3D Wi-Fi Signal Propagation Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless network planning tools fail to accurately visualize Wi-Fi signal propagation in three-dimensional spaces, particularly at varying heights and locations, due to their inability to account for unconventional building geometries and objects placed at different heights, leading to suboptimal network performance.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for providing a three-dimensional visualization of Wi-Fi signal propagation by calculating RF propagation patterns based on a RF propagation model, projecting ray-paths in a 3D space, segmenting them through uniform mediums, and determining signal strength, which are then overlaid onto a building plan to present a detailed 3D visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional wireless network planning tools are used to visualize Wi-Fi signal propagation, then the tools provide basic signal coverage analysis, but they fail to accurately represent signal propagation at varying heights and locations due to inability to account for unconventional building geometries and objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional floor plan visualizations to three-dimensional spatial visualization of Wi-Fi signal propagation. The system calculates signal strength at multiple height levels and locations throughout the 3D space, projecting ray-paths in X, Y, and Z dimensions to accurately represent how signals propagate through unconventional building geometries and objects at different heights.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the 3D space into multiple height levels and locations, calculating signal propagation characteristics at each segment rather than providing a single uniform analysis. The ray-paths are segmented through different mediums (air, walls, floors) to account for varying signal attenuation at different heights and locations.
2Reliability
If conventional tools provide basic signal coverage analysis, then the analysis is simple and quick, but the network design becomes suboptimal due to inaccurate signal propagation representation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of signal propagation patterns before final network design decisions are made. By pre-calculating ray-paths and signal strength at multiple locations and heights, the system enables optimized AP placement and configuration decisions to be made in advance, improving network design reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visualization layer that translates complex signal propagation calculations into intuitive 3D visual representations. This intermediary presentation layer allows network planners to understand and interpret the detailed signal behavior without being overwhelmed by the underlying computational complexity.
3Productivity
If accurate 3D signal propagation visualization is implemented, then network design optimization is enabled, but the calculation and visualization process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual signal propagation analysis with automated computational methods. The system uses computer-generated ray-tracing and signal propagation models to automatically calculate and visualize signal patterns, substituting manual analysis with algorithmic processing that efficiently handles 3D spatial calculations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology is directed to visualizing a Wi-Fi signal propagation in 3-D at various heights and locations. The present technology can calculate a radio frequency (RF) propagation pattern for a Wi-Fi access point (AP) based on a RF propagation model for the Wi-Fi AP and overlay the RF propagation pattern for the Wi-Fi AP over a visualization of the building plan to present a 3-D visualization of the RF propagation pattern of the 3-D space. In particular, the present technology can project a plurality of ray-paths in various directions in a 3-D space originated from the Wi-Fi AP and determine whether the ray-paths interface with objects defined in the building plan. The present technology can segment the respective ray-path into contiguous segments of substantially uniform mediums for each ray-path that interface with the objects and determine a RF signal strength at points along the contiguous segments of the ray-paths.