RF Penetration Loss Assessment Using UE Signal Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing radio frequency penetration losses due to digital clutter in wireless communications are expensive, labor-intensive, and unable to rapidly update loss models as environments change.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism using user equipment (UE) devices to collect and analyze received signal energy measurements, allowing for the determination of path losses through obstructions such as walls and buildings, and utilizing this data for automated network deployment decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If survey teams are sent out to perform precise measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but cost and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables user equipment to perform self-measurement of propagation losses by utilizing its own received signal power data. The UE measures reference signal received power (RSRP) at different locations and automatically determines path loss values without requiring external survey teams, thereby eliminating the time and cost burden of manual measurements while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the physical measurement process by using recorded signal strength data from UE operations. Instead of physically deploying survey teams to measure propagation losses in real-time, the system copies the measurement function through software processing of existing signal data, achieving precise measurements at a fraction of the time and cost.
2Measurement precision
If survey teams are sent out to perform precise measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but manpower requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The user equipment performs self-measurement of propagation losses by utilizing its own received signal power data. The UE measures reference signal received power (RSRP) at different locations and automatically determines path loss values without requiring external survey teams, thereby eliminating the time and cost burden of manual measurements while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical survey teams with an automated electronic system. Instead of human operators manually measuring signal strength and calculating path losses, the system uses electronic signal processing and automated algorithms to derive propagation loss values from recorded data, eliminating manpower requirements while maintaining measurement precision.
3Reliability
If traditional clutter maps are created using satellite imagery and airplane scans, then initial mapping capability is achieved, but the ability to rapidly update loss models in changing environments is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously collects feedback data from user equipment operations, including measured signal strength and location information. This feedback is processed to automatically update propagation loss models in real-time, enabling the system to adapt to environmental changes such as new construction or remodeling without requiring manual re-surveying. The feedback mechanism ensures loss model accuracy remains current with environmental changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms static clutter maps into dynamic, living models that automatically update based on real-world conditions. Instead of using fixed satellite imagery and airplane scans that become outdated, the system continuously collects and processes new measurement data from UE operations to dynamically revise propagation loss models, enabling rapid adaptation to environmental changes while maintaining reliability.
4Productivity
If automated network deployment decisions are made using existing data, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables user equipment to perform self-measurement of propagation losses by utilizing its own received signal power data. The UE measures reference signal received power (RSRP) at different locations and automatically determines path loss values without requiring external survey teams, thereby eliminating the time and cost burden of manual measurements while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in signal parameters, specifically reference signal received power (RSRP) values recorded at different locations and times, to determine propagation loss. By analyzing parameter changes in the signal data rather than relying on fixed maps or manual measurements, the system achieves both automated decision-making and high measurement precision through statistical analysis of signal parameter variations.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for determining losses due to obstructions in a wireless communications system are described. Pairs of measurements points, one of each side of an obstruction are selected, and wireless device reported received signal energy measurements corresponding to the pair of selected locations are used to determine a path loss through the obstruction. In some embodiments, the pair of measurements points are selected based on one or more of: wireless device orientation at the time of measurement, application in use at the time of measurement, time between measurements, or location between measurements. In one example, a first selected location in the pair corresponds to an outdoor location with a unobstructed line of sight view to the base station, while the second selected location corresponds to an indoor location.