Geographically Proximate Node Data Sharing via BLE Mesh
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current smart home systems and devices lack the capability to facilitate data sharing between geographically proximate locations and third parties, such as emergency services, due to proprietary communication protocols and limited architecture, hindering the development of smart communities and cities.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables selective, low-latency data sharing between geographically proximate nodes using standardized protocols like BLUETOOTH Low Energy (BLE) for machine-to-machine communication, allowing for anonymous data transfer and prioritization of messages, with configurable circuits for event detection, priority determination, and hop count management to ensure efficient data dissemination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary communication protocols are used in smart home devices, then device control and data analysis within the vertical ecosystem are improved, but data sharing between geographically proximate homes and third parties is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mesh network intermediary layer that translates between proprietary device protocols and standardized communication protocols. This intermediary enables data sharing between geographically proximate homes without requiring changes to the underlying device protocols, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining protocol-specific control and enabling broad data sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a universal communication interface that works across multiple proprietary protocols. The mesh network nodes are designed to handle various protocol types (Z-Wave, Zigbee, WiFi, Bluetooth) through a unified architecture, enabling data sharing between devices from different manufacturers while maintaining their original protocol-specific functionality.
2Extent of automation
If centralized cloud architecture is used for smart home devices, then device control and data analysis are improved, but autonomous data sharing between geographically proximate nodes is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized cloud architecture into distributed mesh network nodes. Each node operates autonomously, making local decisions about data sharing based on geographic proximity and event priority. This segmentation enables autonomous data sharing between proximate nodes while reducing dependency on centralized cloud infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic network topology where nodes can independently join and leave the mesh network. The network automatically routes data through available nodes based on real-time connectivity and event priority, enabling flexible autonomous operation without rigid centralized control architecture.
3Reliability
If all smart home data is made accessible for sharing, then emergency response and community safety are improved, but user privacy and data security control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality control where different data sharing policies apply to different types of events and different geographic zones. Critical safety data (fire, intrusion) is automatically shared with proximate nodes and emergency services, while non-critical data requires explicit user authorization. This enables reliable emergency response while maintaining user control over personal data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of data accessibility based on event priority and user preferences. High-priority events automatically trigger data sharing with emergency services and proximate nodes, while low-priority events maintain restricted access. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures reliable emergency response while preserving user privacy control.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system may include a plurality of geographically proximate nodes that communicate via one or more range-limited wireless technologies such as BLUETOOTH® low energy (BLE). An origin node may generate and communicate a first message responsive to detecting an event occurrence. The message may include an identifier associated with the origin node, data indicative of the event occurrence, a hop count, a maximum hop count, and a number of designated recipient nodes within the communication system. A first designated recipient node may, upon receiving the first message, attempt to confirm the event occurrence included in the first message. Upon confirming the event occurrence, the first designated recipient node may communicate a notification to an external third party. If unable to confirm the event occurrence, the first designated recipient node may generate and communicate a second message to a second designated recipient node included in the first message.