Dynamic RF Presence Detection and Network Message Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF-based presence detection and localization systems are inefficient as they often compromise wireless network traffic communication, as devices are typically configured to perform these tasks consistently, leading to suboptimal resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device and method that alternates between using one protocol for RF-based presence detection and another for wireless mesh network message transmission, allowing for efficient resource allocation by varying the duration of each function based on activity, and using different frequency channels to avoid interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all devices are configured to perform RF-based presence detection and localization consistently, then presence detection capability is improved, but network communication capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic time allocation where devices alternate between RF sensing mode and network communication mode based on varying durations in each period. This dynamic switching allows the system to adapt resource allocation over time, improving presence detection when needed while maintaining network communication capacity during other periods, thereby resolving the contradiction between consistent presence detection and network communication capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic time-varying allocation where each device operates in cycles, dedicating specific time periods to RF-based presence detection and other periods to network message reception. This periodic alternation ensures that presence detection capability is maintained through regular intervals while network communication capacity is preserved during communication-dedicated periods, eliminating the need for continuous operation that would compromise either function.
2Device complexity
If devices use the same frequency channels for both RF sensing and network communication, then device complexity is reduced, but interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum by assigning different frequency channels for RF sensing operations versus network communication operations. This channel segmentation prevents interference between the two functions while maintaining relatively simple device configuration through standardized protocol separation, effectively resolving the contradiction between device complexity and interference levels.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is configured to use a first protocol to transmit and/or receive a radio frequency signal during a first part (291) of each of a plurality of periods (281-285). The radio frequency signal is used for presence and/or location detection. The electronic device is further configured to obtain network messages transmitted wirelessly using a second protocol during a second part (292-294) of each of the plurality of periods. The second part does not overlap with the first part. A duration of the first part varies between at least two of the plurality of periods and/or a duration of the second part varies between at least two of the plurality of periods.