6LoWPAN Prefix Distribution via Context and Information Options

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing 6LoWPAN technology has limitations in distributing IPv6 prefixes, as the number of prefixes that can be distributed by the 6LoWPAN Context Option (6CO) is limited, necessitating the use of the Prefix Information Option (PIO) for all prefixes, which affects communication efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A communication device that includes a storage unit for storing IPv6 prefixes, a setting unit to set distribution criteria for prefixes using both the 6CO and PIO, and a distribution unit to distribute prefixes based on these criteria, allowing for efficient prefix management and communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the 6LoWPAN Context Option (6CO) is used to distribute prefixes, then communication efficiency is improved through IP address compression, but the number of distributable prefixes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of distributable prefixes

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the prefix distribution function into two distinct pathways: 6CO for prefixes requiring compression (improving communication efficiency) and PIO for prefixes that cannot be distributed via 6CO (expanding adaptability). This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing each method to handle specific cases where it excels, rather than forcing a single method to handle all scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the Prefix Information Option (PIO) is used to distribute prefixes, then the number of distributable prefixes is increased, but communication efficiency decreases due to lack of compression

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of distributable prefixesVSAvoidcommunication efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different distribution methods to different prefixes based on their specific requirements. Prefixes suitable for 6CO compression receive that treatment for optimal efficiency, while prefixes incompatible with 6CO are distributed via PIO. This localized approach ensures each prefix receives the most appropriate distribution method, resolving the efficiency-loss contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If all prefixes are distributed by the Prefix Information Option (PIO), then all prefixes can be distributed, but the processing load increases and communication efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of prefix distributionVSAvoidprocessing load

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic selection logic that automatically determines the appropriate distribution method (6CO or PIO) for each prefix based on compression compatibility. This dynamic approach reduces processing load by using the more efficient 6CO method whenever possible, while only resorting to PIO when necessary, thereby resolving the contradiction between completeness and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11329947B2Communication device, control method for communication device, and storage medium, for setting a distribution criterion

Publication Date: 2022.05.10 CANON KK

AI summary

In Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) over Low power Wireless Personal Area Networks (6LoWPAN), a distribution criterion for a prefix using a 6LoWPAN Context Option (6CO) can be set. The distribution criterion for the prefix using 6CO is set, and one of the prefix using the 6CO and a prefix using a Prefix Information Option (PIO) is distributed to another communication device based on the set distribution criterion.