include shared resource allocation protocols for automatically allocating communication resources for transmitting and/or receiving a signal using a device in the network based on one or more dimensions of separability for the signal selected from time-division, frequency-division, spatial-division and/or code-division multiplexing. Importantly, the resource allocation protocol may account for radar specific operational parameters of one or more radar devices in the network.