Ephemeral Secure Wireless Ad-Hoc Network for Programmable Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

In remote areas without cellular, Wi-Fi, or satellite services, workers and emergency responders face challenges in maintaining communication for critical information and safety due to the lack of resilient and automated long-range communication systems.

Innovation Solution

An ephemeral secure wireless ad hoc network of programmable devices that use short-range and long-range radio transceivers, sensors, and encoded device identifiers to establish a communication network without relying on existing infrastructure, enabling secure and reliable data sharing and location tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If workers use existing communication infrastructure (cellular, Wi-Fi, satellite) in remote areas, then communication coverage is available, but system complexity and dependency on external infrastructure increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication availabilityVSAvoidsystem dependency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service communication system where workers' devices automatically form a peer-to-peer mesh network without requiring external infrastructure. Each device acts as both endpoint and router, dynamically routing messages through intermediate devices to achieve long-range communication while maintaining simplicity and independence from cellular, Wi-Fi, or satellite systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Use of energy by moving object

If devices remain in low-power sleep state to conserve battery, then energy consumption is reduced, but device responsiveness and configuration capability are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery consumptionVSAvoiddevice responsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic wake-up cycles where devices transition from low-power sleep state to active state at predetermined intervals. During wake periods, devices can receive configuration commands, check for messages, and update network status. This periodic activation balances battery conservation with operational responsiveness, allowing devices to remain energy-efficient while still capable of receiving urgent communications and configuration updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If devices establish persistent connections for continuous communication, then communication reliability is improved, but energy consumption and network overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic connection management where devices establish temporary peer-to-peer connections only when communication is needed. The mesh network dynamically routes messages through active devices and allows sleeping devices to wake temporarily to receive or transmit messages. This dynamic approach maintains communication reliability by ensuring message delivery while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding persistent connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If devices operate without configuration state to reduce complexity, then device simplicity is improved, but secure setup and network integration become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration processVSAvoidnetwork security
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary configuration actions where devices enter a dedicated configuration state before joining the mesh network. During this preliminary phase, devices can be uniquely identified (e.g., via QR codes or NFC), assigned cryptographic keys, and established secure connections. This preliminary configuration ensures network security and proper integration while keeping the operational device simple, as the configuration state is temporary and automated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enhances worker safety by providing automated updates on location and activity, facilitating rapid rescue operations and minimizing communication inefficiencies, while ensuring network data is reliable, secure, and private.

Implementation Method 1

a short-range radio transceiver... establish a data communication connection between the configuring device and the programmable device via their respective short-range radio transceivers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a long-range radio transceiver; a long-range radio antenna

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20240057102A1Configuration of an Ephemeral Secure Wireless Ad-Hoc Network for Programmable Devices
Publication Date: 2024.02.15 ROPER SOLUTIONS INC
  • US20240057102A1 patent drawing
  • US20240057102A1 patent drawing
  • US20240057102A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An ephemeral secure wireless ad hoc network for programmable devices uses a technique for reading an encoded identification value disposed with a housing of the programmable device. A software application uses the read encoded identification value to configure the programmable device for use in the network. When the network is shut down, all network session information is erased for security purposes.