Mobile Ad-Hoc Gaming Protocol Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Wi-Fi networks, particularly infrastructure WLANs, lack the flexibility to establish seamless and real-time communication links between mobile devices for ad-hoc gaming without the need for an access point, limiting interactive gaming capabilities between devices within communication range.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and device configuration that allows mobile devices to communicate using multiple protocols, determining location information, and initiating gaming sessions directly between devices via ad-hoc networks, enabling real-time gaming without constant power usage of the 802.11 radio to conserve battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If infrastructure WLAN is used for wireless communication, then network connectivity is established, but flexibility and real-time ad-hoc gaming capability are limited due to requirement of access point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication function into two distinct protocols: 802.11 for location information exchange and Bluetooth for gaming session establishment. This segmentation allows each protocol to be optimized for its specific purpose, enabling ad-hoc gaming without requiring full infrastructure WLAN configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary role where the mobile device uses 802.11 to communicate location information to a server, which then facilitates gaming session establishment via Bluetooth. This intermediary approach allows devices to connect for gaming without direct access point involvement.
2Productivity
If 802.11 radio is continuously powered for real-time communication, then seamless gaming is achieved, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having the 802.11 radio transmit location information only at necessary intervals rather than continuously. The radio activates periodically to send location updates and then enters low-power state, achieving real-time gaming capability while conserving battery energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the continuous communication function from the 802.11 radio and relocates it to Bluetooth for the gaming session. The 802.11 radio is taken out of continuous operation and used only periodically for location updates, significantly reducing its power consumption while maintaining gaming functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ad-hoc network is established without access point, then flexibility and battery life are improved, but seamless connection establishment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the server receives location information from mobile devices via 802.11, processes this information, and provides feedback by initiating Bluetooth gaming sessions when devices are in proximity. This automated feedback loop simplifies the connection establishment process while maintaining configuration flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by having devices continuously broadcast their location information via 802.11 before actual gaming begins. This preliminary location sharing enables the server to pre-identify compatible gaming partners and initiate Bluetooth connections in advance, making the actual gaming connection establishment seamless.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of mobile gaming is disclosed. The method includes configuring a mobile device to communicate in a first communication protocol and a second communication protocol, determining location information for the mobile device, communicating the location information and a gaming request via the first communication protocol to a game server, receiving a gaming request response from the game server via the first communication protocol, initiating a gaming session in response to the gaming request response, wherein the gaming session is conducted via the second communication protocol.