Relay Device Peripheral Presence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the presence of peripheral devices in a local area network, particularly those using Bluetooth Low Energy technology, are limited by the devices' short range, making it difficult to detect their presence outside their vicinity and requiring modifications to the devices or increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an access gateway and relay devices that listen to radio access frequencies to detect peripheral devices, using notifications from these devices to determine their presence, and controlling the activation and deactivation of radio access modules to conserve energy, without modifying the peripheral devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a master BLE device is used to detect peripheral devices, then detection capability is improved, but the device must be located near the peripheral device and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces relay devices as intermediaries between the gateway and peripheral devices. These relay devices actively scan for peripheral devices and report their presence to the gateway, allowing detection without requiring a master BLE device to be continuously present near the peripheral device. The relay devices perform the detection function while the gateway maintains centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay devices perform preliminary scanning and detection actions in advance, maintaining a list of detected peripheral devices. This preliminary action allows the gateway to know about peripheral device presence without requiring continuous active scanning by a master device, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining detection capability.
2Area of stationary object
If the radio range is extended to detect peripheral devices from farther away, then detection coverage is improved, but energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection coverage area into multiple zones, each monitored by relay devices positioned at different locations. Instead of using a single high-power transmission, multiple relay devices with smaller coverage areas work together to provide comprehensive detection coverage. Each relay device operates at lower power while collectively covering the entire service area.
Solution Approach 2:
Relay devices act as intermediaries that extend the effective detection range of the gateway. By positioning relay devices throughout the service area, the system achieves extended coverage without requiring the gateway to transmit at high power over long distances. Each relay device covers its local area, and the gateway aggregates information from all relays.
3Measurement precision
If continuous scanning is performed to maintain detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay devices perform periodic scanning at intervals rather than continuous scanning. The gateway can configure the scanning frequency and duration, allowing relay devices to enter low-power states between scans. This periodic action maintains detection accuracy by regularly updating the peripheral device presence information while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements event-driven updates where relay devices notify the gateway only when changes in peripheral device presence are detected. Instead of continuous polling, the relay devices monitor their environment and autonomously trigger updates only when necessary, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining accurate detection information.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the detection of peripheral devices within a local network area, allowing for the inference of user presence and precise location, while minimizing energy consumption and avoiding modifications to the peripheral devices.
Implementation Method 1
commanding at least one of the relay devices to perform a listening of access frequencies to a radio access network
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a technique for determining the presence of a peripheral device (23, 26) in a service area of a local network (2). The local network includes a gateway (20) for accessing a communications network (1) and at least one relay device (21, 24). The peripheral device and the relay device(s) are arranged to communicate with other devices via a radio-access network. The access gateway controls at least one relay device, so that the latter scans frequencies for accessing the radio-access network. When the relay device receives an announcement message from the peripheral device, said relay device transmits a notification of detection of the peripheral device to the access gateway. The peripheral device is then identified as being present in the service area.