Wireless Range Determination via Controlled Discovery Messages
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless networks, the coexistence of multiple devices in a small area leads to medium congestion and interference, making it challenging to enable effective communication between devices within a specific range without detecting messages from other devices outside that range, such as in a classroom setting where students should only communicate with each other.
Innovation Solution
The system limits wireless discovery range by adjusting transmission attributes like transmit power and modulation and coding schemes, and using metrics like received signal strength indication and time elapsed between messages to determine the distance between devices, allowing only devices within a specific threshold to decode discovery messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transmit power is increased to ensure discovery messages are received, then communication reliability is improved, but medium congestion and interference worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adjusting transmission parameters specifically for discovery messages to limit their propagation range. Devices transmit discovery messages with controlled power levels and specific modulation schemes that ensure reliable reception only within the intended local area, preventing distant devices from receiving and retransmitting these messages, thus reducing medium congestion and interference while maintaining communication reliability within the target range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting transmission attributes such as power level, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), and message timing based on device location and network conditions. These parameter modifications enable the system to optimize discovery message transmission for reliable local communication while controlling the geographic scope of message propagation, thereby reducing harmful interference to other networks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If discovery range is extended to cover larger areas, then device discoverability is improved, but interference with other networks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by making discovery messages inherently localized through controlled transmission parameters. The messages are designed to be reliably received only within a specific geographic range, ensuring that devices can discover each other within the intended network boundary without causing interference to adjacent networks. This localized approach maintains adaptability for device discovery while preventing harmful effects on other networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the wireless medium into distinct operational zones using range-limited discovery messages. Each network segment operates independently with its own discovery message transmissions, preventing cross-network interference. The segmentation is achieved through controlled transmission power and range adaptation that confines discovery activities to specific geographic segments.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If transmission power is reduced to limit range, then interference is reduced, but communication reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by optimizing multiple transmission attributes simultaneously - adjusting power level, selecting appropriate modulation and coding schemes (MCS), and controlling message timing. These coordinated parameter modifications enable the system to achieve reliable communication within the desired range while minimizing interference. The parameter optimization ensures that even at reduced power levels, discovery messages are reliably received by intended devices without causing harmful effects to other networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring transmission parameters specifically for local discovery communication. The system optimizes transmission characteristics to ensure reliable delivery within the local area while inherently limiting the reach of these transmissions. This localized optimization maintains communication reliability for nearby devices while automatically reducing interference to distant networks.
4Productivity
If discovery messages are transmitted frequently to improve discovery speed, then device discovery efficiency is improved, but medium congestion worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing controlled, periodic transmission of discovery messages at optimized intervals. Rather than continuous or overly frequent transmissions, the system uses periodically spaced messages that are sufficient for timely device discovery while allowing the medium to clear between transmissions. This periodic approach maintains high discovery speed by ensuring regular update opportunities while reducing medium congestion compared to continuous transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting message timing and frequency based on network conditions and device mobility patterns. The transmission interval, duty cycle, and burst patterns are dynamically modified to achieve optimal discovery speed while minimizing medium congestion. These parameter optimizations ensure that discovery messages are transmitted frequently enough for rapid discovery but not so frequently as to cause harmful congestion.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods of wireless communication are described. One method includes transmitting an indication (1610) of a time window (1615) for determining a range for wireless communication between a first device (110) and a second device (120). The method further includes determining (1620, 1630) the range between the first device (110) and the second device (120) at the indicated time window (1615).