Peer-to-Peer Mesh Network Automatic Connection via BLE
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current messaging applications require internet or cellular connections and user intervention for device pairing, making it difficult to establish a local mesh network for group communication in a common geographic area without prior identity knowledge among users.
Innovation Solution
A method using short-range wireless protocols like Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) allows devices to automatically establish connections without user input, forming a peer-to-peer mesh network for local communication of digital content without internet or cellular connectivity, enabling devices to function as either master or slave and rebroadcast messages within a limited range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Bluetooth pairing is used for device connection, then devices can establish wireless connections, but user intervention is required for pairing which makes it difficult and time consuming to add users to a local mesh network
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by collecting MAC addresses and device information of known devices in advance, storing this information centrally, and distributing it to all network participants beforehand. This allows devices to immediately connect to new participants without requiring real-time pairing interactions, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable connection establishment and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If MAC address distribution is performed in advance, then device connection can be automated, but a separate network connection such as the Internet is required to retrieve the MAC information
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes the mesh network infrastructure serve multiple functions: it not only provides the communication medium for messages but also serves as the distribution channel for MAC address information and device profiles. This eliminates the need for separate Internet connections, resolving the contradiction between automatic connection capability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh network system is designed to be self-sufficient by using its own communication infrastructure to distribute device information. Rather than relying on external Internet connections, the network automatically shares MAC addresses and device information among all participants through its existing message routing mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between automated connection and separate network requirements.
3Productivity
If conventional messaging applications are used, then messages can be sent over Internet or cellular networks, but the applications require Internet connection or cellular network which are not available in offline scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the core messaging functionality from the Internet-dependent application layer and implements it directly on the Bluetooth mesh network infrastructure. By removing the requirement for Internet or cellular network connections and using only local Bluetooth communications, the system maintains message transmission capability while gaining adaptability to offline scenarios, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for distributed messaging between a plurality of computer devices using a short range wireless communication protocol (SRWP) is disclosed. The communication protocol can be one in which slave devices provide data to master devices. A device automatically establishes master and slave connections with other devices via the protocol as they come into range. A user-entered message is displayed on the device and broadcast by the device over slave connections to other connected devices. Messages received by the device over its master connections are displayed and also rebroadcast to other connected devices. Messages can be displayed for a limited time period during which they fade or otherwise are altered to provide a visual indication of the display lifetime remaining for that message. A relay can be provided to receive an rebroadcast messages to connected devices and inject into the SRWP network from devices outside the network.