Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses an example system and method for radio frequency spectrum allocation.

Available radio frequency spectrum is allocated for wireless communications. Some of the available radio frequency spectrum is permanently reserved for particular communication modes or assigned to particular users. Some of the radio frequency spectrum is designated as shared spectrum, for use by multiple users. A portion of the shared spectrum is dynamically allocated to users. For example, the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) dynamically allocates spectrum in the <NUM> band to, among other users, cellular networks. The CBRS uses a centralized control system for spectrum assignment (the Spectrum Access System (SAS)). However, a centralized control system for spectrum assignment leads to a lack of transparency regarding which allocation decisions are made and why. Such systems also lack control over prioritizing public safety users' needs.

Therefore, systems and methods are provided herein for, among other things, distributed radio frequency spectrum sharing. Embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for, among other things, dynamically allocating spectrum to one or more spectrum-consuming entities by utilizing a weighted voting mechanism. Using such embodiments, spectrum is made available, and spectrum-consuming entities submit requests to use the spectrum. Validation nodes (other spectrum-consuming agencies, regulatory agencies, and the like) vote on requests and allocations of spectrum are made by consensus. Because validation nodes are weighted, certain spectrum-consuming entities, for example, public safety agencies, may be given a higher priority with weighted votes having a larger weight than a spectrum-consuming entity that is not a public safety agency. Allocations of spectrum are submitted, requested, and assigned using distributed ledger, for example, a blockchain ledger. As a consequence, embodiments described herein result in a system for dynamically allocating spectrum to one or more spectrum-consuming entities in a transparent fashion, while accounting for the needs of public safety and other priority users.

One example embodiment provides a system to dynamically allocate radio frequency spectrum. The system includes a spectrum broker server including a communications interface and an electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to determine an available radio frequency spectrum allocation. The electronic processor is configured to receive a spectrum request for the available radio frequency spectrum allocation at the communications interface, wherein the spectrum request is associated with a spectrum-consuming entity. The electronic processor is configured to receive, from a plurality of validation nodes, a plurality of votes based on the spectrum request. The electronic processor is configured to determine whether to grant the spectrum request based on the plurality of votes. The electronic processor is configured to, responsive to determining to grant the spectrum request, allocate the available radio frequency spectrum allocation to the spectrum-consuming entity. The electronic processor is further configured to determine the available radio frequency spectrum allocation by retrieving, from a distributed ledger containing radio frequency spectrum information, a first transaction including a proposed radio frequency spectrum allocation from the distributed ledger; receiving, via the communication interface, a plurality of votes on the proposed radio frequency spectrum allocation from the plurality of validation nodes; and determining, based on the plurality of votes on the proposed radio frequency spectrum allocation, whether to make the proposed radio frequency spectrum allocation available for requests.

Another example embodiment provides a method for dynamically allocating radio frequency spectrum. The method includes determining, with an electronic processor, an available radio frequency spectrum allocation. The method includes receiving a spectrum request for the available radio frequency spectrum from a spectrum-consuming entity. The method includes receiving, from a plurality of validation nodes, a plurality of votes based on the spectrum request. The method includes determining whether to grant the spectrum request based on the plurality of votes. The method includes, responsive to determining to grant the spectrum request, allocating the available radio frequency spectrum allocation to the spectrum-consuming entity. Herein determining the available radio frequency spectrum allocation includes retrieving, from a distributed ledger containing radio frequency spectrum information, a first transaction including a proposed radio frequency spectrum allocation from the distributed ledger; receiving a plurality of votes on the proposed radio frequency spectrum allocation from the plurality of validation nodes; and determining, based on the plurality of votes on the proposed radio frequency spectrum allocation, whether to make the proposed radio frequency spectrum allocation available for requests.

For ease of description, some or all of the example systems presented herein are illustrated with a single exemplar of each of its component parts. Some examples may not describe or illustrate all components of the systems. Other example embodiments may include more or fewer of each of the illustrated components, may combine some components, or may include additional or alternative components.

