Software Defined Radio Option Management via Database Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Software Defined Radio (SDR) architectures lack provisions for controlling installation, access, and modification of feature sets, particularly for specific customers or orders, and do not address royalty-related control of waveforms and features.
Innovation Solution
A software-defined radio system that includes a master feature database for selectable waveform and platform features, a controller to configure and reconfigure these features based on input options files, and authentication mechanisms for authorized access, allowing for the operation of SDRs with selected features without modifying the operating environment software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the JTRS SCA architecture is used to implement SDR with standard processor and hardware components, then portability and interoperability of protocols are improved, but control over installation, access, and modification of feature sets for specific customers or orders is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the feature set into discrete, selectable options that can be independently controlled. The master feature database divides waveform and platform features into separate selectable units, allowing granular control over what features are installed and accessed, while maintaining the standardized SCA architecture for portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary option management system between the standardized SCA architecture and the feature installation process. This intermediary layer (including the master feature database, selected options database, and controller) enables customer-specific control without modifying the underlying SCA framework, thus preserving portability while adding control capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If waveform and platform features are made selectable and configurable, then customization for specific customers or orders is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses database copies to manage feature selections. The master feature database stores all available features, while the selected options database stores customer-specific selections. This copying approach allows customization without duplicating the entire system, managing complexity through data replication rather than structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent manages customization through parameter changes in database records rather than structural modifications. Features are selected, deselected, or configured by changing parameters (selected/deselected values, numerical range values) in the databases, which simplifies the management of customization compared to creating separate system configurations for each customer.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the selected options database is reconfigurable based on input options files, then flexibility in feature management is improved, but system security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication and validation actions before allowing configuration changes. The controller authenticates senders, validates recipients, and checks functional requirements before permitting database reconfiguration based on input options files. This preliminary security checking enables flexibility while maintaining system security and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system responds to configuration requests with authentication results and validation outcomes. The controller provides feedback on whether an input options file is authorized to modify the selected options database, creating a secure feedback loop that maintains reliability while allowing flexible reconfiguration when authorized.
Data Source
AI summary
The option management approach for SDRs includes control of installation and/or access to waveform features and/or platform features. A software-defined radio may include an antenna, a radio transceiver coupled to the antenna, and at least one memory storing a master feature database including a plurality of selectable waveform features and a plurality of selectable platform features, and a selected options database including selected waveform features and selected platform features from the master feature database. A controller cooperates with the at least one memory to configure the selected options database based upon an input options file and to permit reconfiguration of the selected options database based upon a subsequent input options file. The controller also cooperates with the radio transceiver and the selected options database to operate the SDR based upon the selected waveform features and the selected platform features.