Automated Signal Capture and Location via Real-Time Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current signal processing systems lack the capability for automated signal capture and location determination, relying on indirect and user-dependent methods for signal location, which limits their effectiveness in identifying and mapping rogue transmitters, interferers, and standards violations.

Innovation Solution

An automated spectrum monitoring system that uses real-time signal analysis in conjunction with physical mapping functionality, enabling mobile devices to detect and locate signals based on user-specified characteristics, such as frequency mask and DPX density triggers, and integrates location-aware mapping to determine the geographic and azimuthal location of signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If traditional signal monitoring instruments are used with GPS-based mapping functionality, then signal discovery and basic capture capabilities are maintained, but automated signal location determination based on real-time signal characteristics remains unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated signal location determinationVSAvoidsystem functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines real-time spectrum analysis capabilities with GPS-based location mapping to create an integrated system that automatically determines signal locations based on real-time signal characteristics, merging previously separate functions into a unified automated workflow

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service automation by using real-time signal characteristic analysis to automatically trigger location determination and mapping operations without requiring manual user intervention for each signal capture event

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If signal capture is initiated based on indirect indicators such as relative location change or time interval, then basic monitoring operations can be performed, but direct signal-based triggering for automated capture is not available

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal capture efficiencyVSAvoiduser dependency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback-based triggering where real-time analysis of signal characteristics directly feeds into automated capture decisions, creating a closed-loop system that responds to actual signal conditions rather than relying on pre-set time or location intervals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual operation mechanisms with automated real-time signal analysis, substituting user-click operations with system-driven automatic capture based on real-time evaluation of signal characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Extent of automation

If manual operation or fixed time intervals are used for signal measurement, then operational simplicity is maintained, but automated real-time signal-based triggering is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time signal-based triggeringVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous real-time analysis of signal characteristics, ensuring that signal capture triggering occurs continuously based on current signal conditions rather than at discrete manual or time-based intervals, eliminating response delays

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP2833569B1Device for automated signal capture and location based on real-time analysis of signal characteristics
Publication Date: 2016.04.06 TEKTRONIX INC
  • EP2833569B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2833569B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2833569B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An automated spectrum monitoring system may include a measurement device having a signal information display configured to visually present signal information pertaining to a signal, a real-time trigger detector configured to detect a trigger corresponding to the signal, and a mapping application configured to determine a geographic location of a source of the signal and visually present an indication of the geographic location.