RF Propagation Visualization on Building Floor Plans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for planning radio cell deployments, especially in buildings, lack flexibility and reactivity due to complex RF propagation calculations that are difficult to perform on portable devices, requiring specialized technicians and complex mathematical equations.
Innovation Solution
A method and computing device for visual representation of RF propagation on a floor map, allowing users to define density zones, select calculation strategies, configure and position radio cells, and dynamically calculate and display RF propagation, using a processor to generate heat maps and adjust for scale.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complicated mathematical equations are used to accurately simulate RF propagation inside buildings, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and cannot be delivered by portable computing devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pre-calculated propagation loss values stored in lookup tables instead of performing complex real-time mathematical calculations. The system copies previously computed propagation characteristics for different building types and density zones, allowing portable devices to display accurate RF propagation simulations without requiring high processing power.
Solution Approach 2:
Propagation loss values and RF propagation characteristics are pre-calculated and stored in databases before use. The system performs the complex mathematical work in advance, creating lookup tables that can be quickly referenced during interactive planning sessions on portable devices, eliminating the need for real-time complex computations.
2Manufacturing precision
If a two-step planning process is used with data collection followed by processing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to lack of flexibility and reactivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data collection, processing, and visualization into a single integrated application running on portable devices. Users can collect building data, define density zones, configure radio cells, and view RF propagation simulations all within one tool, eliminating the need to switch between separate data collection and processing software applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic RF propagation calculations and generates visual representations without requiring specialized technicians. The portable device application automatically processes input data, queries propagation loss values from databases, and displays results, enabling non-experts to conduct accurate RF planning independently.
3Measurement precision
If specialized technicians and engineers are used to perform RF propagation calculations, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device application automatically performs RF propagation calculations using pre-stored propagation loss values and algorithms. The system self-services by taking user inputs (building layout, density zones, radio cell configurations) and automatically generating accurate propagation simulations without requiring specialized technician intervention, dramatically reducing planning time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pre-calculated propagation characteristics stored in databases that encapsulate expert knowledge. Instead of requiring specialists to perform calculations manually, the application copies and applies proven propagation models and loss values appropriate for different building types and environments, delivering expert-level accuracy through automated computation.
4Area of stationary object
If radio cells are positioned close to each other to obtain optimal coverage, then area of stationary object is improved, but object-generated harmful factors increase due to interference between radio cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the building into density zones with different propagation characteristics, allowing the system to apply localized propagation loss values appropriate to each zone's RF absorption properties. This enables optimized radio cell placement where cells in high-density zones can be positioned differently than in low-density zones, maximizing coverage while accounting for local interference conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback through heat maps and propagation contours that show coverage areas and interference zones for each radio cell configuration. Users can adjust radio cell positions and immediately see the impact on coverage and interference, allowing iterative optimization to achieve optimal coverage while minimizing harmful interference through informed decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method, computing device and computer program product for visual representation of radio frequency (RF) propagation of at least radio cell on a floor plan of a building. The floor plan and the at least one radio cell are displayed on a display of the computing device. At least one density zone is defined on the floor plan via a user interface of the computing device. A RF propagation calculation strategy is selected via the user interface of the computing device. The RF propagation for the at least one radio cell is calculated by a processing unit of the computing device, based on the configuration of the radio cell, the position of the radio cell with respect to the density zone and the selected RF propagation calculation strategy. The processing unit of the computing device further adjusts the calculated RF propagation as a function of a scale of the floor plan.