Self-Diagnostic Radio Communication Device Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diagnostic methods for radiocommunication devices require complex external hardware and are not suitable for field use by non-technical users, as they often fail to reliably identify malfunctions in transmission and reception chains without additional equipment and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic method that utilizes the simultaneous presence of multiple radiocommunication devices sharing the same frequency band within a gateway device, where a test signal is transmitted and detected across different communication standards like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing for functional assessment of both transmission and reception chains without additional cost, using a deterministic test signal and RSSI measurements to evaluate signal levels and channel occupancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external test devices are used to diagnose radiocommunication devices, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes radiocommunication devices serve dual functions: their normal communication functions and their diagnostic test functions. The same transmitters and receivers used for communication are repurposed to generate and detect test signals, eliminating the need for separate external test equipment. This multi-functionality approach allows the device to diagnose itself using existing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic system enables radiocommunication devices to test themselves autonomously. Each device generates test signals through its own transmitter and detects them using its own receiver or neighboring devices' receivers. This self-service capability eliminates dependency on external specialized equipment while maintaining diagnostic functionality.
2Reliability
If specialized external test equipment is deployed, then reliability of diagnosis is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables end-user devices to perform self-diagnosis without requiring specialized external equipment or technical expertise. Users can initiate and view diagnostic results using their own devices, making the process accessible and easy to operate while maintaining reliable diagnosis through the use of actual communication components.
Solution Approach 2:
By using the radiocommunication devices themselves for both communication and diagnostics, the system ensures that the same components being tested are performing the testing, thereby maintaining diagnostic reliability while eliminating the need for specialized external equipment that would complicate operation.
3Device complexity
If multiple radiocommunication devices are used for mutual testing, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing transmitters and receivers of radiocommunication devices to perform both communication and diagnostic functions. By using the device's own components for testing, it eliminates the need for external equipment while maintaining measurement capability through the device's inherent signal generation and detection abilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Neighboring radiocommunication devices serve as intermediaries in the testing process. A device under test can have its transmitter tested by neighboring devices' receivers, and its receiver tested by neighboring devices' transmitters. This peer-to-peer intermediary approach enables mutual testing without external equipment while maintaining measurement functionality.
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
Enables reliable and cost-effective diagnosis of radiocommunication devices by determining the functionality of both transmitter and receiver components within the same equipment, ensuring optimal signal propagation and repeatable conditions, thus identifying potential issues without the need for external diagnostic tools.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a test signal in a transmission channel of a transmitter of a first radiocommunication device
Implementation Method 2
detecting the test signal in a reception channel of a second radiocommunication device with a receiver of the second radiocommunication device
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a test method of a transmitter and/or a receiver with at least two radio communication devices (12,13) that comprise an apparatus (10), said at least two radio communication devices sharing the same frequency band but not employing the same communication protocol. The invention comprises the following implementation steps for testing a transmitter (120) to be tested from a radio communication transmitter device (12) and/or a receiver (131) to be tested from a radio communication receiver device (13) of the same apparatus (10), • - a step of transmission (E100), by a transmitter (120) to be tested of a first radio communication device (12) of said apparatus (10), of a test signal in a transmission channel of said transmitter (120), and • - a step (E200) of reception of the emitted test signal, by a receiver (131) to be tested of a second radio communication device (13) of said apparatus (10), different from said first radio communication device (12), in a reception channel corresponding to said transmission channel of said transmitter (120).