Proxy Node Virtual Network Boosting for Offline Wireless Range Extension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing offline wireless network technologies, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, have limited communication ranges, making it challenging to enable data communication between devices that are beyond the standard communication range without the use of costly hardware like signal boosters or repeaters.

Innovation Solution

The system employs proxy nodes to extend the communication range by selecting the most suitable offline wireless network feature based on speed and content type, allowing data packets to be encapsulated and transmitted through alternative network types, effectively doubling the communication range without additional hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If standard offline wireless network technologies (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) are used for data communication, then communication reliability is maintained, but communication range is limited to standard specifications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication rangeVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces proxy nodes as intermediary devices that facilitate communication between two electronic devices beyond the standard wireless network range. The proxy node receives data from the first device, processes it, and transmits it to the second device, enabling extended communication range while maintaining reliability through established wireless network protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication path is segmented into multiple hops: first electronic device → proxy node → second electronic device. This segmentation allows each segment to operate within standard communication ranges while collectively achieving extended coverage, with each segment maintaining reliable communication using standard protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Length of stationary object

If costly hardware like signal boosters or repeaters is used to extend communication range, then communication range is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication rangeVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using physical signal boosters or repeaters, the patent employs software-based proxy nodes that replicate communication functionality. The proxy node copies the communication protocols and data handling mechanisms of standard wireless networks, enabling range extension through software rather than costly hardware modifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical hardware solutions (signal boosters, repeaters) with a software-based proxy node system. The proxy node uses standard wireless network features already present in electronic devices, substituting mechanical/hardware range extension with software-mediated communication that achieves the same effect without additional hardware complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple offline wireless network features are available in a device, then adaptability is improved, but selecting the optimal network feature increases processing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork feature adaptabilityVSAvoidselection processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The proxy node implements a feedback-based selection mechanism where it detects available offline wireless network features in the second electronic device, receives data from the first device, and selectively transmits data using the most suitable network feature. This feedback loop ensures optimal feature selection based on real-time device capabilities and data characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of network feature selection dynamically. The proxy node detects which offline wireless network features are available in the second device and adapts its transmission method accordingly, selecting the optimal feature based on parameters like compatibility, speed, and data type rather than using a fixed approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10848992B2Data communication by virtual network boosting using proxy nodes in wireless networks

Publication Date: 2020.11.24 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

A system and method for offline data communication by virtual network boosting using proxy nodes in offline wireless networks, includes receipt of a first content by a first electronic device from a second electronic device using a first offline wireless network feature. A plurality of offline wireless network features available in a third electronic device to which the first content is to be communicated in an offline wireless network, are detected by the first electronic device. The third electronic device is located beyond an offline wireless communication range from the second electronic device. A second offline wireless network feature from the detected plurality of offline wireless network features is selected to communicate the first content to the third electronic device. The selection may be done based on a speed parameter associated with each of the detected plurality of offline wireless network features and a content-type of the first content.