Locally Adjusted RF Coverage Maps Using Correction Cones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless LAN (WLAN) systems face challenges in achieving high accuracy RF coverage maps due to factors like shadowing from nearby objects and multipath effects, making it difficult to ensure sufficient visibility, security, management, and performance in WLAN networks.
Innovation Solution
A method to locally adjust RF coverage maps by using calibration data to generate correction cones, which characterize the offset in received signal strength values, allowing for the adjustment of estimated signal strength values at surrounding locations without requiring actual measurements at those locations, thereby refining the coverage map accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual site surveys and mathematical modeling techniques are used to generate RF coverage maps, then coverage information can be obtained, but high accuracy is difficult to achieve due to shadowing and multipath effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the RF coverage map into multiple location bins and processes each bin independently. Calibration data is collected at selected locations and used to generate correction cones that are applied locally to specific regions, rather than attempting to correct the entire map uniformly. This segmentation allows for localized accuracy improvements without requiring complex global remodeling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation by introducing offset values that adjust estimated signal strength values based on calibration data. Instead of recalculating entire coverage maps with complex models, the system modifies existing map parameters (signal strength values) by adding calibration-derived offsets, thereby improving accuracy through parameter adjustment rather than fundamental model changes.
2Measurement precision
If calibration data is collected at multiple locations to improve accuracy, then map precision increases, but the time and resources required for data collection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by collecting calibration data at selectively chosen locations rather than attempting to measure every location in the coverage area. Correction cones are generated from these partial measurements and then applied to interpolate and correct values at surrounding locations, achieving improved accuracy without requiring complete spatial sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates correction cones that serve as mathematical copies or representations of the calibration data patterns. These correction cones are then applied to multiple location bins, effectively copying the calibration information across regions where direct measurements were not taken, thereby extending the benefit of limited calibration data to broader areas.
3Manufacturing precision
If correction cones are applied to adjust signal strength values at surrounding locations, then coverage map accuracy improves, but computational processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by generating and applying correction cones only to specific location bins where calibration data is available and where corrections are needed. Each correction cone affects only its local region with a defined radius, allowing computational resources to be focused on localized adjustments rather than processing the entire coverage map uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by selectively applying correction cones only to location bins within the radius of calibration points, rather than attempting to adjust every location in the coverage map. This selective application reduces computational overhead while maintaining accuracy in the most critical regions.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method for adjusting a radio-frequency coverage map. The method includes receiving calibration data comprising observed received signal strength values at one or more calibration points corresponding to a radio frequency transmitter, and identifying an applicable coverage map, where the coverage map provides, for the radio frequency transmitter, estimated received signal strength values at one or more locations. The method also includes determining one or more offset values at the one or more calibration points, where an offset value is based on a difference between an observed received signal strength value and an estimated received signal strength value at a given calibration point. The method also includes adjusting one or more estimated received signal strength values at one or more location bins of the coverage map based on a distance from the one or more calibration points and the one or more offset values.