Radio Technology Recognition Using Semi-Supervised Neural Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine learning-based technology recognition methods for radio technologies require extensive labeled data sets, making the labeling task time-consuming and challenging, especially in unknown environments, and they lack the ability to identify unknown radio technologies without expert knowledge.

Innovation Solution

A semi-supervised neural network approach using an autoencoder and classifier, where the autoencoder is trained unsupervisedly with unlabeled data and the classifier is trained supervisedly with a limited number of labeled samples, decoupling feature extraction from classification, allowing for efficient identification of radio technologies in dynamic environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If supervised learning methods are used for technology recognition, then recognition accuracy is improved, but extensive labeled data is required making the labeling task time-consuming and challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecognition accuracyVSAvoidlabeling time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the learning process into two distinct phases: unsupervised pre-training on unlabeled data to learn feature representations, followed by supervised fine-tuning on a small labeled dataset for classification. This segmentation allows the system to leverage the abundance of unlabeled data while minimizing the time-consuming labeling task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary unsupervised learning on unlabeled data before the supervised classification stage. This preliminary action extracts meaningful features and representations from the data without requiring labels, thereby reducing the dependency on extensive labeled datasets and minimizing labeling time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If supervised learning methods are used for technology recognition, then recognition accuracy is improved, but the labeling task becomes challenging in unknown environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecognition accuracyVSAvoidadaptability to unknown environments
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the recognition system into an adaptive unsupervised feature extraction component that can learn from any environment without labels, and a supervised classification component that adapts to specific technologies. This segmentation enables the system to first adapt to unknown environments through unsupervised learning, then achieve accurate recognition with minimal labeled data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the learning paradigm from purely supervised to a hybrid unsupervised-supervised approach. By adjusting the learning parameters and stages, the system can adapt to unknown environments in the unsupervised phase and then achieve precise recognition in the supervised phase, thereby improving both adaptability and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Extent of automation

If state-of-the-art machine learning methods are used, then feature extraction is automated, but extensive labeled data is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeature extraction automationVSAvoidlabeled data quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary unsupervised feature extraction from unlabeled data before the supervised classification stage. This preliminary automated feature extraction eliminates the need for manual feature engineering and reduces the quantity of labeled data required, as the model learns robust features from the abundant unlabeled data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the system to self-service by automatically learning features from unlabeled data without human intervention or manual labeling. The unsupervised pre-training stage allows the model to autonomously extract meaningful representations, reducing dependency on extensive labeled datasets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If traditional domain expert methods are used, then recognition is performed with hand-crafted rules, but the process is time-consuming and requires expert knowledge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecognition capabilityVSAvoidexpert knowledge requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual feature extraction by domain experts with an automated neural network-based unsupervised feature extraction system. This substitution eliminates the need for expert knowledge in feature engineering while maintaining or improving recognition capability through data-driven feature learning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the system to automatically learn and extract features from unlabeled data without requiring domain experts. The unsupervised pre-training stage allows the model to self-service by autonomously identifying relevant features and patterns, thereby eliminating dependency on expert knowledge while achieving accurate recognition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12554990B2Neural network for identifying radio technologies
Publication Date: 2026.02.17 INTERUNIVERSITAIR MICRO ELECTRONICS CENT (IMEC VZW)
  • US12554990B2 patent drawing
  • US12554990B2 patent drawing
  • US12554990B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer-implemented method providing a neural network for identifying radio technologies employed in an environment. The neural network includes an autoencoder having an encoder, and a classifier. The method has the steps of sensing a radio spectrum of the environment thereby obtaining a set of data samples, labelling a subset of the data samples by a respective radio technology thereby obtaining labelled data samples, training the autoencoder in an unsupervised way by unlabelled data samples, training the classifier in a supervised way by the labelled data samples, and providing the neural network by coupling the output of an encoder network of the autoencoder to an input of the classifier.