Ad-Hoc Network Packet Broadcasting Relay Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile ad-hoc networks, particularly vehicular ad-hoc networks, face challenges with data collisions, interference, and transmission delays due to uncoordinated communication, which hinder efficient broadcasting of messages such as traffic advisories and safety communications in environments with high mobility.

Innovation Solution

A method for broadcasting data packets in mobile ad-hoc networks that involves selecting relay nodes based on distance and direction of movement, using a wait timer to minimize interference, and storing node locations and positions to optimize message relaying, ensuring efficient message dissemination without flooding the airwaves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If uncoordinated communications are transmitted by simply installing wireless antenna, then node deployment is easy, but data collisions and interference occur resulting in significant transmission delay

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenode deploymentVSAvoidtransmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having nodes prepare relay information and wait for appropriate transmission opportunities before actually relaying data. Nodes pre-calculate relay paths and maintain neighbor information, then execute coordinated relaying when conditions are favorable, avoiding immediate collisions while maintaining mobility adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where nodes transmit relay information messages that include their current status, location, and relay capabilities. Other nodes use this feedback information to make informed decisions about routing and relaying, dynamically adjusting transmission based on real-time network conditions and node movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If uncoordinated data transmission is used, then node operation is simple, but airwaves are flooded with messages causing radio bandwidth jamming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenode operationVSAvoidradio bandwidth jamming
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the broadcasting process by introducing intermediate relay nodes that divide the transmission path into multiple hops. Instead of all nodes transmitting simultaneously across the entire network, data is segmented and relayed through selected intermediate nodes, reducing the volume of simultaneous transmissions and preventing bandwidth flooding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses relay nodes as intermediaries between source and destination nodes. These intermediary nodes receive data from one node and forward it to another, acting as mediators that coordinate transmission timing and routing. This intermediary layer prevents direct simultaneous transmissions that would cause bandwidth jamming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If all messages propagate in all directions without consideration of desired transmission direction, then broadcasting is simple, but interference increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebroadcasting mechanismVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by having each relay node determine the appropriate transmission direction based on its local context - specifically, the location of the source node and the desired destination. Each node calculates the optimal direction to forward data toward the destination rather than broadcasting omnidirectionally, reducing interference in unwanted directions while maintaining simple implementation at each node.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If high mobility of nodes is present, then network adaptability is improved, but frequent neighbor changes make a priori configuration into groups problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork adaptabilityVSAvoidgroup configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the relay configuration adaptive rather than static. Nodes dynamically determine relay relationships based on current location information and network conditions, rather than relying on pre-configured groups. The system continuously updates neighbor information and relay paths as nodes move, maintaining adaptability while avoiding the complexity of managing dynamic group reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2215780B1Method of broadcasting packets in ad-hoc network
Publication Date: 2015.01.07 TOYOTA INFOTECH CENT U S A
  • EP2215780B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2215780B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2215780B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A method for distributing a packet to a plurality of moving nodes comprising receiving a packet containing at least a message, a sender identifier, a location of a sender, an identifier for a relay node and distance from the sender and the relay node, determining if a node receiving the packet is the relay node and immediately distributing the packet to a plurality of moving nodes if the receiving node is the relay node. If the receiving node is not the relay node, the method further comprises steps of waiting a set period of time, determining if a packet is received from a different sender containing the same message, within the period of time and distributing the packet to a plurality of moving nodes if a packet containing the same message is not received within the period of time. The distributed packet includes an identifier for a successive relay node.