Cellular Signal Mesh Network Relay for Weak Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices face challenges in maintaining reliable cellular signal connectivity, especially when the signal strength falls below a threshold, hindering the transmission of voice calls, video calls, and messages to cellular network towers.
Innovation Solution
A method where a computing device determines its own cellular signal strength and, if below a threshold, searches for and selects another device with sufficient signal to relay the communication, considering factors like battery level, availability, device type, privacy settings, signal type, location, and bandwidth, to ensure successful transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a computing device uses its own cellular signal to transmit communications, then the transmission is direct and simple, but the connection reliability deteriorates when signal strength falls below a threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay computing device as an intermediary between the first computing device (with weak signal) and the cellular network tower. The relay device receives communications from the first device and forwards them to the network, enabling reliable transmission even when the first device's direct signal is insufficient. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining connection reliability through signal relay while managing device complexity through coordinated multi-device operation.
2Reliability
If a computing device searches for and selects another device to relay communications, then connection reliability improves, but the selection process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having computing devices continuously discover and register themselves with nearby devices before actual communication is needed. The system pre-establishes a list of available relay devices with their operational characteristics (signal strength, battery level, availability status). When a device needs to relay communications, it simply selects from the pre-identified candidates rather than performing complex real-time searches, thus improving reliability while minimizing selection process complexity during actual use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where relay devices continuously report their operational status, signal strength, and availability to neighboring devices. This feedback loop enables the first computing device to make informed selection decisions based on real-time conditions. The feedback mechanism improves connection reliability by selecting optimal relay devices while managing complexity through automated status monitoring and selection algorithms.
3Reliability
If a computing device relays communications through another device, then connectivity is maintained in weak signal areas, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by allowing relay devices to autonomously manage their own participation in the relay network. Each device independently monitors its battery level, signal conditions, and operational status, making decisions about whether to act as a relay node based on its own resource state. This self-service approach maintains connectivity in weak signal areas while minimizing energy consumption by preventing devices from participating in relay operations when their battery levels are insufficient, thus resolving the contradiction between connectivity maintenance and energy conservation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices related to a cellular signal mesh network are described. In an example, a method can include determining, via a processing resource of a first computing device, whether a cellular signal of the first computing device is below a threshold cellular signal, transmitting from the first computing device to a second computing device first signaling including data representing a request for operational data of the second computing device in response to determining that the cellular signal of the first computing device is below the threshold cellular signal, receiving from the second computing device second signaling comprising the operational data of the second computing device, and transmitting from the first computing device to the second computing device third signaling including data representing at least one of: a voice call, a video call, or a message in response to receiving the second signaling comprising the operational data.