Ad Hoc Mesh Network Self-Organization for Consumer Device Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low-power, personal area networks are complex for consumers to configure and manage, often requiring professional installation due to numerous configuration options and limited user-friendly interfaces, especially with the increasing integration of microprocessors and wireless communication in consumer devices.
Innovation Solution
A method that enables consumer products to form ad hoc wireless mesh networks using both room-limited and room-transparent communication modules, allowing devices to communicate and coordinate without prior knowledge of the home layout, and includes sensors to detect product states and trigger actions, simplifying network setup and management through a user-friendly interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If microprocessors and wireless communication devices are integrated into consumer products, then device functionality and network capabilities are improved, but device complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables devices to automatically discover and register themselves on the network without manual configuration. Devices autonomously generate node information, determine their own positions through signal analysis, and self-organize into the network structure, eliminating the need for professional installation or complex user setup procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes a self-organizing network framework that automatically configures devices as they join the network. The hub device is pre-programmed with protocols to automatically detect, authenticate, and integrate new devices, performing configuration actions before the user needs to interact with the system
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication technologies are used to organize devices into groups, then network organization capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Devices automatically determine their own room positions and group assignments based on signal strength analysis and geometric relationships with other nodes. The system self-organizes the network topology without requiring users to manually configure groups or understand communication protocols, making multiple communication technologies transparent to the end user
3Adaptability or versatility
If devices are configured with high flexibility and numerous options, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to overwhelming users
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically configures network parameters, device groupings, and communication protocols based on detected device types and positions. Users simply add devices through a simplified interface, and the system autonomously handles all complex configuration decisions, maintaining high adaptability while presenting a simple user experience
Solution Approach 2:
A central hub device acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of network configuration. The hub receives simple user inputs and automatically translates them into complex configuration commands, mediating between user simplicity and system flexibility by handling all technical configuration decisions in the background
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of generating a representation of a structure includes providing an ad hoc mesh network having at least two nodes associated with the structure, obtaining time of flight data for each node in the network, and using the time of flight data to generate the representation of the structure. A method of generating a three-dimensional representation of a structure includes providing an ad hoc mesh network having at least three nodes associated with the structure, wherein at least one node is a mobile node that moves around the structure, obtaining time of flight data for each pair of nodes in the network, and using the time of flight data to generate the three-dimensional representation of the structure.