NAN Cluster Joining via Hop Count and Common Threshold

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in allowing NAN terminals to join multiple NAN clusters efficiently and maintaining a common threshold across all terminals in a cluster, leading to potential issues with anchor master selection and time synchronization.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for a NAN terminal to discover and join a NAN cluster by receiving NAN beacon frames, prioritizing clusters based on hop count and cluster grade, and establishing a common threshold for all terminals, enabling efficient cluster formation and synchronization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a NAN terminal discovers multiple NAN clusters and selects one to join, then the terminal can establish connection and access services, but the terminal may not be able to join the optimal cluster due to lack of clear selection criteria

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNAN terminal's ability to join appropriate clusterVSAvoidCluster selection process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces specific parameters (hop count to anchor master, cluster grade calculated from Master Preference and TSF value) to quantify and compare different NAN clusters. By changing the selection criteria from arbitrary to parameter-based, the terminal can objectively evaluate and select the optimal cluster, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the cluster selection process have different functions: hop count evaluation ensures proximity to anchor master, cluster grade evaluation ensures optimal cluster characteristics, and service preference matching ensures relevance to terminal needs. This multi-dimensional local evaluation enables comprehensive cluster selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If different terminals use different thresholds for anchor master selection, then each terminal can independently make decisions, but inconsistency arises in anchor master selection and cluster synchronization

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAnchor master selection consistencyVSAvoidTerminal independence in decision making

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes equipotentiality by making the threshold value common to all terminals in the NAN cluster. Instead of each terminal having independent threshold decisions, all terminals use the same threshold published by the anchor master in beacon frames, ensuring consistent anchor master selection across the cluster while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Area of stationary object

If a NAN terminal joins a cluster with high hop count to anchor master, then the terminal can connect to distant clusters, but time synchronization and cluster stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNAN cluster coverage areaVSAvoidTime synchronization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the threshold value adjustable rather than fixed. The anchor master can dynamically set the threshold according to cluster conditions, and terminals can update their thresholds by receiving new beacon frames. This dynamic adjustment allows the network to balance coverage area and synchronization accuracy based on current cluster state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10149232B2Method for participating in nan cluster in wireless communication system and device therefor

Publication Date: 2018.12.04 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A method for joining one of a plurality of NAN clusters by a NAN terminal when the NAN terminal discovers the plurality of the NAN clusters and a NAN terminal therefor are provided.