Mesh Network Power Control via Reference Signal Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mesh network technologies face challenges in simultaneously performing power control and mobility measurement, leading to distorted information and increased inter-signal delay, which affects seamless service provision.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for controlling transmitter power in a mesh network that calculates a cumulation factor by comparing different power levels and sets a reference power based on the scope of these factors, allowing for simultaneous power control and mobility tracking to reduce interference and ensure correct node tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If power control is performed in a mesh network, then energy consumption is reduced and interference is minimized, but mobility measurement accuracy deteriorates due to distorted signal strength information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidmobility measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a reference signal as an intermediary element that is separate from the power-controlled data signals. This reference signal maintains constant power levels specifically for mobility measurement purposes, while other signals undergo power control. The reference signal acts as a mediator that enables accurate mobility tracking without being affected by power control adjustments, thus resolving the contradiction between energy savings and measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the signal transmission into two distinct components: power-controlled signals for energy efficiency and constant-power reference signals for accurate mobility measurement. By dividing the signal function into these separate segments, the system can simultaneously achieve energy reduction through power control while maintaining measurement accuracy through the dedicated reference signal that is exempt from power control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If transmission power is increased, then signal coverage and reliability are improved, but interference to neighboring nodes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal reliabilityVSAvoidinterference to neighboring nodes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating power control application across different signal types and spatial contexts. Power control is selectively applied to data signals in specific transmission scenarios while reference signals maintain constant power. This localized differentiation allows the system to optimize power usage in areas where it benefits reliability while minimizing interference in neighboring areas through selective power adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes the power parameter based on transmission conditions, node mobility status, and interference levels. By adjusting the power parameter adaptively rather than maintaining a fixed high power level, the system achieves reliable signal transmission when needed while reducing interference to neighboring nodes during conditions where high power is unnecessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by stationary object

If conventional power control is implemented, then power consumption is reduced, but mobility tracking becomes inaccurate leading to increased inter-signal delay and packet damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidinter-signal delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The reference signal serves as a mediator that decouples mobility tracking from power control operations. By providing a constant-power reference signal specifically for tracking purposes, the system can accurately determine node mobility without being affected by power control variations, thereby preventing the inter-signal delays and packet damage that would result from inaccurate tracking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by establishing a constant-power reference signal transmission framework before implementing power control on data signals. This preliminary setup ensures that mobility tracking infrastructure is already in place and calibrated, allowing the subsequent power control operations to proceed without compromising tracking accuracy or causing timing issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8412135B2Apparatus and method for controlling power of transmitter in a mesh network
Publication Date: 2013.04.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US8412135B2 patent drawing
  • US8412135B2 patent drawing
  • US8412135B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and apparatus for controlling power of a transmitter in a mesh network. A controller, if it sets a reference power to one of a first measured transmission power and a maximum power, compares the reference power with a first power in level, and compares the first power with a second power in level. A cumulation factor calculator calculates a cumulation factor by comparing the first power with the second power. A reference power setter sets the reference power according to a scope to which a value obtained by adding a reference power to a sum of the calculated cumulation factors belongs. A power controller controls transmission power according to the set reference power.