VPANC Selection Policy for Li-Fi Channel Scan Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Visible Light Communication (VLC) in Li-Fi networks face issues such as delay in channel scan, unnecessary power consumption, unsuitable selection of Personal Area Network Coordinators (VPANC), incomplete channel scans, poor channel quality affecting throughput, limited mobility, and connection drops due to dead zones between VPANs.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for selecting VPANCs in Li-Fi networks, where a VPANC receives channel scan parameters and controlling parameters from a controller, creates customized channel scan parameters and selection policies for End User Devices (EUDs), and shares them to enable EUDs to select suitable VPANCs, considering neighboring VPANCs and dead zones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing VLC channel scan techniques are used, then EUDs can discover VPANCs, but the channel scan causes delay and unnecessary power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveVPANC selection suitabilityVSAvoidchannel scan delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary channel scan parameter customization by the controller based on VPANC information before EUDs initiate scans. The controller pre-calculates optimized scan parameters considering VPANC locations, capabilities, and network conditions, then distributes these parameters to EUDs. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for EUDs to perform lengthy trial-and-error scans, significantly reducing channel scan delay while ensuring reliable VPANC discovery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary between VPANCs and EUDs. Instead of EUDs directly scanning for VPANCs (which causes delay), the controller mediates the process by receiving VPANC information from multiple VPANCs, processing this information to determine optimal scan parameters, and then providing these parameters to EUDs. This intermediary role streamlines the discovery process and reduces time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If existing VLC channel scan techniques are used, then EUDs can connect to VPANCs, but power consumption increases due to wrong or incomplete channel scans

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection qualityVSAvoidEUD power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The controller performs preliminary analysis of VPANC information including locations, coverage areas, and capabilities before EUDs initiate channel scans. Based on this pre-processing, the controller generates customized scan parameters that are optimized for each EUD's specific situation. This preliminary action prevents EUDs from performing unnecessary or incomplete scans, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes channel scan parameters based on customized values provided by the controller. Instead of using fixed or default scan parameters that may be suboptimal, the controller adjusts parameters such as scan frequency, duration, and target channels based on real-time network conditions and VPANC information. This parameter customization ensures efficient scans that consume less power while achieving reliable connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If existing VPANC selection techniques are used, then EUDs can connect to VPANCs, but throughput is reduced due to poor channel quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata throughputVSAvoidchannel quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously receives information from VPANCs about their current status, load, and channel quality. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically updates VPANC selection criteria and provides customized guidance to EUDs. This feedback loop ensures that EUDs connect to VPANCs with the best current channel quality, maximizing throughput while maintaining reliable connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The controller changes selection parameters based on real-time VPANC information. Instead of static selection criteria, the system dynamically adjusts parameters such as preferred VPANC identifiers, recommended scan frequencies, and connection thresholds based on current network conditions. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures EUDs consistently connect to VPANCs offering the best throughput and channel quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If existing VLC network techniques are used, then VPANCs can provide coverage, but mobility is limited and connections drop due to dead zones

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEUD mobilityVSAvoidconnection continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The controller performs preliminary mapping of VPANC coverage areas and identifies potential dead zones before EUDs move through the network. Based on this pre-established knowledge of coverage geography, the controller provides customized channel scan parameters that anticipate upcoming dead zones or boundary areas. When an EUD approaches a potential dead zone, the controller can proactively suggest alternative VPANCs or adjust scan parameters to maintain connection continuity, thereby supporting smooth mobility without connection drops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9882640B1Visible light communication personal area network coordinator (VPANC) and associated method for selecting suitable VPANCs
Publication Date: 2018.01.30 WIPRO LTD
  • US9882640B1 patent drawing
  • US9882640B1 patent drawing
  • US9882640B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Visible light communication Personal Area Network Coordinators (VPANCs) and associated method for selecting VPANCs is disclosed. The method includes receiving, by a VPANC, channel scan parameters and VPANC controlling parameters created for the VPANC from a controller and End User Devices (EUD) information from each of a plurality of EUDs associated with the VPANC; creating, by the VPANC, a set of customized channel scan parameters and a VPANC selection policy for each of the plurality of EUDs based on the channel scan parameters, the VPANC controlling parameters, and the EUD information; and sharing, by the VPANC, with each EUD of the plurality of EUDs, an associated set of customized channel scan parameters and VPANC selection policy, wherein sharing enables an EUD to select a new VPANC from the plurality of VPANCs.