Handheld Configuration Device for Self-Organizing Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless handheld configuration devices face inefficiencies and performance impacts when joining and leaving self-organizing mesh networks due to lengthy recognition times and frequent disruptions, making it impractical for them to operate like standard fixed-position devices.
Innovation Solution
A secondary operating mode in self-organizing mesh networks allows handheld devices to establish a point-to-point subnetwork with selected network devices using a special communication slot, enabling rapid and secure data transfer without full network participation, utilizing a pre-configured join key or temporary encryption key.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a handheld device joins a self-organizing mesh network using the standard joining process, then network security and reliability are maintained, but the joining time becomes excessively long (several minutes) and network performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network joining process by creating a special configuration mode that separates handheld device operations from standard device joining. The network manager divides the communication process into distinct phases: configuration mode activation, neighbor list building, and selective point-to-point link establishment, allowing handheld devices to bypass the lengthy standard joining procedure while maintaining security through controlled authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The network manager acts as an intermediary that facilitates rapid handheld device integration. It receives configuration requests, manages the neighbor list, establishes temporary communication links, and coordinates the point-to-point subnetwork creation. This intermediary role allows the system to maintain security protocols while expediting the handheld device joining process through centralized control and pre-coordinated resource allocation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a handheld device frequently joins and leaves the network to configure different devices, then device configurability is improved, but network efficiency decreases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network operation modes that adapt to handheld device requirements. The network manager dynamically switches between standard device joining and handheld configuration modes, adjusts communication links in real-time based on handheld device location and needs, and flexibly manages neighbor list updates. This dynamic adaptation allows frequent handheld device operations without permanently degrading network efficiency or increasing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating point-to-point communication subnetworks that are specific to each handheld device's immediate configuration needs. Instead of requiring the handheld device to establish full mesh connections with all network devices, the system creates localized communication paths only to the specific devices being configured. This reduces the handheld device's impact on overall network traffic and power consumption while maintaining high configurability.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a handheld device builds a complete neighbor list of all network devices, then network discovery capability is improved, but communication overhead and network disturbance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having the handheld device build only a partial neighbor list containing essential network devices needed for configuration tasks, rather than requiring complete knowledge of all network devices. The network manager provides a curated subset of neighbor information that enables the handheld device to establish necessary point-to-point links without the overhead of comprehensive network discovery, reducing communication overhead and energy consumption while maintaining adequate discovery capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-organizing mesh network is made up of individual devices configured to use other network devices to pass data from one point to another. The network also includes a secondary operating mode that accommodates handheld and other non-fixed transient network nodes. Each device in the network maintains a configuration link that is used to detect the presence of a handheld device. The handheld device uses the configuration link to identify nearby network devices. A user of the handheld device can then select one of the network devices and establish a small point-to-point subnetwork between the handheld device and the selected network device.