RF Mesh Network Role Assignment for MFP IoT Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low-power wide area networks (LP WANs) for IoT applications face issues with high power consumption, require widespread deployment of specialized RF receivers, and lack effective management of multifunction printer (MFP) capabilities, leading to inefficiencies in signal reception, processing, and communication.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to configure and operate an RF mesh network using MFPs as nodes, dynamically determining their roles based on characteristics such as RF reception, compute, and storage capabilities, and power states to minimize delay, balance load, and transition between sleep and wake modes, thereby optimizing their roles as relay, processing, or uplink nodes within the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated RF receivers are deployed to create LP WAN coverage, then network coverage and signal reception capability are improved, but power consumption and deployment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling MFPs to serve dual purposes: their primary printing/scanning functions and secondary RF mesh network node functions. The MFPs act as relay nodes, processing nodes, and uplink nodes in the LP WAN, eliminating the need for dedicated RF receivers while reducing overall power consumption and deployment cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by allowing MFPs to autonomously determine their own roles in the RF mesh network based on their characteristics and current state. The dynamic role assignment algorithm enables MFPs to self-configure as relay nodes, processing nodes, or uplink nodes without requiring manual intervention or specialized dedicated RF receiver infrastructure.
2Reliability
If MFPs operate continuously to ensure network functionality, then network reliability and response time are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing dynamic role assignment that adjusts MFP operational states based on real-time network conditions, MFP characteristics, and power states. MFPs can transition between active relay node, processing node, uplink node, and sleep mode dynamically, optimizing the balance between network reliability and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through scheduled role reassessment and state transitions. MFPs periodically evaluate their suitability for specific network roles and transition between operational modes at optimized intervals, ensuring network functionality is maintained while minimizing unnecessary power consumption during low-activity periods.
3Ease of manufacture
If MFPs with varying capabilities are used in the RF mesh, then deployment cost and ease of deployment are improved, but network performance and load balancing become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific network roles to individual MFPs based on their local characteristics such as RF reception capability, processing power, storage capacity, and uplink connectivity. Each MFP is optimized for its specific role (relay, processing, or uplink node) according to its capabilities, enabling heterogeneous MFPs to work together effectively without requiring uniform high-end specifications across all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting MFP operational parameters including role assignment, power state, and network traffic routing based on real-time monitoring of MFP characteristics and network conditions. This allows the system to optimize network performance by reallocating tasks and adjusting operational modes according to current MFP capabilities and load conditions.
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
This approach reduces power consumption, enhances the efficiency of IoT data processing and transmission, and enables the creation of a low-cost, low-power wide area network without the need for cellular communication, leveraging existing MFPs for rapid deployment and cost-effective coverage.
Implementation Method 1
an RF receiver of the MFP performing a scan operation to receive an incoming RF broadcast signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method of managing a low-power wide area blockchain network having multifunction printers (MFPs) as nodes in a radio frequency (RF) mesh is provided. The method includes configuring the RF mesh based on MFP characteristics including RF reception, compute, storage and uplink, for each of the MFPs. The method also includes operating the RF mesh to dynamically determine a role of the MFPs based on the MFP characteristics, current power save and processing state, for each of the MFPs and its neighboring MFPs, based on a function that minimizes delay, balances load and/or transitions MFPs between a sleep mode and a wake mode.