Wireless Channel Probing for Dynamic Multipath

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current adaptive frequency hopping techniques are inadequate in addressing dynamic multipath propagation issues in wireless communication, particularly in environments with fast-changing conditions like those experienced by mobile devices within buildings.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a system that rapidly updates channel information by transmitting probe signals with a plurality of frequencies across a band of channels, determining signal strength, and switching to channels with sympathetic multipath propagation to enhance signal strength, using techniques such as wideband characterization and chirp signals to optimize channel selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If adaptive frequency hopping techniques are used to select channels based on RSSI measurements and retransmission attempts, then channel selection capability is improved, but the system cannot adequately address dynamic multipath propagation issues in fast-changing environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel selection capabilityVSAvoidcommunication quality in multipath environments
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary channel characterization by transmitting probe signals across multiple frequency bands before actual communication begins. This advance probing identifies channels with sympathetic multipath propagation characteristics, allowing the system to pre-select optimal channels before dynamic multipath issues arise during communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously updates channel information by repeatedly transmitting probe signals and re-evaluating multipath conditions. This dynamic re-characterization allows the system to adapt to fast-changing multipath environments, switching to channels with favorable propagation conditions when conditions deteriorate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If probe signals with multiple frequencies are transmitted to characterize channels, then channel selection accuracy is improved, but transmission time and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel characterization accuracyVSAvoidchannel probing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency band is divided into multiple sub-bands, and probe signals are transmitted selectively across these sub-bands rather than sweeping through all frequencies continuously. This segmentation allows parallel evaluation of multiple frequency ranges, reducing total probing time while maintaining comprehensive channel characterization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic probe signal transmissions at different frequencies to characterize channels. By transmitting probe signals periodically across different frequency bands and evaluating responses, the system efficiently gathers channel information without requiring continuous wideband scanning, thus reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP2943026B1Wireless communication with probing bandwith
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 STARKEY LABORATORIES INC
  • EP2943026B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2943026B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4B
  • EP2943026B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A system embodiment includes a first device and a second device configured to communicate over a selected wireless communication channel selected from a band of channels or over a selected set of channels used in an adaptive frequency hopping scheme. The first device is configured to transmit a probe signal that has a plurality of frequencies contained within the band of channels, and the second device is configured to determine a signal strength of the probe signal for each of a plurality of potential communication channels within the band of channels. The first and second devices configured to switch to another wireless communication channel based at least in part on the signal strength of the probe signal for each of a plurality of potential wireless communication channels.