Radio Communication Device Identification in Ad-Hoc Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless ad hoc networks, it is challenging to distinguish and separate radio communication devices of the same type that are within the radio range and use the same or compatible protocols, leading to undesired networking and increased network load.

Innovation Solution

A method involving coupling radio communication devices via a physical connecting line, using sensors to detect a signal transmitted over this link, and forwarding it to the network for identification, ensuring only devices within the same group establish wireless connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If transponders use the same or compatible protocols and are within radio range, then networking capability is improved, but undesired networking and network load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetworking capabilityVSAvoidundesired networking
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A physical connecting line acts as an intermediary between transponders to establish group affiliation. The line transmits a detectable signal that serves as proof of belonging to a specific group, allowing transponders to distinguish between desired and undesired networking partners without restricting their general networking capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The physical connection is established before wireless communication begins. This preliminary action ensures that only transponders that are physically connected (and thus part of the same group) can engage in wireless networking, preventing undesired networking before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If transponders self-organize in ad hoc networks, then network robustness is improved, but group separation and identification become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork robustnessVSAvoidgroup identification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The physical connecting line provides a visible or detectable signal that acts as an identifier for group membership. This signal 'colors' or marks the transponders as belonging to a specific group, making group separation and identification straightforward without compromising the self-organizing nature of the network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Area of stationary object

If all transponders within radio range can network, then network coverage is improved, but network load and interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidnetwork load
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The network is segmented into multiple groups based on physical connections. Each group operates semi-independently, allowing broader overall coverage while reducing the load and interference within each segment. Transponders only communicate wirelessly with others in their physically-defined group, not with all transponders in range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2071805B1Method for identifying radio communication devices in an ad-hoc network
Publication Date: 2017.06.14 KNORR BREMSE SYST FUR SCHIENENFAHRZEUGE GMBH
  • EP2071805B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2071805B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2071805B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The method involves coupling movable objects (11-14, 21-24, 31-34) e.g. rail-carrying trains, in which radio communication devices (T11-T14, T21-T24, T31-T34) i.e. transponders, are arranged, by physical connection lines (15, 25, 35) i.e. main lines. A signal i.e. aeration, transmitted over the lines is detected by a sensor that is connected with the lines. The detected signal is transmitted to a wireless Ad-hoc-network over the communication device. The communication device connected with the lines over the sensor is identified as belonging to the group of objects. An independent claim is also included for a system for identifying radio communication devices in a wireless Ad-hoc-network.