NAN Cluster Merge via Synchronization Beacon

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Solution Overview

Problem

In Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN) systems, the merger of NAN clusters with different Discovery Window (DW) periods is hindered, preventing NAN devices from discovering and joining higher-grade clusters, leading to inefficiencies in service discovery and resource sharing.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus that monitors Cluster Grades and facilitates cluster mergers by adjusting roles and transmitting specific signals during designated periods, enabling NAN devices to join higher-grade clusters and notify other devices within the cluster of their presence, even if their own cluster has a lower Grade.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If NAN devices only join clusters with higher Cluster Grades, then service discovery capability is improved, but devices in lower-grade clusters cannot be discovered or joined

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice discovery capabilityVSAvoiddiscovery of lower-grade clusters

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of cluster joining with cluster information broadcasting. When a device joins a higher-grade cluster, it simultaneously broadcasts information about its original lower-grade cluster through Synchronization Beacons, thereby combining two operations into one that achieves both service discovery and preservation of lower-grade cluster information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Synchronization Beacons act as an intermediary mechanism. Instead of direct cluster joining being the only path for information exchange, the patent uses Synchronization Beacons as a mediator to carry cluster information between devices in different grades, enabling indirect information transfer that overcomes the limitation of grade-based joining restrictions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If cluster merger is only initiated by devices discovering higher-grade clusters, then cluster integration is simplified, but devices in higher-grade clusters cannot proactively join lower-grade clusters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecluster merger processVSAvoidbidirectional cluster joining

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional one-way merger initiation model. Instead of only lower-grade devices initiating merger by discovering higher-grade clusters, higher-grade devices can also initiate joining to lower-grade clusters by receiving Synchronization Beacons containing lower-grade cluster information, thereby enabling bidirectional cluster integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

Devices perform preliminary information gathering by monitoring Synchronization Beacons before actual cluster joining occurs. This preliminary action of collecting cluster information from beacons prepares the system for potential future joining operations, allowing devices to make informed decisions about cluster integration without immediate commitment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If Discovery Beacons are transmitted in non-DW periods, then cluster existence information is propagated, but devices must remain active during non-DW periods increasing power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecluster information propagationVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes Synchronization Beacons multi-functional. These beacons serve both their original purpose of enabling synchronization among NAN devices and an additional function of propagating cluster information. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate Discovery Beacon transmissions during non-DW periods, reducing power consumption while maintaining information propagation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the cluster information propagation function from the Discovery Beacon mechanism and integrates it into the Synchronization Beacon system. By taking out this specific function and combining it with the existing synchronization beacons that devices already monitor, the system eliminates redundant transmissions and reduces overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3349488B1Communiation apparatus, control method therefor, and program

Publication Date: 2021.02.24 CANON KK

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AI summary

A communication apparatus capable of communicating with another communication apparatus in a network conforming to NAN (Neighbor Awareness Networking), while joining a first NAN cluster included among a plurality of NAN clusters, detect an existence of a second NAN cluster included among the plurality of NAN clusters, compares an attribute value of the second NAN cluster with an attribute value of the first NAN cluster, and, when the attribute value of the second NAN cluster is lower than the attribute value of the first NAN cluster, transmits information indicating an existence of the first NAN cluster to the second NAN cluster.