BLE Mesh Node Seed Value Synchronization for Interference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networks face interference and power consumption issues due to simultaneous data transmission among nodes and constant network scanning, which can lead to data loss and reduced battery life in portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for synchronizing data transmission and reception settings among nodes in a BLE mesh network by generating and communicating a seed value indicating the next data advertisement time, allowing nodes to coordinate their transmission and scanning intervals to avoid overlap and optimize power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If nodes transmit data simultaneously in a BLE mesh network, then data transfer speed increases, but data interference and loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic time-slotted communication where nodes transmit data in scheduled intervals based on seed values. Each node determines its transmission slots periodically, ensuring that simultaneous transmissions are coordinated rather than random, thus maintaining high data transfer speed while preventing interference through structured time division.
2Reliability
If nodes scan the network continuously, then data reception reliability improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces continuous scanning with periodic scanning synchronized to the time slots determined by seed values. Nodes scan the network only during their assigned reception slots rather than continuously, maintaining reliable data reception while dramatically reducing power consumption by keeping the radio dormant during non-scanning periods.
Solution Approach 2:
Nodes pre-calculate their transmission and reception time slots based on seed values before actual data communication begins. This preliminary scheduling allows nodes to know in advance when to transmit and when to scan for incoming data, eliminating the need for continuous scanning and enabling efficient power management.
3Reliability
If nodes coordinate transmission times using seed values, then data interference reduces, but communication setup complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each node independently generates its own transmission and reception schedule by applying the received seed value to a deterministic algorithm. This self-service approach allows nodes to autonomously determine their time slots without requiring complex centralized coordination or negotiation protocols, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring reliable interference-free communication.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a sensor network, Machine Type Communication (MTC), Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, and technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the above technologies, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. A method and an apparatus for synchronizing communication between nodes in a bluetooth low energy (BLE) mesh network. In the network, a node is configured to generates a seed value based on at least one of own transmission parameter, wherein the seed value indicates next data advertisement instance of corresponding node. Further, the seed value is used for communicating with other nodes (i.e. 1-hop neighbor nodes) in the network. Based on data transfer requirements of the node, the node synchronizes own data transmission and reception settings, such that no two nodes transmit data at the same time.