Smart Space Connectivity Information Sharing Across Disparate Radio Access Technologies
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Solution Overview
Problem
In smart spaces, finding connectivity information among devices with disparate radio access technologies is challenging due to powering issues and multi-radio problems, leading to inefficient scanning operations that consume significant power and may not discover all devices or services.
Innovation Solution
A multi-bearer apparatus that propagates previously obtained connectivity information using one radio bearer while receiving it over another, with a memory to store and maintain connectivity information across various radio access technologies, and a service advertisement board to advertise services, allowing devices to share information without needing to activate multiple bearers simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If every bearer scans the surroundings to find connectivity information, then all devices can be discovered, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary devices that collect and aggregate connectivity information from multiple bearers, then propagate this consolidated information to other devices. This mediator approach allows devices to obtain comprehensive connectivity information without each device needing to activate and scan all bearers simultaneously, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining complete device discovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary scanning and connectivity information collection by activating bearers in advance during periods when power is available. The collected connectivity information is stored and made available for later propagation, eliminating the need for continuous or simultaneous multi-bearer scanning and reducing overall power consumption.
2Reliability
If multiple radio bearers are activated simultaneously to gather connectivity information, then comprehensive device discovery is achieved, but device complexity increases due to multi-radio management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connectivity information gathering function into separate bearers that operate independently. Each bearer can be activated separately to collect specific types of connectivity information, and the results are aggregated by intermediary devices. This segmentation reduces the complexity of managing multiple simultaneous radio operations at any single device.
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediary devices act as mediators that consolidate connectivity information from multiple bearers, reducing the complexity burden on individual devices. Instead of each device managing multiple radio interfaces simultaneously, the intermediary handles the aggregation and propagation, simplifying the radio management architecture.
3Reliability
If connectivity information is propagated through multiple hops across the smart space, then all devices receive comprehensive information, but information accuracy may degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where intermediary devices verify and update connectivity information as it propagates through the smart space. Devices can report back connectivity status changes, and this feedback is used to correct or update the propagated information, maintaining accuracy even after multiple propagation hops.
Solution Approach 2:
Connectivity information is collected and validated in advance through preliminary scanning operations before propagation begins. This preliminary action ensures that the base information is accurate, and subsequent propagation distributes this pre-validated information, reducing the risk of accuracy degradation through multiple hops.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for storing and maintaining in a smart space device connectivity information of devices of the smart space including a plurality of disparate radio access technologies. The connectivity information is propagated to at least one other device of the smart space and is used for selecting an optimal distribution route for information to be shared in the smart space. Technologies such as NoTA, BillBoard and Whiteboard can be used.