Ad Hoc Network Metric Computation Using Error Rate and Electric Field Intensity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication technologies in ad hoc and mesh networks face challenges in appropriately generating and managing communication paths, especially when error rates and link quality vary, affecting data transmission efficiency and network coverage.

Innovation Solution

An information processing device that computes metric values based on error rates and electric field intensity, uses low-pass filters, and dynamically adjusts communication paths by setting new paths based on threshold values and priority, ensuring efficient data transmission and network expansion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the metric value is computed using the error rate when the error rate is lower than a threshold value, then the communication path management accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to conditional computation logic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication path management accuracyVSAvoidcomputation logic complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the computation parameter (error rate) dynamically based on threshold conditions. When the error rate is below a threshold, the metric computation uses the error rate; when above the threshold, it uses alternative parameters. This conditional parameter switching resolves the contradiction by improving measurement precision only when necessary, avoiding unnecessary computational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the metric value is estimated based on current electric field intensity when the elapsed time is longer than a threshold value, then the adaptability to varying link quality is improved, but the measurement precision may deteriorate due to time-based estimation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varying link qualityVSAvoidmetric value precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic metric value estimation that adapts to changing link quality conditions over time. When the elapsed time since final data transmission exceeds a threshold, the system estimates metric values based on current electric field intensity rather than relying on outdated measurements. This dynamic adaptation improves versatility in varying link quality conditions while accepting reasonable precision trade-offs for time-varying environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the low-pass filter processes the metric value using the data rate as initial value, then the stability of communication path selection is improved, but the response time to detect link quality changes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication path selection stabilityVSAvoidresponse time to link quality changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a low-pass filter to the metric value with the data rate as the initial value, creating a continuous and stable communication path selection process. The filter smooths out rapid fluctuations in metric values, providing stable path selection. While this filtering inherently delays response to sudden link quality changes, the continuous processing ensures that trends are eventually detected and responded to, balancing stability with eventual responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3041289B1Information processing device and information processing method
Publication Date: 2019.09.11 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3041289B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3041289B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3041289B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

Generation and management of a communication path between a plurality of information processing devices are properly performed. An information processing device is an information processing device equipped with a communication unit and a control unit. The communication unit performs exchange of a signal for generation or updating of a multi-hop communication path using wireless communication with another information processing device. In addition, the control unit performs control to change a metric value included in the signal for generation or updating of the multi-hop communication path based on a state of the information processing device.