Location-Based Data Sharing in Dynamic Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mesh networks, particularly Low-Power and Lossy Networks (LLNs), devices face challenges in sharing and retrieving location-specific data due to dynamic node movements and unknown data storage locations, leading to difficulties in data exchange and retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A device in the network determines its location using GPS or proximity sensing and shares data with co-located nodes, creating a virtual repository that allows data to be associated with a location and time, enabling data sharing and retrieval without prior knowledge of the storage device or location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If devices store data locally in dynamic mesh networks, then data storage capacity is improved, but data retrieval efficiency deteriorates due to unknown storage locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension (geographic location) to data storage by associating data with physical locations using GPS coordinates. Instead of storing data in traditional network nodes with unknown identities, the system creates a location-based index that allows querying data by geographic position. This dimensional transformation enables efficient retrieval in dynamic networks where device identities and network topology change frequently.
2Loss of information
If devices continuously monitor location and share data with co-located nodes, then data availability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic location updates and data sharing only when devices are co-located at the same geographic position. Instead of continuous monitoring and sharing, devices update their location periodically and share data with co-located nodes at these periodic intervals. This reduces energy consumption compared to continuous operation while maintaining data availability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the device's own location information (obtained via GPS or proximity sensing) to determine when and with whom to share data. Each device independently monitors its own position and autonomously shares data with other devices that are currently co-located, without requiring centralized coordination or continuous network-wide broadcasting.
3Ease of operation
If location-specific data is shared across the network, then data accessibility is improved, but data privacy and security control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements location-specific data sharing where data is made accessible only to devices that are physically co-located at the same geographic position. Each data item is associated with specific location coordinates, and access control is enforced based on the requester's current location. This provides fine-grained, location-based security control while maintaining ease of access for authorized devices in the correct location.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a device in a network receives data associated with a particular location. The device determines when the device is at the particular location by monitoring a local position of the device relative to the particular location. The device identifies a node in the network as being co-located with the device at the particular location. The device shares the data with the identified node based on the device and the node being co-located at the particular location.