Wireless Device Topology Control for Dynamic Group Owner Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, the topology of a communication group remains static even as wireless communication devices change, leading to inefficient communication channels and unnecessary complexity when new devices attempt to join, as existing devices act as relays for data transfer.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication device with a control unit that determines whether to change the topology of a communication group based on service information from new and existing devices, switching roles to optimize communication paths by making the most compatible device the group owner and others clients, thereby simplifying channels and reducing resource usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the first wireless communication device keeps acting as the group owner without changing the topology, then the group owner role is maintained, but the communication channel becomes complicated and resource usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegroup owner role stabilityVSAvoidcommunication channel complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the group owner role to change dynamically based on service compatibility requirements. When a new device joins with specific service needs, the system can transition from a static topology to a dynamic one where the group owner role is reassigned to the most compatible device, thereby simplifying communication channels while maintaining role stability when appropriate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the topology of the communication group remains static, then the existing group owner maintains control, but communication efficiency decreases when service compatibility changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice compatibilityVSAvoidcommunication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring service compatibility information when new devices join the communication group. The group owner receives service information from new devices, evaluates compatibility with existing members, and makes informed decisions about topology changes. This feedback mechanism ensures the system adapts to service compatibility requirements while maintaining communication efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the first wireless communication device acts as a relay for the third and second devices, then connectivity is maintained, but resource usage increases unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconnectivityVSAvoidresource usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the unnecessary relay function from the communication path. When service compatibility allows direct communication between devices, the system extracts the relay role from the group owner, enabling direct peer-to-peer communication. This eliminates wasteful resource usage while maintaining reliable connectivity between devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3107348B1Wireless communication device, wireless communication method, program, and wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2019.12.04 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3107348B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3107348B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3107348B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a wireless communication device including a control unit that controls the wireless communication device to act as a group owner or a client, and a communication unit that communicates with another wireless communication device according to control by the control unit, and, when a communication group having a topology where the wireless communication device acts as a group owner and the another wireless communication device acts as a client of the wireless communication device is formed, and a new wireless communication device to enter the communication group appears, the control unit determines whether or not to change a topology of the communication group.