Wireless Network Measurement System Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless network measurement systems face challenges in accurately assessing connection quality due to variations in radio frequency signal exposure caused by slight differences in test device positions, leading to inconsistent measurement values.

Innovation Solution

A measurement system comprising multiple test devices with a calibration controller that determines individual correction factors based on connection quality measurements, allowing for adaptation of signal exposure to a unified baseline, thereby reducing measurement deviations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple test devices are used to perform parallel measurements, then measurement data quantity and evaluation depth are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to positional variations causing RF signal exposure differences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement data quantityVSAvoidmeasurement consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by calculating individual correction factors for each test device based on their specific positional and orientational characteristics. These correction factors adjust the measurement parameters (RF signal values) to compensate for positional variations, allowing multiple devices to provide consistent measurements despite being at different locations. This resolves the contradiction by transforming the raw measurements through device-specific parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by using a calibration mode where test devices measure reference signals from the wireless network, and the controller calculates correction factors based on these measurements. The correction factors are then applied in normal operation mode to adjust subsequent measurements. This feedback loop ensures that positional variations are continuously compensated, maintaining measurement precision while utilizing multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If test devices are positioned at different locations, then measurement coverage and network evaluation capability are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to different RF signal exposure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidsignal exposure consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by determining individual correction factors for each test device based on its specific local conditions (position and orientation). Each device has its own correction factor that accounts for its unique RF signal exposure characteristics. This allows the system to maintain measurement precision for each local position while achieving overall network coverage through multiple devices at different locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the measurement parameters by applying device-specific correction factors that compensate for local positional and orientational variations. This transformation allows measurements from different locations to be normalized and compared, achieving both wide coverage and consistent precision across all measurement points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If calibration mode is implemented to determine correction factors, then measurement precision is improved, but time consumption increases due to additional calibration steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration measurements in a dedicated calibration mode before normal operation. During this preliminary phase, test devices measure reference signals and the controller calculates correction factors that are stored for subsequent use. This preliminary calibration ensures high measurement precision in normal operation without requiring continuous calibration, thus balancing accuracy with time efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3277016B1Measurement system and a method
Publication Date: 2019.09.11 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3277016B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3277016B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3277016B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a measurement system (1, 21) and a method for measuring a connection quality to a wireless network (2). The measurement system comprises a plurality of test devices (4 to 7, 24 to 27), the test devices (4 to 7, 24 to 27) each comprising a communication unit (8 to 11) configured to communicate with the wireless network (2) and a measurement unit (12 to 15) configured to measure the connection quality to the wireless network (2), a calibration controller (17, 37) configured to determine in a calibration mode the connection quality of each one of the test devices (4 to 7, 24 to 27) to the wireless network (2), and to calculate for every test devices (4 to 7, 24 to 27) an individual correction factor (18, 38) based on the connection quality determined during the calibration mode, and a signal adaption unit (19, 39) configured to adapt the measured connection quality of each one of the test devices (4 to 7, 24 to 27) according to the respective individual correction factor (18, 38).