Mobile Radio Signal Tracking Using Location-Based Reception Feedback

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for tracking and determining the effectiveness of radio broadcast signal reception are manual, inaccurate, and costly, and do not account for environmental changes, relying on estimation and listener feedback.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize mobile communication devices to measure signal strength and location data over time, tracking radio broadcast signal reception and effectiveness across geographic areas, providing real-time feedback to content providers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual field measurement is used to track radio broadcast reception, then the process is simple to implement, but the measurement precision and reliability are poor due to environmental changes and manual errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal reception measurement accuracyVSAvoidtracking system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes mobile devices serve multiple functions: they act as both communication devices for users and as measurement devices for signal tracking. The mobile device's existing receiver measures radio broadcast signal strength, and this measurement is automatically reported to the tracking system, eliminating the need for separate dedicated measurement equipment and achieving automated precise tracking without significant system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes the mobile device's own receiver to measure the signal strength of radio broadcasts it receives. The device self-measures and self-reports its reception quality without requiring external measurement equipment, thereby achieving automated precise measurement while keeping the system simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If telephone polling or manual log maintenance is used to assess listenership, then the implementation cost is low, but the timeliness and completeness of data collection are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelistenership data completenessVSAvoiddata collection efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system establishes a feedback loop where mobile devices automatically measure signal strength and continuously report this data to the tracking system. This automated feedback mechanism ensures complete and timely collection of listenership information without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between data completeness and collection efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (telephone polling, manual log maintenance) with automated electronic measurement and data transmission. Mobile devices automatically measure signal parameters and transmit data electronically, eliminating manual operations and achieving complete, timely, and efficient data collection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If automated tracking systems are implemented to improve measurement accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal strength tracking accuracyVSAvoidtracking system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes mobile devices serve multiple functions: they act as both communication devices for users and as measurement devices for signal tracking. The mobile device's existing receiver measures radio broadcast signal strength, and this measurement is automatically reported to the tracking system, eliminating the need for separate dedicated measurement equipment and achieving automated precise tracking without significant system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes the mobile device's own receiver to measure the signal strength of radio broadcasts it receives. The device self-measures and self-reports its reception quality without requiring external measurement equipment, thereby achieving automated precise measurement while keeping the system simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8892061B2Methods, devices, and computer program products for tracking receipt and determining effectiveness of radio broadcast signals

Publication Date: 2014.11.18 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Receipt of a radio broadcast signal by a mobile communication device is tracked based on a signal strength measurement signal and location information. The signal strength measurement signal indicate a signal strength of the radio broadcast signal, received via a communication channel and measured at the mobile communication device, over a particular time period. The location information indicates a location of the mobile communication device within a geographic area over the particular time period. Effectiveness of the radio broadcast signal is determined with respect to receipt of the radio broadcast signal by a plurality of mobile communication devices within the geographic area over the particular time period.