Radio Coverage Determination Using Interpolation and Propagation Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multicell mobile radio systems require extensive manual effort and frequent recalculation to determine radio coverage accurately, especially in geographically small networks, due to the complexity of radio wave propagation and varying base station transmission powers, which leads to increased costs and reduced position-finding accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures actual reception field strengths at multiple points, interpolates values for virtual points, and calculates substitute values using a propagation model, allowing for accurate radio coverage determination with a minimal number of measurement points, thereby reducing manual effort and improving position-finding accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement of radio coverage at multiple points is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate due to extensive manual effort and frequent recalculation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing radio coverage data for multiple base stations at various locations before actual position finding is needed. The system performs measurements and calculations in advance to build a comprehensive coverage database, which then enables rapid position determination without requiring new measurements during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a virtual model of the radio coverage environment through stored measurement data and propagation models. Instead of performing physical measurements at runtime, the system copies and processes previously collected coverage information to determine positions, significantly reducing the time required for actual position finding operations.
2Measurement precision
If the number of measurement points is increased, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces propagation models as intermediaries that mathematically predict radio field strength at locations where direct measurements are not available. These models act as mediators between measured data points, allowing the system to estimate coverage conditions at unmeasured locations and reducing the total number of physical measurement points needed while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by using propagation models that calculate radio field strength based on varying parameters such as distance from base stations, transmission powers, and path loss characteristics. By changing from direct measurement at every location to parameter-based calculation, the system reduces measurement requirements while maintaining determination accuracy.
3Reliability
If overdesigning is performed by increasing transmission power or number of base stations, then reliability of coverage is improved, but loss of energy and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using measured radio coverage data to continuously optimize base station configurations. The system analyzes actual coverage measurements and propagation model results to determine the minimum necessary transmission powers and base station placements required to achieve reliable coverage, preventing overdesign and reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing transmission power levels and base station locations based on measured data and propagation models. Instead of using fixed high power settings or excessive base stations, the system adjusts parameters to achieve the minimum necessary coverage, reducing energy loss while maintaining reliability.
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 method enables detailed and accurate radio coverage data with fewer measurement points, optimizing network design and improving position-finding precision, while reducing the need for extensive manual measurements and repeated surveys.
Implementation Method 1
the propagation of radio waves is frequently adversely affected by buildings, the landscape and other elements
Implementation Method 2
values which have in each case been interpolated by means of an interpolation method, for the reception field strengths of a plurality or all of the base stations are calculated from the actual reception field strengths for virtual measurement points which are located between the measurement points and the base stations
Implementation Method 3
substitute values for the reception field strength are calculated for further geographical points at which neither measured nor interpolated values are available for the reception field strengths, with the substitute values being calculated on the basis of the respective transmission power, on the basis of the range to the respective base station from this geographical, and on the basis of a propagation model
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determination of a radio coverage and a method for positional determination of a mobile terminal in a multi-cellular mobile radio system in which the actual received field strength for several or all base stations is measured at a number of measuring points in differing locations. The measured values for the actual received field strengths are entered in a databank as actual local values. Interpolated values are calculated from the actual received field strengths for virtual measuring points lying between the measuring points and the base stations and entered in the databank. Substitute values for the received field strengths are calculated for geographical positions at which neither measured nor interpolated values for the received field strengths are available, the substitute values being calculated from the relevant transmitter power, the distance from the relevant base station to said geographical point and a propagation model and entered in the databank.