Multi-Protocol Device Discovery With Overlapping Broadcast Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for discovering and connecting electronic devices in heterogeneous networks with multiple communication technologies fail to meet business service requirements and result in poor user experience due to inefficiencies and conflicts between different wireless and wired technologies.
Innovation Solution
Simultaneously broadcasting packets using multiple communication technologies in overlapping or non-overlapping time periods to query and establish connections, utilizing a combination of non-conflicting and conflicting technologies to enhance device discovery and connection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single communication technology is used for device discovery, then the system complexity is low, but the device discovery efficiency and connection capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device discovery process by dividing it into multiple parallel channels, each using a different communication technology (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, etc.). Each technology operates independently in its own time period or frequency channel, allowing the system to maintain low complexity per channel while achieving high overall discovery efficiency through parallel operation of multiple segmented channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling electronic devices to simultaneously support and operate multiple communication technologies (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, Zigbee, etc.). The device can perform device discovery and connection establishment through multiple different communication protocols, making the system universally compatible across diverse device types and improving overall connection capability without being limited to a single technology.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication technologies are used simultaneously, then the adaptability and connection capability improve, but the time coordination and interference management become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by allocating different communication technologies to operate in periodic time slots or cycles. Each technology has its designated time period for broadcasting and listening, creating a periodic pattern that repeats. This time-division approach allows multiple technologies to coexist without continuous interference, managing complexity through structured periodic scheduling rather than chaotic simultaneous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the time period allocation flexible and adaptive. The system can dynamically adjust the time periods, durations, and scheduling of different communication technologies based on current network conditions, device capabilities, and service requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to optimize performance while managing complexity through adaptive rather than rigid time coordination.
3Speed
If communication technologies operate in overlapping time periods, then the device discovery speed increases, but the signal interference and collision probability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a central coordinator or protocol layer that manages the overlapping time periods of different communication technologies. This intermediary allocates resources, coordinates transmission schedules, and resolves potential conflicts between simultaneous operations of multiple technologies. The intermediary enables faster discovery through controlled overlap while mitigating interference through intelligent mediation and resource management.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for discovering and connecting to an electronic device includes a first electronic device broadcasting a packet in a first time period by using a first communication technology; broadcasting a packet in a second time period by using a second communication technology, where the first time period overlaps with the second time period; receiving response information from a second electronic device; and establishing a communication connection to the second electronic device based on a communication technology capability supported by the second electronic device.