3D Radio Signal Coverage Mapping Using Device Orientation and Proximity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio signal coverage mapping systems are not precise due to limitations in accounting for receiver variations, altitude, and proximity to objects, leading to suboptimal signal quality and strength assessments.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine the geolocation, orientation, and proximity of a mobile device to other objects, storing records of signal reception parameters, and navigating users to locations with improved signal quality, using a combination of geolocation systems and inertial navigation, and considering altitude differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional coverage mapping methods are used, then the system complexity is low, but the measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement systems (geolocation, orientation detection, proximity sensing) into an integrated coverage mapping system. This merging of previously separate functions enables precise 3D coverage mapping by correlating signal measurements with spatial context, resolving the contradiction between improved precision and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D coverage mapping to 3D mapping by incorporating altitude information from barometric pressure sensors and vertical orientation data. This dimensional expansion allows precise mapping of multi-floor building coverage and accounts for vertical signal propagation variations, significantly improving measurement precision.
2Reliability
If receiver variations are not considered, then the ease of operation is high, but the reliability of coverage assessment is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating device-specific coverage maps that account for individual receiver characteristics. Each mobile device generates its own coverage profile based on its unique antenna patterns and signal processing capabilities, ensuring reliable coverage assessment tailored to that specific device rather than using generic maps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables each mobile device to autonomously measure and store its own coverage characteristics. The device performs self-testing by moving through various locations and orientations, automatically building its personalized coverage map without requiring manual calibration or external intervention, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving reliability.
3Measurement precision
If altitude information is not considered, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision for multi-floor buildings is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the vertical dimension by integrating barometric pressure sensors to measure altitude and determining vertical orientation. This enables precise differentiation of coverage across multiple building floors, as signal propagation varies significantly with height. The system correlates pressure-derived altitude data with signal strength to create accurate 3D coverage models.
4Measurement precision
If proximity to objects is not considered, then the ease of operation is high, but the signal quality assessment is inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device autonomously uses its built-in proximity sensors to detect nearby objects and automatically correlates this data with signal quality measurements. The system self-adjusts coverage predictions based on detected obstructions without requiring user input, maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving signal quality assessment accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for radio signal coverage mapping, the method comprising the steps of determining geolocation (1000a) of a mobile device receiving a radio signal; determining proximity (1000b) of the mobile device to other objects; determining orientation (1000c) of the mobile device in 3D space; determining (1000d) the radio signal reception parameters; storing (1000e) at least two records comprising the gathered information on geolocation and proximity and orientation and the radio signal reception parameters (1000a-1000d) wherein at least one of the geolocation, proximity, orientation (1000a-1000c) differs between the two records; receiving, by the mobile device, a communication request (1000f), the communication using the radio signal, at a location determined by the first record; determining (1000g) whether signal reception parameters are better at the second location defined by the second record; and navigating (1000h), by the mobile device, a user of the mobile device to the second location and informing when the current parameters of geolocation and proximity and orientation, of the mobile device match the parameters stored in the second record.