Wireless Game Device Master Selection via Random Role Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless network systems require time-consuming processes to determine a master device, leading to excessive processing loads and limited flexibility in selecting a new master device when the previous one disconnects, especially in network game systems where devices are identical or have similar data transfer rates, and they lack efficient methods for handling disconnections.
Innovation Solution
A wireless network system with terminal devices equipped with a master device search section, temporary master process section, switching section, slave process section, and master process section that automatically select and switch between master and slave roles based on beacon signals and MAC address lists, allowing for random determination of master and slave devices and enabling network reconstruction by slave devices if the master disconnects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If terminal devices sequentially act as temporary master to collect data from all other terminal devices, then a master device can be selected based on received field intensity, but time in accordance with the number of terminal devices is required for constructing a network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the master device selection process from the sequential data collection approach. Instead of requiring each terminal to sequentially collect data from all others, the system designates one terminal as master through a simplified selection mechanism, eliminating the time-consuming sequential collection process while maintaining reliable master selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having terminal devices perform random selection of master and slave roles before actual network communication begins. This preliminary role assignment avoids the need for time-consuming data collection and processing during network construction, as roles are determined in advance through random selection.
2Reliability
If terminal devices collect information concerning received field intensity, data transfer rate, and remaining power, then a master device can be determined based on these parameters, but excessive processing load is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function of master device selection without requiring comprehensive data collection on field intensity, transfer rate, and power. By using random selection, the system eliminates the processing load associated with collecting and analyzing multiple parameters while still achieving reliable master device determination.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing complete data collection and analysis on all terminal device parameters, the patent applies partial action by using a simplified random selection method. This partial approach avoids excessive processing while sufficient for the network's operational needs, as the master device role is assigned without comprehensive parameter evaluation.
3Ease of operation
If a server is previously set as a master device for controlling communications, then network control is centralized, but the network ceases to function if the master device is disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling slave devices to dynamically transition to master device roles when the current master disconnects. This dynamic role switching ensures network continuity while maintaining simple centralized control during normal operation, as slave devices automatically assume master functions when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by preparing slave devices in advance to take over as master devices. Through predetermined role assignment and automatic transition mechanisms, slave devices are ready to assume master functions before actual disconnection occurs, ensuring network continuity without requiring complex real-time reconfiguration.
4Reliability
If the order of priority for assigning backup master role is determined and shared between all slave devices, then a new master can be selected when the original master disconnects, but the degree of freedom in selecting a new master device is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional priority-based approach by using random selection for master device replacement. Instead of following a predetermined priority order, slave devices randomly select which among them will become the new master, thereby maximizing selection flexibility while maintaining reliable master replacement capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Upon receipt of a network connection request, a CPU core of a game device randomly sets a master device search period, and searches for a master device or a temporary master device until the master device search period ends. When the master device search period ends, the CPU core randomly sets a temporary master process period, and causes the game device to act as a temporary master until the temporary master process period ends. The CPU core alternately repeats the master device search and the temporary master process. The game device is caused to act as a slave device if any game device acting as the master device or temporary master device is found during the master device search period. Alternatively, the game device is caused to act as a master device if a connection request from another game device is received during the temporary master process period. Thus, it is possible to automatically construct a wireless network with one master device and one or more slave devices.