Prepare-to-broadcast message for wireless mesh network data broadcasting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing broadcasting techniques in wireless mesh networks are not well-suited for heterogeneous networks with nodes of differing capabilities, leading to inefficiencies in data transmission due to limited channels and potential interference.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a prepare-to-broadcast (PTB) message sent over a control channel, which determines and specifies a particular data channel, modulation technique, and data rate for broadcasting data, allowing nodes to switch and broadcast efficiently without requiring communication from neighboring nodes, thereby optimizing data throughput and reducing transmission time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a node broadcasts a large amount of data using traditional techniques, then the data can be transmitted, but the waiting period for other nodes to communicate is lengthened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission volumeVSAvoidwaiting period for communication
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication process into two distinct channels: a control channel for short messages and a data channel for large data transmissions. This segmentation allows nodes to send brief communications on the control channel while data is transmitted on the data channel, eliminating the need to wait for large data broadcasts before communicating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a prepare-to-broadcast message as an intermediary signal that announces upcoming data transmissions. This intermediary allows receiving nodes to prepare in advance by switching to the appropriate data channel, preventing communication delays while maintaining coordinated access to the network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If traditional broadcasting techniques are used in heterogeneous networks, then data can be transmitted, but transmission efficiency is reduced due to limited channels and interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidinterference and channel limitations
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a dimensional separation by introducing multiple channels (control channel and data channel) instead of using a single communication medium. This dimensional change allows simultaneous transmission of different types of information without interference, improving overall network productivity in heterogeneous environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If nodes use request-to-send and clear-to-send messages for data broadcasting, then communication coordination is achieved, but transmission time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication coordinationVSAvoidtransmission time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a prepare-to-broadcast message that is sent in advance to announce upcoming data transmissions. This preliminary action allows receiving nodes to prepare their receivers and switch to the appropriate data channel before the actual data transmission begins, maintaining coordination while reducing overall transmission time compared to handshaking protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10375672B2Data broadcasting with a prepare-to-broadcast message
Publication Date: 2019.08.06 ITRON GLOBAL SARL
  • US10375672B2 patent drawing
  • US10375672B2 patent drawing
  • US10375672B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Techniques for broadcasting data in a multi-channel network having a control channel and multiple data channels are described. A node wishing to broadcast data may determine a particular data channel from among the multiple data channels, a modulation technique, and a data rate to be utilized to broadcast the data. The broadcasting node may transmit a message over the control channel indicating that the data will be broadcast on the particular data channel using the modulation technique and at the determined data rate. The broadcasting node and a node wishing to receive the data may switch to the particular data channel. The broadcasting node may broadcast the data over the particular data channel, while the receiving node may receive the data. After broadcasting the data or a predetermined time period has expired, the broadcasting node and receiving node may switch to the control channel.