BLE Broadcast Delivery via Advertisement Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for broadcasting data in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) networks are often time and energy intensive, and rely on outdated routing tables, leading to inefficient network updates.

Innovation Solution

A method where a sending node in a BLE network enters a broadcast delivery mode by scanning for advertisements and sending broadcast data packets to neighboring nodes, using a timer to manage the process without relying on up-to-date routing tables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If routing tables are used for broadcast delivery, then delivery efficiency is improved, but reliability deteriorates when routing tables are outdated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebroadcast delivery efficiencyVSAvoidbroadcast delivery reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic broadcast delivery mode selection that adapts between routing table-based delivery and advertisement scanning-based delivery based on real-time network conditions. The system dynamically switches between these modes to maintain both efficiency and reliability, resolving the contradiction by making the delivery mechanism flexible rather than static.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of broadcast delivery by adjusting between two distinct delivery modes: one using routing tables for efficient delivery and another using advertisement scanning for reliable delivery when routing tables are outdated. This parameter change allows the system to optimize for either efficiency or reliability based on current network state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If advertisement scanning is used for broadcast delivery, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebroadcast delivery reliabilityVSAvoidnode energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the use of advertisement scanning based on network conditions and routing table freshness. Instead of continuously scanning advertisements which would consume excessive energy, the system activates scanning only when necessary (when routing tables are outdated), thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic checks of routing table freshness and conditional activation of advertisement scanning. Rather than continuous scanning, the system periodically evaluates whether scanning is needed and activates it only during specific periods when routing information is outdated, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If routing tables are updated frequently, then delivery accuracy is improved, but network overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting information accuracyVSAvoidnetwork traffic volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically determines when routing table updates are necessary by monitoring delivery failures and network conditions. Instead of frequent periodic updates that generate unnecessary traffic, the system updates routing information dynamically only when needed, maintaining accuracy while minimizing network overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms that monitor broadcast delivery success and routing table freshness. When delivery failures occur or routing information is detected as outdated, the system triggers routing table updates. This feedback-driven approach ensures routing accuracy is maintained while avoiding unnecessary updates that would increase network traffic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3813389B1Broadcast delivery techniques in a wireless network
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP3813389B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3813389B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3813389B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A method for handling a broadcast data packet using a network (300) comprising a plurality of nodes (NH, N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6), the method comprising: receiving, at a sending node, the broadcast data packet; checking, at the sending node, whether the broadcast data packet has been received at the sending node on a previous occasion, wherein if the sending node has not previously received the broadcast data packet the sending node enters a broadcast delivery mode, the broadcast delivery mode comprising: switching to a scan mode to listen for advertisements from other nodes in the network; starting a timer; wherein upon receipt of an advertisement from a neighbouring node the sending node sends an instance of the broadcast data packet to the neighbouring node and resets the timer.