Heterogeneous IoT Device Communication via Relay Path Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack an efficient method to coordinate, control, and monitor the vast number of heterogeneous devices connected via different network types in the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem, which complicates direct device-to-device communication and resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a web portal that maintains connectivity reports across various networks, allowing devices to determine optimal communication paths by broadcasting and updating status information, including bandwidth and relay capabilities, to establish efficient communication links between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices communicate directly via carrier networks, then communication reliability is improved, but energy consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary devices (relays) that forward communications between devices. Instead of direct carrier network communication, messages are routed through intermediate nodes that are in proximity, enabling low-power PAN communications while maintaining connectivity through multi-hop routing. The relay devices maintain connectivity reports and facilitate path selection to ensure reliable delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication path is segmented into multiple hops through relay devices rather than a single direct connection. This allows the system to break down long-distance or high-cost carrier network paths into shorter, lower-power segments using PAN technology, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining communication reliability through intermediate forwarding nodes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more network paths are available for device communication, then communication flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Devices autonomously discover available network paths and relay nodes through broadcasting connectivity information. The system self-organizes by having devices independently determine optimal communication routes based on local connectivity reports, eliminating the need for complex centralized path management while maintaining flexibility in route selection.
Solution Approach 2:
Connectivity reports are pre-established and maintained by relay devices before actual communication occurs. Devices broadcast and update their network status, available relays, and path information in advance, enabling receiving devices to make informed routing decisions without real-time complexity. This preliminary path preparation simplifies on-demand communication selection.
3Measurement precision
If devices broadcast connectivity information frequently, then network path accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Devices broadcast connectivity information periodically rather than continuously or on every state change. This periodic broadcasting maintains adequate knowledge of network paths and relay availability while significantly reducing transmission frequency and associated energy consumption. The period is tuned to balance path accuracy with power savings.
4Use of energy by moving object
If relay devices are used for communication, then energy cost is reduced, but communication latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects communication paths based on current network conditions, message priority, and latency requirements. For time-sensitive communications, devices can choose direct carrier network paths despite higher energy cost. For non-urgent traffic, low-power relay paths are selected. This dynamic path selection optimizes the trade-off between energy consumption and latency based on application needs.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and device for managing communications between a plurality of heterogeneous devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a connectivity report is used to determine which network type to use to establish a connection. The connectivity report is prepared by a web portal and broadcast to each device connected to at least one of the network types.