Selective Routing Algorithm for Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication systems face challenges in maintaining signal quality due to changing environmental conditions, such as increased RF background noise, which can degrade the Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) of RF signals between devices and central controllers, leading to unreliable data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication device adapts by measuring the RF background noise level and selecting between 'quiet' and 'noisy' algorithms to establish optimal pathways, adjusting the number and strength of RF links to maintain reliable communication, with the 'quiet' algorithm reducing the number of links in low-noise environments and the 'noisy' algorithm increasing link count but making each link shorter and stronger in high-noise conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the number of RF links is increased to improve signal reliability in high-noise environments, then the reliability of data transmission is improved, but the response time and network complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal reliabilityVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the number and configuration of RF links based on real-time noise level measurements. In high-noise environments, the noisy algorithm increases link count and reduces link length to improve reliability. In low-noise environments, the quiet algorithm reduces link count to minimize response time. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible rather than static.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes key parameters (number of RF links, link length, link strength) based on environmental conditions. The device controller measures noise levels and selects different algorithms that optimize these parameters accordingly. This parameter adjustment allows the system to achieve high reliability when needed while maintaining fast response times when environmental conditions permit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the number of RF links is increased to improve signal quality in noisy environments, then the signal quality is improved, but the device complexity and network configuration complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidnetwork configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device automatically measures RF background noise levels and selects the appropriate algorithm (quiet or noisy) without manual intervention. The system self-configures the optimal number and strength of RF links based on environmental conditions, eliminating the need for complex manual network configuration and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts its configuration based on real-time noise measurements. Rather than requiring complex static configuration for all possible scenarios, the system automatically adjusts its RF link structure to match current environmental conditions, simplifying both initial setup and ongoing management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the RF link length is reduced to strengthen individual links in high-noise conditions, then the signal strength per link is improved, but the total number of links required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal strength per linkVSAvoidnumber of links
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the link configuration parameters (length and strength) based on noise levels. In noisy environments, the noisy algorithm reduces link length and increases link strength to overcome interference. In quiet environments, the quiet algorithm uses fewer, longer links. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing the trade-off between link strength and link count based on environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3949519B1Selective routing algorithm based on background noise
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 JOHNSON CONTROLS FIRE PROTECTION LP
  • EP3949519B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3949519B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3949519B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system includes a wireless communication device that joins a wireless communication network. Specifically, the wireless communication device measures a quality metric of the wireless communication network in response to a trigger to join the wireless communication network. The wireless communication device determines whether the quality metric indicates a high quality environment or a low quality environment for communicating signals. In response to the quality metric indicating the high quality environment, the wireless communication device selects a first pathway with an optimum transmission time between the wireless communication device and a central controller of the wireless communication network. In response to the quality metric indicating a low quality environment, the wireless communication device selects a second pathway comprising an optimum quality link between the wireless communication device and another wireless communication device in the wireless communication network.