Mesh Network Route Selection via Relay Value and RTT Constraints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mesh-type networks face quality deterioration due to device overload and variations in round-trip time (RTT), leading to bottlenecks and delays, which existing technologies have not effectively addressed.

Innovation Solution

A communication system where devices select communication routes based on restrictions related to relay value and RTT, with a selecting unit that chooses routes to ensure each device's relay value does not exceed a maximum and RTT is within limits, and can re-select routes to minimize relay values and RTTs, using a relay device if necessary, to maintain network quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a device relays data transmitted from multiple other devices, then communication connectivity is improved, but the device becomes overloaded and creates a bottleneck

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication connectivityVSAvoiddevice load
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a relay value metric and using it to dynamically adjust route selection. The selecting unit changes the routing parameter (which device relays data) based on the relay value, preventing any single device from being overloaded while maintaining network connectivity. This resolves the contradiction by transforming the static relay role into a dynamic, load-balanced system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If communication routes are selected without considering RTT variation, then route selection simplicity is improved, but delay increases due to RTT variation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroute selection simplicityVSAvoidcommunication delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by measuring RTT between communication devices and using this feedback information to optimize route selection. The selecting unit continuously monitors RTT values and adjusts route choices accordingly, preventing delays caused by high RTT variation. This resolves the contradiction by introducing intelligent, feedback-based route selection that maintains simplicity while reducing delay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If relay restrictions are imposed to prevent device overload, then device load balance is improved, but route selection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice load balanceVSAvoidroute selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing relay values for each device before route selection occurs. The selecting unit uses these pre-computed relay values to make quick routing decisions without performing complex real-time calculations. This resolves the contradiction by performing load balance calculations in advance, simplifying the actual route selection process while maintaining device load balance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If multiple performance metrics are used for route determination, then route optimization is improved, but calculation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroute optimizationVSAvoidcalculation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the route determination process into distinct components: relay value calculation, RTT measurement, and route selection based on these metrics. Each component handles a specific aspect of route optimization independently, making the overall complex process more manageable and efficient. This resolves the contradiction by segmenting the calculation into modular, independent tasks that can be processed separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2858416B1Communication system, communication device, program and communication method
Publication Date: 2018.07.25 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP2858416B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2858416B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2858416B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

An example communication system, including: a plurality of devices that form a mesh-type network, each of the plurality of devices performing communication from a source device to a destination device, directly or by relaying via one or more other devices, and at least one of the plurality of devices including a selecting unit, that selects a communication route from the source device to the destination device according to a first restriction with regard to a relay value indicative of the number of communication routes that each device is able to relay.