Wireless Signal Strength Estimation via Intermediary Device Relationships
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating signal strength in wireless local area networks (WLANs) are inadequate, particularly in determining signal strength and channel utilization for target wireless devices, especially when the transmitting device is stationary or mobile, and when existing information about the wireless environment is insufficient.
Innovation Solution
The system estimates signal strength and channel utilization for a target wireless device by using detected signal strengths from other devices, establishing relationships based on signal strengths received by multiple devices, and applying these relationships to determine the estimated signal strength or channel utilization, even if the target device cannot decode the signals or is not operating in the same channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If signal strength is measured directly at the target wireless device, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring direct signal reception and decoding capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a first wireless device as an intermediary to measure signal strength and establish relationships with the target wireless device. Instead of requiring the target device to directly measure signals, the system uses the first device's measurements and applies pre-established relationships to estimate the target device's signal strength, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a mathematical model (copy) of the signal strength relationship between devices. By establishing a relationship based on measurements from the first wireless device and applying it to the target device, the system replicates the measurement capability without requiring the target device to perform actual signal reception and decoding
2Adaptability or versatility
If the target wireless device operates in a different channel or cannot decode signals, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to directly receive signals
Solution Approach 1:
The first wireless device acts as an intermediary that operates on the same channel as the transmitting device, measuring signal strength directly. This intermediary then transfers the measurement information to the target device through pre-established relationships, enabling the target device to obtain accurate signal strength estimates even when operating on different channels or unable to decode signals
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing relationships between the first wireless device and the target wireless device before actual signal strength estimation is needed. These pre-established relationships capture the signal propagation characteristics and device-specific factors, enabling accurate estimation later without requiring the target device to directly receive signals
3Measurement precision
If direct signal reception is required for accurate measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of information increases when the target device cannot receive or decode signals
Solution Approach 1:
The first wireless device serves as an information intermediary that collects signal strength measurements and environmental data. By establishing relationships between devices and using these relationships to estimate target device metrics, the system prevents information loss that would occur if the target device couldn't directly receive or decode signals
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the first wireless device's measurements and the pre-established relationships to continuously estimate and update the target device's signal strength and channel utilization. This feedback mechanism ensures that accurate information about the wireless environment is maintained even when the target device cannot directly receive signals
Data Source
AI summary
Operations include estimating a signal strength of a wireless signal as if received by a target wireless device. One or more relationships between detected signal strength values, measured channel utilization values, and/or actual channel utilization values are determined. The estimation is made based on applying detected signal strength values received at other wireless devices, measured channel utilization values at other wireless devices, and/or actual channel utilization values at other wireless devices to the relationships.