Bluetooth Relay Nodes Extend Wireless Perimeter Range
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home monitoring and security systems face limitations in wireless data communication range, particularly for devices located outside buildings or within materials that attenuate electromagnetic signals, such as metal air vents or ducts, where devices may be unable to communicate directly with central hub devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a networked system where battery-powered first devices, configured with Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) 5.0 or IEEE 802.15.4 standards, act as intermediaries to relay messages between battery-powered second devices and a central hub device, allowing communication through protocol conversion between BTLE 5.0 and IEEE 802.15.4 standards, thereby extending the communication range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If battery-powered second devices are used to extend the network reach to outer perimeter, then the range and reach of the networked system is extended, but the communication capabilities of these devices are limited due to battery power constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces first devices as intermediary relay nodes between battery-powered second devices and the central hub. These first devices receive messages from second devices via Bluetooth Low Energy and forward them to the hub using IEEE 802.15.4, effectively extending communication range while maintaining reliability through protocol conversion and mesh networking capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If devices are placed outside buildings or within attenuating materials like metal air vents, then the system can monitor outer perimeter and hard-to-reach areas, but electromagnetic signals are attenuated and direct communication with the hub becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses first devices positioned within accessible areas of the building as intermediaries to relay communications from second devices located in attenuating environments. The mesh network topology allows messages to hop through multiple first devices to reach the hub, bypassing the signal attenuation problem caused by building materials and metal structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct point-to-point communication to multi-hop mesh network communication, adding dimensional complexity to the communication path. Instead of a single direct link that is blocked by attenuating materials, the system creates multiple routing dimensions through the network of first devices, allowing messages to reach their destination through alternative paths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion between BTLE 5.0 and IEEE 802.15.4 is implemented, then communication compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes first devices multi-functional by equipping them with dual protocol support for both Bluetooth Low Energy and IEEE 802.15.4. These devices can communicate with second devices using BTLE and simultaneously forward messages to the hub using IEEE 802.15.4, eliminating the need for separate dedicated relay devices for each protocol and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a system for comfort or security in a building and its premises includes a plurality of “first” devices configured to wirelessly communicate with a hub device that is a master for controlling the system for comfort or security in the building and premises, wherein the plurality of first devices and the hub device are configured to wirelessly communicate using either one of an IEEE 802.15.4 standard or a Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) 5.0 standard; a plurality of “second” devices that are battery powered and configured to wirelessly communicate with respective ones of the plurality of first devices, wherein the plurality of second devices and respective ones of the plurality of first devices are configured to communicate using the BTLE 5.0 standard, wherein the hub device and the plurality of second devices are configured to communicate with each other via respective ones of the plurality of first devices.