Ad Hoc Network Node Enrollment via Room-Limited Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home network technologies are complex and difficult for consumers to use, requiring professional installation for adding, authenticating, and configuring new devices, especially as the number of networked devices increases with decreasing costs of microprocessor and communication components.
Innovation Solution
A method for enrolling nodes into an ad hoc network using both room-limited and room-transparent communications, allowing nodes to segment into rooms and define circuits based on received SKU numbers, enabling users to manage devices without prior knowledge of the floor plan or device types, and allowing devices to communicate and coordinate within a multi-roomed structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing home network technologies are used with increasing numbers of devices, then device connectivity and functionality are improved, but system complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables devices to automatically enroll in the ad hoc network, discover each other through room-limited communications, and self-configure without user intervention. The master node automatically segments devices into rooms and assigns functions based on their communication capabilities and received signals, eliminating the need for manual configuration by users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network into multiple rooms based on room-limited communication boundaries. Each room is independently managed with its own master node, and devices are automatically grouped into rooms based on which room-limited communications they can receive. This segmentation simplifies network management by isolating devices into manageable groups.
2Reliability
If professional installation is required for device configuration, then network reliability is improved, but installation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-configuration where new devices automatically enroll in the ad hoc network by transmitting their identification signals. The master node automatically receives these signals, determines which room the device belongs to based on room-limited communication reception, and configures the device without requiring professional technician intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions where devices are pre-configured with communication modules that can automatically detect and communicate with the master node upon entry into the network range. The master node has pre-established protocols to automatically identify, authenticate, and integrate new devices into the appropriate rooms before full network operation begins.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication protocols are implemented, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication framework where devices can use multiple communication protocols (room-limited and room-transparent) through a unified master node coordination system. The master node handles protocol translation and routing, allowing devices to communicate effectively without each device needing to implement all possible protocols independently.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for enrolling nodes into an ad hoc network associated with a multi-roomed structure. Nodes within the ad hoc network comprise a communication module configured to communicate with the ad hoc network using at least one of room-limited communications and room-transparent communications.