{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854461","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854461","title":"Methods for detecting and classifying signals transmitted over a radio frequency spectrum","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2014-07-09T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04W","H04B","H04B","H04B"],"num_claims":20,"abstract":"A method for classifying a signal can be used by a station or stations within a network to classify the signal as non-cooperative (NC) or a target signal. The method performs classification over channels within a frequency spectrum. The percentage of power above a first threshold is computed for a channel. Based on the percentage, a signal is classified as a narrowband signal. If the percentage indicates the absence of a narrowband signal, then a lower second threshold is applied to confirm the absence according to the percentage of power above the second threshold. The signal is classified as a narrowband signal or pre-classified as a wideband signal based on the percentage. Pre-classified wideband signals are classified as a wideband NC signal or target signal using spectrum masks."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Methods for Detecting and Classifying Signals Transmitted Over a Radio Frequency Spectrum patent introduces an innovative approach to accurately classifying signals within a network. The core innovation lies in using power threshold analysis and spectrum masks to distinguish between different types of signals, such as cooperative and non-cooperative signals, as well as target signals. This technology addresses the growing problem of spectrum congestion and signal interference in wireless communication systems.\n\nThe patent solves the problem of inefficient spectrum utilization by providing a more accurate and efficient method for signal classification. Traditional methods often struggle to differentiate between overlapping signals, leading to interference and reduced network performance. The invention overcomes these limitations by employing a multi-stage classification process that leverages power thresholds and spectrum masks.\n\nThe key technical approach involves computing the percentage of power above a first threshold for a given channel to identify narrowband signals. If no narrowband signal is detected, a lower second threshold is applied. Pre-classified wideband signals are then classified using spectrum masks to distinguish between wideband non-cooperative signals and target signals. This approach enables real-time signal classification and is adaptable to different frequency bands and signal types.\n\nThe business value of this technology lies in its ability to improve spectrum efficiency, reduce interference, and enhance the performance of wireless networks. It has applications in cognitive radio, spectrum monitoring, and electronic warfare. The market opportunity is significant, driven by the increasing demand for wireless communication and the growing complexity of the RF spectrum. The technology can be licensed to wireless network operators, equipment manufacturers, and government agencies.","layman_explanation":"The Methods for Detecting and Classifying Signals Transmitted Over a Radio Frequency Spectrum patent addresses the growing problem of signal interference in wireless communication. As more devices connect to the internet and use radio frequencies, the available spectrum becomes increasingly crowded. This leads to interference, which can degrade the performance of wireless networks and disrupt communication. Existing solutions often struggle to effectively differentiate between different types of signals, resulting in inefficient spectrum utilization.\n\nThis patent offers a solution by providing a more accurate and efficient method for classifying signals. Instead of trying to analyze every signal in detail, this technology uses a two-step approach. First, it looks at the overall power level of a signal to determine if it is strong enough to be considered important. This helps to filter out noise and irrelevant signals. If a signal passes this initial test, the system then analyzes its specific characteristics to determine what type of signal it is. This is like identifying a person by first checking if they are tall enough to ride a roller coaster, and then looking at their face to see who they are.\n\nThis technology matters because it can significantly improve the efficiency and performance of wireless networks. By accurately classifying signals, the system can allocate spectrum resources more effectively, reducing interference and improving communication. This has the potential to benefit a wide range of industries, including telecommunications, healthcare, and transportation.\n\nIn the future, this technology could be used to create more intelligent and adaptive wireless networks. By continuously monitoring and classifying signals, the system can dynamically adjust spectrum allocation to optimize network performance. This could lead to faster data speeds, more reliable communication, and a better overall user experience. This could lead to new jobs in the tech space.","technical_analysis":"The Methods for Detecting and Classifying Signals Transmitted Over a Radio Frequency Spectrum patent presents a multi-stage signal classification system designed for radio frequency (RF) environments. The system architecture leverages power threshold analysis and spectrum masks to achieve accurate and efficient signal classification. The process begins with computing the percentage of power above a first threshold for a given channel. This step is crucial for quickly identifying narrowband signals and filtering out noise. The implementation details involve setting an appropriate threshold value based on the expected signal strength and noise level.\n\nIf the percentage of power above the first threshold is below a certain level, the system applies a lower second threshold to further refine the analysis. This step helps to detect weaker narrowband signals that may have been missed in the initial screening. The choice of the second threshold value is critical to balancing sensitivity and false alarm rates.\n\nPre-classified wideband signals are then subjected to spectrum mask analysis. This involves comparing the spectral characteristics of the signal to a library of known signal profiles (spectrum masks). The system identifies the best match and classifies the signal accordingly. The implementation of spectrum mask analysis requires efficient algorithms for comparing spectral patterns and handling variations in signal characteristics.\n\nThe integration patterns for this technology involve deploying it in base stations, spectrum monitoring equipment, and cognitive radio systems. The system can be implemented in software or hardware, depending on the performance requirements. The performance characteristics of the system depend on the processing power of the hardware and the efficiency of the algorithms used. Code-level implications involve optimizing the code for real-time signal processing and minimizing latency. The algorithms need to be optimized for speed. The system needs to adapt to different frequencies. This innovation has implications for electronic warfare.","business_analysis":"The Methods for Detecting and Classifying Signals Transmitted Over a Radio Frequency Spectrum patent addresses a critical need in the rapidly evolving wireless communication landscape. The increasing demand for wireless services has led to significant spectrum congestion, making it difficult for different signals to coexist without interference. This patent offers a solution by providing a more accurate and efficient method for classifying signals, enabling better spectrum management and improved network performance.\n\nThe market opportunity for this technology is substantial. The global wireless communication market is projected to reach trillions of dollars in the coming years, driven by the growth of mobile devices, IoT devices, and 5G networks. The ability to efficiently manage the RF spectrum is becoming increasingly important for network operators and service providers. This patent provides a competitive advantage by enabling more efficient spectrum utilization and reducing interference.\n\nThe business models for this technology include licensing the patent to wireless network operators, equipment manufacturers, and government agencies. Revenue can be generated through upfront licensing fees, royalty payments, and maintenance contracts. The strategic positioning of this technology is to become a key enabler of next-generation wireless communication systems. The ROI projections for this technology are attractive, given the potential for significant cost savings and revenue generation. By improving spectrum efficiency and reducing interference, this technology can help network operators reduce their operating expenses and increase their revenue.","faqs":null,"topics":["signal classification","radio frequency","spectrum monitoring","cognitive radio","electronic warfare","methods","detecting","classifying"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Methods for Detecting and Classifying Signals Transmitted Over a Radio Frequency Spectrum - Patent US-9854461","description":"Discover how the Methods for Detecting and Classifying Signals Transmitted Over a Radio Frequency Spectrum patent improves signal classification accuracy and reduces interference. Full patent analysis & claims.","keywords":["signal classification","radio frequency","spectrum monitoring","cognitive radio","electronic warfare","patent","patent US-9854461"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854461","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854461","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Methods for detecting and classifying signals transmitted over a radio frequency spectrum\" (US-9854461). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854461","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854461","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854461","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T18:34:35.749Z"}