Wireless Signal Propagation Analysis via Sensor Correction

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for analyzing wireless signal propagation in geographic regions face challenges such as limited spatial resolution due to high costs and impracticality of densely deploying wireless sensor devices, especially in environments affected by radio frequency fading and multi-path effects.

Innovation Solution

A system that combines a distributed network of wireless sensor devices with a propagation model to simulate and measure wireless signal propagation, allowing for interpolation and correction of simulated data with measured data to achieve higher resolution and accuracy, even with less dense sensor deployments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If wireless sensor devices are densely deployed to improve spatial resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial resolutionVSAvoidsensor deployment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges simulated propagation data with measured spectral power data from wireless sensor devices. The simulation component generates spatial distribution data based on propagation models, while the measurement component collects actual spectral power measurements. These two data sources are combined through a correction mechanism where measured data corrects simulated data, achieving high spatial resolution without requiring dense sensor deployment throughout the entire geographic region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary correction mechanism that uses measured spectral power data to correct simulated propagation data. This intermediary approach allows the system to leverage the accuracy of measured data at specific locations to improve the overall simulation accuracy across the geographic region, thereby achieving high spatial resolution without proportionally increasing sensor deployment density.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If wireless sensor devices are densely deployed to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidnumber of sensor devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges simulated propagation data with measured spectral power data from wireless sensor devices. The simulation component generates spatial distribution data based on propagation models, while the measurement component collects actual spectral power measurements. These two data sources are combined through a correction mechanism where measured data corrects simulated data, achieving high spatial resolution without requiring dense sensor deployment throughout the entire geographic region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a propagation model simulation to create a virtual copy of the geographic region's signal propagation characteristics. This simulated copy is then corrected using measured data at specific locations, allowing the system to achieve high measurement accuracy without physically deploying sensors at every measurement point. The simulation acts as a surrogate that reduces the number of physical sensors needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Device complexity

If propagation models are used to simulate signal propagation, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to simulation inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidsimulation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where measured spectral power data from wireless sensor devices is used to correct and refine the simulated propagation data. The correction mechanism processes the measured data and applies it to adjust the simulation results, creating an iterative improvement process. This feedback loop continuously refines the accuracy of the propagation model based on actual measurements, thereby improving simulation accuracy while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9344907B1Analyzing wireless signal propagation

Publication Date: 2016.05.17 COGNITIVE SYST

AI summary

In some aspects, a wireless-spectrum analysis technique includes obtaining, at a computer system, a simulated spatial distribution of a wireless signal parameter (e.g., spectral power). The simulated spatial distribution is based on a computer-simulation of wireless signal propagation in a geographic region. A measured spatial distribution of the wireless signal parameter is obtained at the computer system. The measured spatial distribution is based on measurements performed by wireless sensor devices in the geographic region. Each of the wireless sensor devices is configured to provide local parameter measurements based on wireless signals detected by the wireless sensor device. The simulated spatial distribution is compared with the measured spatial distribution. In some instances, the simulated spatial distribution geographic region is modified based on the comparison.