Bluetooth Mesh Device Role Assignment for Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Bluetooth mesh networks, the frequent updating of routing tables leads to increased energy consumption and network performance degradation due to the need for frequent transmission of routing information, especially in scenarios where device mobility is involved.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for setting device roles in a Bluetooth mesh network, where devices are classified based on their mobility and energy efficiency, with stationary devices acting as routers and mobile or energy-efficient devices acting as leaf nodes, minimizing the need for routing table updates and reducing energy consumption by limiting relay functions in mobile devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices frequently update routing tables in Bluetooth mesh networks, then data transmission reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases and network performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different roles (router vs. leaf node) to different devices based on their mobility characteristics. Stationary devices perform routing table updates and relay functions, while mobile devices perform only basic data transmission. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by concentrating energy-intensive routing maintenance on stationary devices that can sustain it, while protecting mobile devices from excessive energy consumption.
2Reliability
If devices frequently update routing tables in Bluetooth mesh networks, then data transmission reliability is improved, but network performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent differentiates network functions locally by device type. Routers maintain routing tables and perform relay operations, while leaf nodes perform only simple data transmission and reception. This localization of functions improves network performance by reducing the processing burden on mobile devices while maintaining reliable data transmission through the router infrastructure.
3Reliability
If mobile devices perform relay functions and routing table updates, then network connectivity is improved, but device battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns relay functions and routing table maintenance exclusively to stationary devices (routers), while mobile devices are limited to basic data transmission. This functional differentiation ensures network connectivity is maintained through the stationary router infrastructure, while mobile devices preserve battery life by performing only energy-efficient transmission operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces stationary routers as intermediary devices that handle the complex routing and relay functions. Mobile devices (leaf nodes) communicate through these router intermediaries rather than performing routing themselves. This intermediary approach maintains network connectivity while protecting mobile device battery life from the energy demands of routing operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If all devices in Bluetooth mesh network perform routing functions, then network adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a heterogeneous network structure where stationary devices (routers) perform complex routing functions and mobile devices (leaf nodes) perform simple transmission functions. This local differentiation of capabilities achieves network adaptability through the router infrastructure while keeping mobile device complexity low.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and device for setting the role of a device in a Bluetooth mesh network. According to the present invention, a method and device are provided which: receive a write request message including settings information for setting the role of a first device from a control device; transmit a response message as a response to the write request; transmit an advertising message including role information set by the settings information to a second device; and transmit a first message including first information on the first device to the second device.