Adaptive Search in Distributed Datasets Using Signal Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for searching distributed datasets are inefficient in terms of resource usage and power consumption, particularly in resource-constrained devices.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive searching method and apparatus that utilize spatially-distributed devices with varying transmit powers to efficiently search and respond to search requests, incorporating weighting factors and encoding schemes to optimize search scores and resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional searching methods are used in distributed datasets, then search functionality is provided, but resource usage and power consumption are inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic transmit power adjustment where devices adapt their transmission power based on received signal strength measurements. The searching device measures RSSI of responses and calculates relative power, then adjusts subsequent transmit power accordingly. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing energy usage while maintaining search effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters (transmit power levels) based on measured conditions (RSSI). Devices transition between different power states (e.g., from maximum power to reduced power) based on signal strength measurements, thereby improving energy efficiency without compromising search capability.
2Reliability
If higher transmit power is used to ensure search request delivery, then search coverage is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the searching device measures the RSSI of search responses, calculates relative power values, and uses this information to adjust transmit power in subsequent search requests. This closed-loop feedback system ensures reliable delivery by adapting power levels based on actual channel conditions, avoiding both excessive power consumption and insufficient coverage.
3Productivity
If all devices respond to search requests at maximum power, then search response coverage is maximized, but resource usage across the network deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by having each device individually adjust its transmit power based on its specific received signal strength measurement. Instead of a uniform maximum power approach, each device optimizes its local transmission characteristics, resulting in overall network efficiency improvement while maintaining adequate response coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A first communication device comprising memory in which data is stored may receive a request packet from a second communication device, measure received signal strength for the request packet, and determine whether to perform the requested search of the data stored in the memory based on the received signal strength and the power at which the request packet was transmitted. The search request packet may comprise a request to search the data stored in the memory, and a transmit power field that indicates a power at which the request packet was transmitted. The determining may be based on a result of a comparison between the received signal strength and a threshold and/or based on a comparison of a relative power and a threshold. The relative power may be calculated utilizing the received signal strength and the power at which the packet was transmitted.