TV White Space Access via Virtual Contact Verification Signal

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing TV White Space (TVWS) rules impose inefficiencies on hybrid broadband cellular networks by requiring excessive signaling, credential validation, and location reporting, leading to increased costs and power consumption, particularly due to the need for frequent database re-access and GPS usage.

Innovation Solution

A broadband cellular network authorizes user equipment (UE) access to TVWS resources by conveying a mobile device identifier and cell identifier to a certified database, storing the FCC ID, and providing a virtual contact verification signal, thereby reducing the need for frequent re-authentication and minimizing signaling overhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the PPTVBD frequently re-accesses the FCC-certified TV Band Database to comply with TVWS rules, then the device maintains regulatory compliance and secure access to TVWS spectrum, but the signaling overhead and power consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregulatory complianceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The network performs preliminary authorization by conveying the mobile device identifier and cell identifier to the certified database, obtaining and storing the FCC ID and available TVWS resources in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for frequent re-accesses to the database, reducing power consumption while maintaining compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a virtual contact verification signal (VCVS) as an intermediary mechanism. Instead of requiring direct frequent communication between the device and the FCC-certified database, the network acts as an intermediary by providing VCVS through TVWS channels, which verifies device contact status without requiring repeated database accesses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the PPTVBD re-accesses the FCC-certified TV Band Database whenever location changes by more than 100 meters, then the device maintains accurate location-based spectrum access, but the GPS receiver increases current drain and operational costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoidcurrent drain

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the location verification function from the GPS receiver by using the cell identifier, which is already available in the broadband cellular network. This eliminates the need for continuous GPS operation while maintaining location-based spectrum access control, significantly reducing current drain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cell identifier serves multiple functions: it identifies the serving cell for broadband cellular communication and simultaneously provides location information for TVWS spectrum access authorization. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate GPS operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the hybrid network delivers encryption keys to all PPTVBDs accessing TVWS spectrum, then secure communications are maintained, but key management overhead for the network operator increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure communicationsVSAvoidkey management overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by embedding the encryption key derivation mechanism within the VCVS protocol. Devices that successfully verify the VCVS automatically obtain the necessary encryption credentials without requiring manual key distribution or complex network-managed key delivery, reducing key management overhead while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If the PPTVBD operates as Mode I device and receives CVS from the network, then secure TVWS access is maintained, but the signaling overhead and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure accessVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the contact verification function with the existing broadband cellular radio link maintenance procedures. The VCVS is provided through TVWS channels that are already being used for communication, combining multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism rather than requiring separate signaling procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9392464B2Method and apparatus for providing user equipment access to TV white space resources by a broadband cellular network

Publication Date: 2016.07.12 GOOGLE TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A broadband cellular network (BCN) provides a user equipment (UE) access to TVWS resources. The BCN authorizes the UE to access TVWS resources by conveying a mobile device identifier received from the UE, and a cell identifier associated with the UE's coverage area, to a Federal Communications Commission (FCC)-certified Database and receiving, from the Database, and storing an FCC ID associated with the UE and a set of available TVWS resources. The BCN then conveys, to the UE via a broadband cellular technology, a channel resource information element (CRIE) that includes the cell identifier and identifies the set of available TVWS resources. Subsequently, the BCN re-authorizes the UE to access TVWS resources based on the stored FCC ID and without re-conveying the mobile device identifier to the Database. The BCN further utilizes broadband cellular technology procedures to provide a “virtual” contact verification signal (VCVS) to the UE.