Threshold-Based Node Observation for Network Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network connectivity technologies for nodes like sensors using Bluetooth Low-energy Radio, ZigBee, and WiFi Low Power struggle with efficient observation and optimization of measurement values, particularly when these values change infrequently, leading to unnecessary resource utilization and inefficient network parameter adjustments.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method that sends a registration request for observed node measurement information using Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP) messages with an Observe Option, allowing for notification only when measurement values exceed a predetermined threshold, enabling optimized network parameter adjustments and contextual social network community formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If measurement values are continuously monitored and reported for all nodes, then complete information availability is improved, but resource utilization deteriorates due to unnecessary data processing and transmission

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement information availabilityVSAvoidnetwork resource usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the observation notification selective rather than universal. Each observer can specify particular measurement parameters and threshold values for specific nodes, so that only relevant changes trigger notifications. This resolves the contradiction by ensuring complete information is available when needed (when thresholds are exceeded) while avoiding unnecessary resource usage for insignificant changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by introducing threshold values as a critical parameter. Instead of reporting all measurement values continuously, the system reports only when measurements change by a significant amount (exceeding the threshold). This resolves the contradiction by maintaining information quality for important changes while reducing resource consumption by filtering out insignificant variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If threshold-based observation is implemented, then resource efficiency is improved by reducing unnecessary notifications, but information completeness deteriorates by potentially missing significant changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata processing efficiencyVSAvoidmeasurement change detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring threshold values and observation parameters before monitoring begins. Observers register their interest in specific nodes and parameters with predetermined thresholds, so the system is prepared to efficiently filter and report only meaningful changes. This resolves the contradiction by establishing efficient filtering criteria in advance while ensuring that significant changes are captured.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by notifying observers when measurement values exceed predefined thresholds. This feedback mechanism ensures that only significant changes trigger notifications, maintaining resource efficiency while capturing important information. The threshold-based feedback loop resolves the contradiction by providing a balanced approach that filters noise while preserving meaningful data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Speed

If all nodes transmit measurement data frequently, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but network traffic increases leading to congestion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring response speedVSAvoidnetwork data traffic

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by implementing event-driven notifications triggered only when measurement values exceed thresholds, rather than continuous periodic transmission. Nodes transmit data only when significant changes occur, maintaining effective real-time monitoring for important events while dramatically reducing overall network traffic. This resolves the contradiction by replacing continuous transmission with event-based periodic transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS9781622B2Decision making based on remote observation of node capabilities

Publication Date: 2017.10.03 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

A method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided for making network optimization decisions based on observed network node performance information. Network nodes may continuously report performance measurement information to network servers. Observers may request registration with the servers and access to the mode measurement information. The observer may specify a measurement threshold that, when met, causes the server to report node measurement data to the observer. The node measurement data enables the observer to make network optimization and control decisions. An optimal radio frequency might be selected; a node might switch between different gateways or cause a handoff from one gateway to another for efficient traffic routing. A user could observe measurement data for friends and receive notice when friends are in close proximity or engaged in like activity such that a social contextual community might be formed.