<FIG> illustrates an example distributed spectrum sharing coordination system <NUM>. The distributed spectrum sharing coordination system <NUM> includes a spectrum broker server <NUM>, described more particularly below with respect to <FIG>. The spectrum broker server <NUM> is connected via a communications network <NUM> to two spectrum-consuming entities <NUM> and <NUM>, an auditing authority <NUM>, and a radio frequency analysis server <NUM>. In some embodiments, the communications network <NUM> may be a peer to peer (P2P) network. The spectrum broker server <NUM> includes a copy of a distributed ledger <NUM> shared by each of the spectrum-consuming entities <NUM>, <NUM>, the auditing authority <NUM>, and the radio frequency analysis server <NUM>. The distributed ledger <NUM> includes information regarding the spectrum allocation and will be described more particularly below with respect to <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the spectrum-consuming entities <NUM>, <NUM> include servers <NUM>, <NUM> and wireless devices <NUM>, <NUM>. The wireless devices <NUM>, <NUM> are any of a plurality of known devices for communicating wirelessly to one another or over additional communications networks (not shown) operated by the spectrum-consuming entity. In some embodiments, one or both of the wireless devices <NUM>, <NUM> are smart telephones. The servers <NUM>, <NUM> of spectrum-consuming entity <NUM>, <NUM> store information including at least the distributed ledger <NUM>. Components of each of the servers <NUM>, <NUM>, the auditing authority <NUM>, and the radio frequency analysis server <NUM> are similar to those described below with respect to the spectrum broker server <NUM>, and perform similar functions. It should be noted that <FIG> is simply an example embodiment of the distributed spectrum sharing coordination system <NUM> and other embodiments may include more or less components including more or less spectrum-consuming entities <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a spectrum broker server system <NUM> for describing the spectrum broker server <NUM> in more detail. As described below with respect to <FIG>, the spectrum broker server may determine an available radio frequency spectrum allocation, determine whether to grant an allocation request, and allocate spectrum to a spectrum-consuming entity <NUM>, <NUM> upon granting a spectrum request. In the example provided, the spectrum broker server <NUM> includes an electronic processor <NUM>, a storage device <NUM>, and a communication interface <NUM>. The electronic processor <NUM>, the storage device <NUM>, and the communication interface <NUM> communicate over one or more communication lines or buses, wirelessly, or a combination thereof.

The electronic processor <NUM> may include a microprocessor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another suitable electronic device. The electronic processor <NUM> obtains and provides information (for example, from the storage device <NUM> and/or the communication interface <NUM>), and processes the information by executing one or more software instructions or modules, capable of being stored, for example, in a random access memory ("RAM") area of the storage device <NUM> or a read only memory ("ROM") of the storage device <NUM> or another non-transitory computer readable medium (not shown). The software can include firmware, one or more applications, program data, filters, rules, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions. The electronic processor <NUM> is configured to retrieve from the storage device <NUM> and execute, among other things, software related to the control processes and methods described herein.

The storage device <NUM> can include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media, and includes a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area and the data storage area can include combinations of different types of memory, as described herein. In the embodiment illustrated, the storage device <NUM> stores, among other things, a copy of the distributed ledger <NUM> (described in detail below) and a spectrum broker application <NUM>. As described in detail below the spectrum broker application <NUM> assigns radio frequency spectrum, records smart wallet entries, and receives and records a consensus from the auditing authority <NUM>.

The communication interface <NUM> may include a transceiver (for example, a Wi-Fi or Ethernet transceiver) for communicating over one or more wired or wireless communication networks or connections.

As noted, there is a need for a system for allocating radio frequency spectrum in a transparent and secure fashion while prioritizing spectrum allocation for public safety agencies and other high priority users. <FIG> illustrates an example method <NUM> for dynamically allocating spectrum to one or more spectrum-consuming entities. The method <NUM> is described as being performed by the spectrum broker server <NUM> and, in particular, the electronic processor <NUM>. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, portions of the method <NUM> may be performed by other devices, including for example, the auditing authority <NUM> or the radio frequency analysis server <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, at block <NUM>, the electronic processor <NUM> determines an available allocation of radio frequency spectrum for specific time slots. In some embodiments, the electronic processor <NUM> determines an available allocation by selecting an underutilized spectrum allocation selected from a plurality of existing spectrum allocations. The radio frequency analysis server <NUM> analyzes spectrum activities and identifies potential availability opportunities such as underutilized spectrum allocations (for example, based on historical usage patterns). In some embodiments, an underutilized spectrum allocation may be an unutilized spectrum allocation. In some embodiments, the radio frequency analysis server <NUM> also determines whether an underutilized spectrum allocation is free of interference, or how likely it is that interference may occur at the location of the underutilized spectrum allocation. The radio frequency analysis server <NUM> then records this information in the distributed ledger <NUM>.

