Embedding Event Data in Device Names for Low Power Wireless
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication protocols for electronic devices, such as Bluetooth, WiFi, and UPnP, face reliability issues in the second phase of communication, leading to unnecessary power consumption and prolonged communication times, especially in devices like personal help buttons and fall detectors that require minimal and reliable information transfer.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first node transmits a device name that includes information about an event or status, allowing a second node to detect and interpret this information during the device discovery phase of the communication protocol, thereby reducing the need for a bidirectional communication channel and minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a full two-phase communication protocol is used to ensure reliable information transfer, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases and communication time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential information transfer function from the complete two-phase communication protocol. By embedding event information directly in the device name during phase 1, the patent removes the need for phase 2 communication in many cases, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining reliability for critical information transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary encoding of event information into the device name during the discovery phase. This preliminary action allows the receiving node to understand the event status without requiring subsequent communication phases, effectively preparing the communication in advance to avoid unnecessary power consumption.
2Reliability
If a full two-phase communication protocol is used to establish a bidirectional channel, then communication reliability is improved, but communication time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential event notification function from the complete two-phase protocol sequence. By conveying event information in the device name during phase 1, the patent eliminates the time required for phase 2 bidirectional communication while maintaining the ability to establish full communication channels when subsequently needed.
3Reliability
If the first node continuously monitors and communicates with the second node, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having the first node transmit its device name with event information only when events occur, rather than continuously monitoring and communicating. This event-driven periodic transmission significantly reduces power consumption while maintaining communication reliability for critical events.
Solution Approach 2:
The first node serves itself by encoding its event status directly into the device name, eliminating the need for continuous active monitoring and separate status communication. This self-service approach allows the node to remain in low-power mode while still providing reliable event notification when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method of communicating information from a first node to a second node, the method comprising the first node transmitting a device name for the first node; the second node detecting the device name for the first node; and the second node determining the occurrence of an event at the first node and/or information from the first node from the detected device name for the first node.