Multi-Level RF Coverage Prediction Using 2D Floor Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Creating accurate RF coverage maps in multi-level WLAN deployments is challenging due to signal loss through physical and environmental obstacles, making it difficult to predict signal strength across different floors without resorting to computationally expensive 3D modeling.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a 2D wireless network configuration model to predict RF coverage by determining path loss and signal strength loss across a wireless environment, representing signal coverage in slices of a 3D space as 2D models, which are more efficient and practical for multi-directional propagation paths, allowing for accurate RF projections without creating full 3D models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 3D coverage maps are used to accurately model multi-floor RF signal propagation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and computational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D wireless environment into multiple 2D floor plans, each representing a vertical level. By dividing the complex 3D space into manageable 2D slices, the system can process RF coverage predictions floor-by-floor using simpler computations while maintaining overall accuracy through multi-level integration of path loss calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified 2D copies of the actual 3D wireless environment for each floor level. These 2D representations capture the essential geometric and material properties needed for RF propagation modeling without requiring full 3D computational resources, enabling efficient coverage prediction across multiple floors.
2Measurement precision
If manual site surveys are conducted to generate RF coverage maps, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary automated RF coverage predictions using the multi-level 2D modeling approach before conducting manual site surveys. This preliminary modeling provides a baseline coverage map that guides the manual survey process, reducing the number of measurement points needed and accelerating overall map generation while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual site surveys with an automated computational system that uses multi-level 2D path loss modeling. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming physical measurement process while maintaining accuracy through automated calculations based on building geometry and material properties.
3Device complexity
If 2D floor-specific models are used for RF coverage prediction, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to capture vertical signal propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends traditional 2D floor plans by incorporating vertical dimension information through multi-level path loss calculations. Each 2D floor model is enhanced with vertical propagation characteristics, allowing the system to capture inter-floor signal attenuation while maintaining the computational simplicity of 2D representations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the vertical propagation path into discrete floor-level transitions, calculating path loss for each segment separately. By breaking down the 3D propagation problem into sequential 2D slices with vertical transition calculations, the system achieves multi-floor accuracy without requiring full 3D modeling complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for predicting radio frequency (RF) coverage in a multi-level wireless network is described herein. The multi-level wireless network includes the network management server and a plurality of wireless devices, where each of the wireless devices includes an RF transmitter. A two-dimensional wireless network configuration model of a vertical level of the multi-level wireless network is determined. A path loss in a propagation path of an RF signal from an RF transmitter of a wireless device to a grid point in the vertical level is determined. The path loss may be based on a plurality of path loss exponents. A signal strength loss due to one or more obstacles that intersect the propagation path is determined. A strength of the RF signal is predicted based on the path loss and the signal strength loss.