Proxy Devices in Hybrid BLE Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bluetooth Low Energy mesh networks face challenges in meeting scanning time requirements, such as 90% airtime for receiving data, which can impact device performance and prevent simultaneous WiFi and Bluetooth communication, especially in devices with shared antennas.
Innovation Solution
Implementing hybrid Bluetooth Low Energy mesh networks using proxy devices that act as generic attribute profile bearers to receive unicast messages and broadcast messages, allowing devices to bypass scanning time limitations and reduce latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mesh network specifications require devices to spend 90% of airtime scanning or receiving data, then data reception reliability is improved, but device functionality and simultaneous WiFi/Bluetooth communication are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy device as an intermediary between the mesh network and the endpoint device. The proxy device receives unicast messages on behalf of the endpoint device and forwards them when the endpoint device is not in scanning mode. This mediator approach allows the endpoint device to maintain low scanning duty cycle while still receiving messages reliably through the proxy's assistance.
2Reliability
If devices spend significant time scanning for data, then message reception is improved, but latency is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy device performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring the mesh network for unicast messages intended for the endpoint device. Instead of waiting for the endpoint device to scan and receive messages, the proxy proactively captures and buffers messages, then forwards them immediately when the endpoint device becomes available, significantly reducing latency.
3Device complexity
If devices use shared antennas for WiFi and Bluetooth, then hardware complexity is reduced, but simultaneous communication capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication functions by separating the scanning/receiving operations from the proxy operations. The endpoint device focuses on WiFi communication and periodic scanning, while the proxy device handles Bluetooth mesh message reception. This functional segmentation allows shared antenna usage without sacrificing simultaneous communication capability, as the heavy scanning burden is transferred to the proxy.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for systems and methods for hybrid Bluetooth Low Energy mesh networks. Example devices may include an antenna, memory configured to store computer-executable instructions, and at least one computer processor configured to access the memory and execute the computer-executable instructions to send a message, at a first time using the antenna, to a plurality of devices in a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh group, the plurality of devices including a first device and a second device, wherein the first device is a first proxy device, receive a first acknowledgment message from the first device at a second time, and receive a second acknowledgment message from the first device at a third time, wherein the second acknowledgment message is sent to the first device by the second device.