Ad-hoc Network Deployment via Mobile Platform

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current solutions for establishing wireless communication networks in dynamic or constrained environments, such as during natural disasters or for mobile robots, lack an automatic and optimized method for determining the optimal placement of relay terminals, leading to inefficiencies and the reliance on wired communication due to limited radio range and interference issues.

Innovation Solution

A control system that deploys communicating objects, such as repeaters and sensors, using a mobile platform to create an ad-hoc network, which can self-deploy and adapt based on predefined parameters, ensuring optimal connectivity and quality of service by dynamically adjusting the placement of communicating objects in response to environmental conditions and network demands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If relay terminals are manually positioned without automated assistance, then deployment simplicity is maintained, but network coverage and connectivity quality deteriorate due to suboptimal placement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment simplicityVSAvoidnetwork connectivity quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs automated algorithms that enable the network to self-deploy and self-optimize. The relay terminals automatically determine their optimal positions based on real-time network state and environmental conditions, eliminating the need for manual positioning while achieving optimal placement. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by automating the deployment process to maintain simplicity while dramatically improving connectivity quality through intelligent, adaptive positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts deployment parameters such as terminal positions, transmission power, and routing configurations based on real-time network conditions and environmental factors. This parameter optimization enables automated systems to achieve superior network performance compared to static manual deployment, resolving the contradiction between deployment simplicity and connectivity quality by allowing flexible parameter adaptation without increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the radio range between mobile devices is extended using intermediate relay terminals, then connectivity is improved, but the complexity of determining optimal relay terminal placement worsens due to lack of automated solutions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless connectivityVSAvoidrelay terminal placement determination
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where relay terminals monitor network performance metrics, environmental conditions, and their own positional data. This feedback is processed by automated algorithms that adjust terminal positions and network configurations in real-time, enabling the system to automatically resolve the complex optimization problem of relay placement while maintaining reliable connectivity through adaptive response to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static manual placement to dynamic automated positioning. Relay terminals continuously adjust their positions and operational parameters based on real-time network state and environmental conditions. This dynamic adaptation automatically handles the complexity of optimal placement determination while ensuring reliable connectivity, as the system evolves to meet changing requirements without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If wired communication solutions are used for robot control, then reliable communication is achieved, but mobility and operational flexibility deteriorate due to physical constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidrobot mobility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces wireless relay terminals as intermediaries between the robot and control station, replacing wired connections. These relay terminals form a multi-hop wireless network that maintains communication reliability equivalent to wired connections while enabling full robot mobility. The relay terminals act as mediators that bridge the gap between wireless freedom and wired reliability, allowing the robot to move freely while maintaining stable communication through the automated wireless infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3081049B1Deployment of ad-hoc networks
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP3081049B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3081049B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3081049B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

System for the deployment of an ad-hoc network, comprising at least one mobile platform moving in an environment and transporting a plurality of communicating objects consisting of at least one part of the ad-hoc mobile network; means for deploying these communicating objects at certain locations in the environment, the locations being determined as a function of predefined parameters. Each communicating object can comprise at least one energy source and wireless communication means. According to certain developments, a communicating object can comprise a protective physical layer and/or means of locomotion and/or sensors, in particular radioactivity sensors. Described are the use of terrestrial or aerial or aquatic or amphibious mobile robots, as well as automatic, semi-automatic, distributed or centralized modes of implementation.