The distributed ledger <NUM> contains radio frequency spectrum information. The distributed ledger <NUM> is a decentralized ledger utilizing, for example, blockchain technology. Because the components of the system <NUM> utilize the distributed ledger <NUM>, every user knows that the information on the distributed ledger <NUM> has not been changed without the proper permissions or authority. The distributed ledger <NUM> is decentralized, so that all users have access to the information on the distributed ledger <NUM>. The radio frequency spectrum information stored in the distributed ledger <NUM> is not limited to available radio frequency spectrum, but may additionally contain a transaction history for spectrum allocations made by the spectrum broker server (for example, information about past transactions and financial transactions linked to the spectrum allocation transactions). The listing of past transactions on the distributed ledger <NUM> helps the auditing authority <NUM> during audits of interference complaints and other regulatory needs. Because the distributed ledger <NUM> is universally accessible there is more transparency than in a CBRS SAS system using a centralized ledger.

In some embodiments, the distributed ledger <NUM> stores spectrum assignment information. A spectrum assignment record may include information about an owner of the spectrum, a spectrum frequency, rules about the spectrum allocation (for example, a time at which the spectrum is allocated, a length of time for the spectrum allocation (for example, when the spectrum allocation expires), or a priority level for spectrum allocation), a spectrum assignment ID, a service area, a transmission power level or power output, and a call sign. In some embodiments, the distributed ledger <NUM> stores one or more smart contracts for spectrum allocation. Smart contracts contain rules for allocation requests, selection of validation nodes based on the nature of a radio frequency request (for example, permanent, temporary, public safety, and the like), and authorizing validation nodes based on the nature of the request. In some embodiments, the distributed ledger <NUM> includes smart wallet information, for example, a balance available to pay for a spectrum fee and permissions for spectrum usage criteria.

At block <NUM>, the spectrum broker server <NUM> receives a request for one of the time slots from a spectrum-consuming entity. The request may be a bid for a time slot. The bid may include additional information, for example, the identity of the spectrum-consuming entity, financial information, a requested time slot, and the service area requested. For example, the bid may be for a geographic area around an airport from 1PM to <NUM> PM. In some embodiments, the radio frequency analysis server <NUM> uses the bid information to check for frequency reuse opportunities.

At block <NUM>, the spectrum broker server <NUM> receives a plurality of votes from a plurality of validation nodes. In some embodiments, the votes are weighted based on factors to generate a plurality of weighted votes based on the plurality of votes and the weight for each of the plurality of votes. For example, the electronic processor <NUM> assigns a weight to each of the plurality of votes based on at least one factor. Factors considered include but are not limited to the owner of the leasing spectrum, an interference analysis (for example, as determined by the radio frequency analysis server <NUM>), equipment capability, a spectrum-consuming entity type (for example, a public safety agency), a user type (for example, a public safety officer), a business rule, a desired operation area, and a power output (for example, for the spectrum-consuming entity making the request). For example, a vote of the owner of the leasing spectrum or of a public safety agency may be weighted more heavily than a vote from a validation node that is neither of these.

While for some requests all of the plurality of validation nodes may be allowed to vote, for other requests only certain validation nodes may have a vote. Different validation nodes may vote based on a tier associated with the usage of the requested frequency as well as the time slot being requested. For example, more validation nodes may be able to vote for lower priority spectrum at a lower priority time slot, but less validation nodes may be able to vote on a higher priority spectrum for a higher priority time slot. In another example, a set of validation nodes may vote on long term allocations of spectrum while a different set of validation nodes may vote on short term allocations.

At block <NUM>, the spectrum broker server <NUM> determines whether to grant the spectrum request. A spectrum request may be accepted by the spectrum broker server <NUM> when a consensus is reached between the plurality of validation nodes based on a plurality of votes, which, in some embodiments, are weighted votes. A consensus may depend on a tier of a request for spectrum allocation. For example, a high tier request may require <NUM>% approval from all of the validation nodes while a low tier request may require a <NUM> % approval from the validation nodes assigned to vote on the spectrum allocation. Other embodiments may include different tiers of requests other than a high tier request or a low tier request with different levels of approval required from voting validation nodes.

A smart contract may obtain the rules for selecting validation nodes based on the nature of the spectrum request and check in and out of the spectrum for a spectrum-consuming entity <NUM>, <NUM>, which may satisfy a consensus decision. The smart contract tracks previous transaction records stored on the distributed ledger <NUM> as well as financial information to find the best user for the spectrum. Upon finding a spectrum-consuming entity <NUM>, <NUM> which satisfies the consensus decision, the smart contract may allocate the spectrum to the spectrum-consuming entity <NUM>, <NUM>. Allocating the spectrum to the spectrum-consuming entity <NUM>, <NUM> may require the spectrum-consuming entity <NUM>, <NUM> to accept a plurality of conditions associated with the spectrum allocation. In some embodiments, the spectrum request includes an indication that the plurality of conditions are accepted. In some embodiments, the plurality of conditions is included in the smart contract. The spectrum-consuming entity <NUM>, <NUM> may have a linked smart wallet including a balance available to pay for a spectrum fee, and this financial information may be saved to the distributed ledger <NUM>.

