Mesh Node Multimode Protocol Conversion for BLE Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mesh networks face instability and limited communication distance due to interference and physical barriers, especially when using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) equipment, which affects communication performance between node devices.

Innovation Solution

Node devices in mesh networks can operate in multiple modes, converting data packets between standard BLE protocol and enhanced physical layer protocols to improve transmission distance and stability, using multimode transceivers and controllers to switch between modes based on position and requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If standard BLE protocol is used for data packet transmission, then compatibility with standard equipment is maintained, but transmission distance is limited and communication stability deteriorates due to interference and physical barriers

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidcommunication stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The node device dynamically switches between first mode (standard BLE protocol) and second mode (enhanced physical layer protocol) based on communication requirements. The controller determines whether to use standard protocol for compatibility or enhanced protocol for extended distance and stability, making the system adaptable to different operational contexts rather than fixed in one mode

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical layer parameters of the communication protocol by switching between standard BLE parameters and enhanced parameters. The enhanced physical layer uses different transmission parameters that extend communication distance and improve anti-interference capability while maintaining data packet structure compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If standard BLE protocol is used for data packet transmission, then device complexity is reduced, but transmission distance is limited and power loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol complexityVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between standard BLE mode (lower complexity, higher power loss) and enhanced protocol mode (higher complexity, lower power loss) based on communication distance and stability requirements. This dynamic selection optimizes the trade-off between complexity and energy efficiency for different operational scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The node device is designed with multi-functionality to support both standard BLE protocol and enhanced physical layer protocol. The controller and transceiver can perform multiple functions: standard communication for short distance, enhanced communication for extended distance, making a single device suitable for diverse application scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If enhanced physical layer protocol is used for data packet transmission, then transmission distance and anti-interference capability are improved, but compatibility with standard equipment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication stabilityVSAvoidequipment compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The node device dynamically switches between first mode (standard BLE protocol for compatibility) and second mode (enhanced physical layer protocol for extended distance and stability) based on communication requirements. The controller determines whether compatibility or extended performance is the priority and adjusts the protocol accordingly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary that manages protocol conversion and mode switching. It determines when to use standard protocol for compatibility with external devices and when to switch to enhanced protocol for extended communication, mediating between the two protocol requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10470100B2Node equipment, data packet forwarding method and mesh network system thereof

Publication Date: 2019.11.05 NANJING SILERGY SEMICONDUCTOR (HONG KONG) TECHNOLOGY LIMITED

AI summary

An apparatus can include: a network controller in a mesh network, and that transmits and receives first type data packets; node devices in the mesh network, each operable in a first or second mode; a node device being configured to convert at least part of the first type data packets to second type data packets, and to transmit the second type data packets, when the node device operates in the first mode; the node device being configured to convert at least part of the second type data packets to the first type data packets when the node device operates in the first mode; and the node device being configured to transmit and receive the second type data packets when the node device operates in the second mode.