Pseudo Channel Hopping in BLE Mesh Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) wireless mesh networks face interference and congestion due to operating in the same 2.4 GHz radio band as other wireless technologies, and existing channel hopping techniques require time synchronization and prior knowledge of channel sequences, which are not feasible in BLE-based networks.

Innovation Solution

Implementing pseudo channel hopping in BLE-based wireless mesh networks by assigning scan dwell times to each channel, updating statistics based on packet reception, and dynamically changing these times based on success rates and CRC error rates to select the next channel for scanning, either randomly or in a round robin fashion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If channel hopping is implemented to reduce interference and congestion, then packet transmission reliability is improved, but time synchronization and prior knowledge of channel sequences are required which increases system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacket transmission reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by autonomously selecting channels based on statistical feedback from packet transmission outcomes. Each node independently monitors its own channel quality metrics (success rates, CRC error rates) and uses this information to dynamically adjust its channel selection, eliminating the need for centralized coordination or time synchronization infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where transmission statistics (success rates, CRC error rates) are collected and used to inform future channel selection decisions. This closed-loop approach allows nodes to adapt to changing channel conditions based on actual performance data, improving reliability without requiring complex pre-coordination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If scan dwell times are dynamically adjusted based on statistics, then channel selection efficiency is improved, but additional processing and memory requirements increase device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel selection efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes parameters (scan dwell times) dynamically based on observed statistical patterns. By adjusting the duration of scans on different channels according to measured success rates and error rates, the system optimizes channel selection efficiency while keeping the underlying mechanism relatively simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or centralized coordination systems with software-based statistical tracking and decision-making. Instead of using sophisticated hardware synchronization mechanisms or centralized controllers, the system uses software to collect statistics and make autonomous channel selection decisions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250105872A1Pseudo channel hopping using scan dwell times in mesh networks without time synchronization

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC

AI summary

A method for pseudo channel hopping in a node of a wireless mesh network is provided that includes scanning each channel of a plurality of channels used for packet transmission by the node, wherein each channel is scanned for a scan dwell time associated with the channel, updating statistics for each channel based on packets received by the node during the scanning of the channel, and changing scan dwell times of the plurality of channels periodically based on the statistics.