Ad Hoc Network Setting Automation via Representative Terminal Voting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for changing network settings such as frequency, radio modulation method, and access scheme in ad hoc networks without a specific base station lack automation, as they rely on information from a base station, which is not applicable in ad hoc networks.

Innovation Solution

A network setting change method and system where a request source terminal transmits a setting change request to a selected representative terminal, which then requests permission from a majority of representative terminals, and upon receiving permission, notifies the request source terminal to proceed with the setting change instructions, ensuring all terminals uniformly change their settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a base station is used to provide network setting information, then network setting automation is achieved, but the method cannot be applied to ad hoc networks without a specific base station

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork setting automationVSAvoidapplicability to ad hoc networks
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a representative terminal as an intermediary entity that mediates network setting changes in ad hoc networks. Instead of relying on a base station, a selected terminal acts as the intermediary to coordinate setting changes among multiple terminals, enabling automation in peer-to-peer networks where no central base station exists.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables terminals to autonomously determine and execute network setting changes based on local decisions. When a terminal determines that a setting change is necessary, it can initiate the change process itself by notifying other terminals, rather than waiting for base station instructions, thus achieving self-service capability in ad hoc networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If all terminals independently determine network settings, then adaptability is improved, but uniform selection of settings across all terminals cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal autonomyVSAvoiduniformity of network settings
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the decision-making process by having all terminals collectively determine network settings through a coordinated voting mechanism. Instead of each terminal making independent decisions, the settings are determined through a combination of terminal preferences and majority voting, ensuring both autonomy and uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where terminals exchange setting preference information and vote on proposed changes. Each terminal provides feedback about its preferred settings, and the representative terminal aggregates this feedback to determine the final uniform setting that reflects the collective will of all terminals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Speed

If network settings are changed without coordination, then response speed is improved, but network disconnection may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetting change response speedVSAvoidnetwork connectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary coordination among terminals before executing setting changes. The representative terminal collects votes and determines the final setting before notifying all terminals to change simultaneously. This preliminary action ensures that all terminals are prepared for the change, preventing network disconnection while maintaining fast response through pre-planned coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10212033B2Network setting change method and system thereof, and terminals which are used with said system
Publication Date: 2019.02.19 NEC CORP
  • US10212033B2 patent drawing
  • US10212033B2 patent drawing
  • US10212033B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention is provided to implement an automated setting change of network setting items on an ad hoc network which does not have a specific base station. A method of changing network setting for changing setting of a network where a plurality of terminals are connected, the method including the steps of: a request source terminal transmitting a request for setting change to a selected representative terminal; the selected representative terminal, upon receiving the request for setting change, transmitting a request for permission to at least a majority of representative terminals; the selected representative terminal transmitting a success notification to the request source terminal upon receiving a notification of permission from the majority of representative terminals in response to the request for permission; the request source terminal transmitting, to the plurality of terminals, an execution instruction including at least a content of setting change, upon receiving the success notification; and the terminal which has received the execution instruction changing the setting according to the content of setting change.