Directional Broadcasting via Node Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Directional antenna systems in wireless networks are inefficient for broadcasting information due to the need for multiple transmissions to reach all nodes within communication range, leading to increased time and resource consumption compared to omni-directional antenna systems.

Innovation Solution

A method for broadcasting in a network with directional antennas involves ordering nodes by address, partitioning them into groups, and transmitting information between these groups in a structured sequence to ensure all nodes receive data efficiently, reducing the number of required slots and transmission time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If directional antennas are used in a wireless network, then the system achieves better signal focus and reduced interference, but the broadcasting efficiency deteriorates because multiple transmissions are required to reach all nodes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal focusVSAvoidbroadcasting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the node set into multiple groups (first group and second group) based on node addresses. This segmentation allows the broadcast to be divided into multiple targeted transmissions, where each transmission reaches a specific subset of nodes efficiently using directional antennas, while collectively covering all nodes in the network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary sorting of nodes by address before the broadcast process. This preliminary action enables systematic partitioning of nodes into groups, which then allows for an organized multi-round broadcast process where each round targets specific groups, ensuring complete coverage without requiring random or unstructured transmissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple transmissions are used to broadcast information with directional antennas, then all nodes can receive the data, but the time required for broadcasting increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata delivery completenessVSAvoidbroadcast duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting nodes into multiple address-based groups, the patent enables parallel broadcast rounds where different groups receive information simultaneously in different time slots. This reduces the total broadcast duration compared to sequential transmissions to all nodes individually.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a periodic broadcast process with multiple rounds, where in each round information is transmitted to specific groups of nodes. The periodic nature of these rounds allows for systematic progress through the node set, completing the broadcast in a structured time sequence that minimizes total duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a second system with different parameters is used for broadcasting, then directional networking can be supported, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebroadcasting capabilityVSAvoidsystem configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing directional networking system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both unicast and broadcast operations using the same hardware and protocols. The broadcast capability is achieved through software-based node sorting and grouping algorithms, eliminating the need for separate broadcasting hardware systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-organization through automatic node sorting by address and self-partitioning into groups. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external coordination systems or complex manual configuration, as nodes automatically arrange themselves for efficient broadcast based on their addresses and positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9980154B2Directional broadcasting method
Publication Date: 2018.05.22 BAE SYSTEMS INFORMATION ANDELECTRONIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INC
  • US9980154B2 patent drawing
  • US9980154B2 patent drawing
  • US9980154B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The current disclosure is directed to broadcasting information among nodes in the network. More specifically, the current disclosure relates to directional networking among nodes in the network. The directional broadcasting system allows for a more efficient way to deliver broadcasting information among nodes where at least some of the nodes use directional antennas.