Repeater Designation Protocol for Flood Mesh Lighting Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-powered and low-power devices in flood mesh lighting networks face challenges in effective communication due to their limited power and range, leading to sub-standard network communication capabilities, especially when trying to relay messages in large distributed networks, which can result in broadcast storms and hinder network efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A repeater designation programming protocol that adjusts the likelihood of designating repeaters based on echo success counts and message reception patterns, allowing battery-powered devices to efficiently route network control messages by utilizing line-powered devices as repeaters, thereby enhancing communication within the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If battery-powered devices broadcast messages at low power to conserve energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but communication range and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces line-powered devices as intermediary repeaters that receive messages from battery-powered devices and re-broadcast them at higher power levels. This mediator approach allows battery-powered devices to maintain low energy consumption while achieving extended communication range through the intermediary's higher power transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication function into two distinct roles: battery-powered devices perform low-power message transmission to conserve energy, while line-powered devices perform high-power re-broadcasting to extend range. This segmentation allows each device type to operate in its optimal power mode without compromising overall system communication capability.
2Reliability
If all network nodes indiscriminately re-broadcast messages in a flood mesh network, then message delivery reliability is improved, but broadcast storms occur causing network paralysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making repeater behavior location-dependent rather than universal. Line-powered devices that are physically located near battery-powered devices are designated as repeaters and perform selective re-broadcasting, while other devices do not. This localized approach ensures message delivery reliability in specific areas without causing broadcast storms network-wide.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by having only certain line-powered devices (those designated as repeaters) perform the re-broadcasting function, rather than all network nodes. This partial participation in the flood mesh protocol prevents excessive message multiplication while still achieving adequate message delivery to intended recipients.
3Ease of operation
If battery-powered devices are positioned at the edge of the lit area to optimize lighting coverage, then lighting effectiveness is improved, but distance from network gateway increases reducing communication capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses line-powered devices positioned near the edge-lit area as intermediary repeaters. These intermediaries bridge the communication gap between battery-powered devices at the physical edge (optimized for lighting coverage) and the network gateway, enabling both optimal lighting placement and reliable network communication.
4Reliability
If line-powered devices are designated as repeaters for battery-powered devices, then communication range of battery-powered devices is extended, but device complexity and protocol overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having line-powered devices automatically detect and designate themselves as repeaters based on their proximity to battery-powered devices and their ability to receive messages. This self-designation process reduces protocol complexity by eliminating the need for complex centralized repeater assignment while still achieving extended communication range through organic peer-to-peer repeater formation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes tracking one or more echoes of an original message sent from a battery-powered device in a wireless communication network. The battery-powered device includes a lighting control device or a phenomenon sensor. The method further includes adjusting a likelihood of designating a repeater for the battery-powered device based on the battery-powered device receiving an adjustment echo of the one or more echoes or one or more line-powered devices receiving the original message directly from the battery-powered device. The method further includes determining whether or not to designate a repeater for the battery-powered device based on the battery-powered device receiving a determination echo of the one or more echoes of the original message, or the one or more line-powered devices receiving the original message directly from the battery-powered device.