At block <NUM>, if a request is granted, the spectrum broker server <NUM> moves to block <NUM> to allocate the spectrum for the requested time slot to the requesting spectrum-consuming entity <NUM>, <NUM>. If the request is not granted, the spectrum broker server <NUM> resumes determining an available radio frequency spectrum and waiting for a spectrum request and votes from the plurality of validation nodes.

At block <NUM>, the spectrum broker server <NUM> allocates the requested spectrum to the spectrum-consuming entity <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, the spectrum broker server <NUM> associates the assigned spectrum to the spectrum-consuming entity through cryptographic methods, and updates the distributed ledger <NUM> with the new spectrum allocation information. In some embodiments, the cryptographic methods include an authentication key used to generate a base station identifier (BSID), which is broadcast from a base station of a spectrum-consuming entity <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the spectrum broker server <NUM>, responsive to determining to grant the spectrum request, transmits an authentication key (for example, an encrypted hash key) associated with the available radio frequency spectrum allocation to the spectrum-consuming entity. In some embodiments, a trust chain may be embedded down to the level of base stations, call controllers, and wireless devices. In such embodiments, illegal or promiscuous devices are not able to join the system. In addition, the auditing authority <NUM> may gather information about the allocation by querying the distributed ledger <NUM> to ensure the accuracy of the allocation. In some embodiments, the auditing authority <NUM> may be actively notified of a spectrum transaction by one of the spectrum-consuming entities <NUM>, <NUM> or the spectrum broker server <NUM>. Embodiments such as these provide for a secure allocation of the radio frequency spectrum.

In some embodiments, the electronic processor <NUM> determines an available allocation of radio frequency spectrum by selecting a radio frequency spectrum made available by system owners or an entity such as the spectrum broker server <NUM> by announcing available radio frequency spectrum and time slots in the distributed ledger <NUM>. According to the invention, the electronic processor <NUM> retrieves, from the distributed ledger <NUM>, a first transaction including a proposed radio frequency spectrum allocation. The electronic processor <NUM> receives (for example, via the communication interface <NUM>), a plurality of votes on the proposed radio frequency spectrum allocation from a plurality of validation nodes. The electronic processor <NUM> determines based on the plurality of votes on the proposed radio frequency spectrum allocation, whether to make the proposed radio frequency spectrum allocation available for requests via the distributed ledger <NUM>.

The invention is defined solely by the appended claims.

Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "has," "having," "includes," "including," "contains," "containing" or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by "comprises. a," "includes. a," or "contains. a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms "substantially," "essentially," "approximately," "about" or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within <NUM>%, in another embodiment within <NUM>%, in another embodiment within <NUM>% and in another embodiment within <NUM>%. The term "coupled" as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is "configured" in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

Moreover, an embodiment can be implemented as a computer-readable storage medium having computer readable code stored thereon for programming a computer (for example, comprising a processor) to perform a method as described and claimed herein. Examples of such computer-readable storage mediums include, but are not limited to, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and a Flash memory. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such software instructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>) to allocate radio frequency spectrum, the system comprising:
a spectrum broker server (<NUM>) including
a communications interface; and
an electronic processor (<NUM>) configured to
determine an available radio frequency spectrum allocation;
receive a spectrum request for the available radio frequency spectrum allocation at the communications interface, wherein the spectrum request is associated with a spectrum-consuming entity (<NUM>);
receive, from a plurality of validation nodes, a plurality of votes based on the spectrum request;
determine whether to grant the spectrum request based on the plurality of votes; and
responsive to determining to grant the spectrum request, allocate the available radio frequency spectrum allocation to the spectrum-consuming entity (<NUM>);
characterized in that
the electronic processor (<NUM>) is further configured to determine the available radio frequency spectrum allocation by
retrieving, from a distributed ledger (<NUM>) containing radio frequency spectrum information, a first transaction including a proposed radio frequency spectrum allocation from the distributed ledger (<NUM>);
receiving, via the communication interface (<NUM>), a plurality of votes on the proposed radio frequency spectrum allocation from the plurality of validation nodes; and
determining, based on the plurality of votes on the proposed radio frequency spectrum allocation, whether to make the proposed radio frequency spectrum allocation available for requests.