Service Agent Client Association via Signal Attenuation Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in accurately associating clients with the correct service agents over shared communication media, leading to potential billing errors and inefficiencies, especially in power-line communication networks where multiple service agents may serve the same medium.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize signal propagation path characteristics to establish associations between clients and service agents by measuring and comparing signal attenuations, employing notch filters, and initiating localized events to verify correct associations, ensuring accurate power delivery and billing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple service agents are allowed to serve the same shared communication medium, then service coverage and versatility are improved, but association accuracy and billing reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shared communication medium into multiple distinct signal propagation paths, each characterized by unique attenuation profiles. Service agents are associated with specific paths, allowing multiple agents to serve the medium simultaneously while maintaining accurate client-agent associations through path-specific measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by measuring signal attenuation specifically along the propagation path between each service agent and client. This localized measurement approach enables accurate association determination for each agent-client pair independently, even when multiple agents serve the same shared medium.
2Measurement precision
If signal attenuation measurements are used to determine association, then association accuracy is improved, but measurement complexity and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having service agents autonomously perform signal attenuation measurements and independently determine their association status with clients. This eliminates the need for complex centralized measurement coordination, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where service agents continuously measure signal attenuation and adjust their association decisions based on the measured values. This feedback loop enables accurate association determination through relatively simple iterative measurements rather than complex one-time measurements.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If handoff mechanisms are implemented for switching between service agents, then service continuity is improved, but system complexity and association determination difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having service agents continuously monitor signal attenuation before handoff is needed. This allows the system to proactively identify the optimal service agent for each client, simplifying the handoff process and reducing the complexity of real-time association determination during service transitions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach simplifies the user interface, reduces billing errors, and ensures efficient power delivery by correctly associating clients with the appropriate service agents, enhancing the reliability and cost-effectiveness of power-line communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
measuring and comparing signal attenuations
Implementation Method 2
employing notch filters
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
Associating service agents in communication over a network to one or more respective clients coupled to the network at respective ports of the network is described. At a first service agent, a first signal is received from a first client coupled to the network at a first port. The first signal propagates over a first signal propagation path between the first service agent and the first port. An association between the first service agent and the first client is established based at least in part on a difference between: the first signal propagation path between the first service agent and the first port, and a second signal propagation path between the first service agent and a second port or between a second service agent and the first port.