Wireless Network Environment for Disaster Data Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for locating and communicating with unknown devices in disaster scenarios are inefficient due to reliance on functioning infrastructure, compatibility issues with different communication standards, and energy-intensive operations, particularly in situations where pairing or specific operating system modifications are required.

Innovation Solution

A method where a provider device creates a wireless network environment with a network identifier, allowing unknown devices to automatically connect and exchange data when the identifier matches a predetermined character string, enabling energy-efficient communication without the need for prior pairing or infrastructure, and functioning across various wireless network connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If Bluetooth connection is used to locate devices, then data exchange between devices is enabled, but devices must be paired before exchanging data which prevents finding previously unknown devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to exchange data with unknown devicesVSAvoidpairing requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring devices with unique identifiers and broadcasting them proactively before any data exchange is needed. This allows unknown devices to discover each other automatically without requiring pairing, as the identification and connection setup happens in advance through the broadcast mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism using broadcast messages that carry device identifiers. These messages act as intermediaries that enable unknown devices to identify and connect to each other without direct pairing, facilitating data exchange between previously unknown devices while eliminating the pairing requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If proprietary devices and protocols are used for data exchange, then communication between devices from the same manufacturer is enabled, but compatibility between devices from different manufacturers is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecross-manufacturer compatibilityVSAvoidproprietary protocol requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves universality by using standardized broadcast and listen mechanisms that are supported by multiple wireless technologies (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular). The core identification and connection establishment protocol is technology-agnostic, allowing devices from different manufacturers to interoperate without proprietary protocol limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication process is segmented into distinct phases: broadcast phase (device announces identifier), listen phase (other devices receive identifier), and connection phase (direct communication established). This segmentation allows each phase to use appropriate technologies independently, improving cross-manufacturer compatibility while managing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If Wi-Fi in ad-hoc mode is used for device discovery, then energy efficiency and connection speed are improved, but it is not available on mobile phone operating systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavailability on mobile operating systemsVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses broadcast messages as intermediaries that can be transmitted through available mobile operating system interfaces. These messages enable device discovery and identification without requiring ad-hoc mode, thus maintaining compatibility with standard mobile OS while preserving energy efficiency by using selective listening rather than continuous scanning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of continuous operation, the system employs periodic broadcast and listen cycles. Devices broadcast their identifiers at intervals and listen for incoming broadcasts during designated periods, reducing energy consumption compared to continuous scanning while maintaining effective device discovery capability on mobile operating systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Reliability

If infrastructure-based emergency alert systems are used, then emergency communication is enabled, but the system requires functioning network infrastructure which may be damaged or destroyed in disasters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality in disaster scenariosVSAvoidinfrastructure dependency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the essential communication function from centralized infrastructure and implements it in distributed devices. Each device independently broadcasts its identifier and can directly communicate with discovered devices, eliminating dependency on external network infrastructure while maintaining reliable emergency communication capability in disaster scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Devices perform self-service by autonomously broadcasting their identifiers, discovering other devices, and establishing direct communication channels without requiring external infrastructure. This self-sufficient approach ensures reliability in disaster scenarios where network infrastructure may be damaged or unavailable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2908565B1Method, device and wireless network environment for exchanging data
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
  • EP2908565B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2908565B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2908565B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for exchanging data between a provider and a recipient unknown to the provider includes the provider provisioning of a wireless network environment with a network identification, which includes the provider sending the network identification. The method includes the recipient activating a wireless interface and receiving the network identification. The method further includes automatically initiating the establishment of a network connection between the provider and the recipient upon receipt of the network identification. The method further includes the recipient automatically transmitting data to the provider.