WO2020046108A1 - A system and method for an off-grid communication - Google Patents

A system and method for an off-grid communication Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020046108A1
WO2020046108A1 PCT/MY2019/050052 MY2019050052W WO2020046108A1 WO 2020046108 A1 WO2020046108 A1 WO 2020046108A1 MY 2019050052 W MY2019050052 W MY 2019050052W WO 2020046108 A1 WO2020046108 A1 WO 2020046108A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ogc
master node
slave
node
slave nodes
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PCT/MY2019/050052
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Saiful Adli AB RAHIM
Afdzal Syahadat Husni Husin
Roslee MOHD SABRI
Muhammad Syargawi Abdullah
Mohamad Faisal Jaafar Ng
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Mimos Berhad
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Publication of WO2020046108A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020046108A1/en

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W84/00—Network topologies
    • H04W84/18—Self-organising networks, e.g. ad-hoc networks or sensor networks
    • H04W84/20—Master-slave selection or change arrangements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a system and method for an off-grid communication. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for an off-grid communication to extend device connectivity.
  • OGC Off-grid communication
  • Mobile devices are unable to communicate with each other when there is no signal in a particular area. These areas are known as off-grid areas where communications between mobile devices are cut off. Hence, OGC devices are used to provide a method for communication in these off-grid areas.
  • a mobile device can be connected to this OGC device and allow a way of communication between devices.
  • An example of an OGC device is disclosed in an International Patent Publication No. WO2016155303A1 , which relates to a mobile terminal and method for carrying out end-to-end communication under an off-network condition.
  • the mobile terminal comprises a first transceiver module, a second transceiver module, a setting module and a switch module.
  • the first transceiver module is used for receiving signals at a first frequency and sending signals at a second frequency
  • the second transceiver module is used for sending signals at the first frequency and receiving signals at the second frequency thereby enabling the mobile terminal to be capable of carrying out the end-to-end communication under the off-network condition.
  • OGC device is disclosed in a China Patent Publication No. 107635193, which relates to a terminal and method for off-grid teaming.
  • the specific position information of the terminal is determined by using a positioning module through a radio signal or mobile communication network.
  • the position information of the terminal is sent to other off-network teaming terminals and it simultaneously receives the position information which is sent by other off-network teaming terminals.
  • the location of the terminal can be determined in a region with no network coverage.
  • the present invention relates to a system (100) and method for an off-grid communication.
  • the system (100) comprises at least one mobile device that acts as a slave node (170), an off-grid communication device, OGC device (110) configured to establish off-grid communication between the plurality of slave nodes (170) and a master node (130) configured to extend the connectivity of the OGC device (110) by acting as an access point to the plurality of slave nodes (170), wherein the master node is the first mobile device connected to the OGC device (110).
  • a system (200) for an off-grid communication comprising at least one mobile device that acts as a slave node (170), an off-grid communication device, OGC device (110), a second OGC device (120), and a remote end user (140).
  • the OGC device (110) is configured to establish an off-grid communication between the plurality of slave nodes (170).
  • the second OGC device (120) connected to the OGC device (110) to allow data transfer between the plurality of slave nodes (170) and the remote end user (140) via an off-grid communication network, OGC network.
  • the system (200) further comprises a master node (130) configured to extend the connectivity of the OGC device (110) by acting as an access point to the plurality of slave nodes (170), wherein the master node is the first mobile device connected to the OGC device (110).
  • the method for off-grid communication that includes the step of assigning a mobile device as the master node (130) for the OGC device (110).
  • the presence of the master node (130) is then advertised as an access point by sending a beacon packet containing the information of service set identifier, capability information, time stamp and supported rate.
  • other mobile devices are assigned as a plurality of slave nodes (170) by the master node (130).
  • data is transferred between one slave node (170) and other slave nodes (170) in same network through the master node (130).
  • the method includes the steps of of assigning a mobile device as the master node (130) for the OGC device (110) and advertising the presence of the master node (130) as an access point, wherein the present of the master node (130) is advertised by sending a beacon packet containing the information of service set identifier, capability information, time stamp and supported rate.
  • other mobile devices are assigned as a plurality of slave nodes (170) by the master node (130) and data is transferred between one slave node (170) and other slave nodes (170) in same network through the master node (130).
  • the OGC device (110) is connected to a second OGC device (120).
  • the data is transfered between the slave nodes (170) and a remote end user (140) connected to the second OGC device (120) via an OGC network.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a system (100) for off-grid communication according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of a system (200) for off-grid communication according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method for off-grid communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of sub-steps for assigning a master node (130) of the method of FIG. 3.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of sub-steps for connecting a mobile device to the master node (130) of the method of FIG. 3.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of sub-steps for transferring data between a slave node (170) and a remote end user (140) connected to a second OGC device (120) through an off-grid communication network of the method of FIG. 3.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a system (100) for an off-grid communication, OGC according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the system (100) comprises an OGC device (110), a master node (130) and a plurality of slave nodes (170).
  • the system (100) requires a plurality of mobile devices installed with an OGC software to connect to the OGC device (110).
  • the plurality of mobile devices may include but are not limited to mobile phones and wireless sensors.
  • a first mobile device to scan and connect to the OGC device (110) is known as a master node (130).
  • Other mobile devices that connect to the master node (130) are known as the slave nodes (170).
  • the slave nodes (170) transfer data with other slave nodes (170) in the same network wirelessly via the master node (130).
  • the OGC software is an essential software that is installed in the mobile devices in order to connect and communicate with the OGC device (110) and the nodes that are attached to the OGC device (110).
  • the software refers to a mobile application type software that enables system settings, user input for text messaging, audio communication and managing the data transfer between the slave nodes (170).
  • the OGC device (110) is configured to create a platform for the off-grid communication.
  • the OGC device (110) establishes a wireless connection with the master node (130) to extend the connectivity of the OGC device (110).
  • the master node (130) acts as an access point to the plurality of slave nodes (170).
  • the master node (130) that acts as an access point allows a plurality of mobile devices or slave nodes (170) to be connected to the master node (130).
  • the master node (130) routes data packets among the slave nodes (170) connected to the said master node (130) and over an OGC network through the OGC device (110).
  • the master node (130) also allows a wireless sensor using a compatible protocol to connect to the master node (130), thus allowing the sensor to transmit data to remote server over the OGC network.
  • the slave nodes (170) are a plurality of mobile devices connected to the master node (130) by detecting and connecting to the access point generated by the master node (130).
  • the slave nodes (170) acquire network parameters in order to connect to the master node (130).
  • a system (200) for OGC comprises the OGC device (110), a second OGC device (120), the master node (130), the plurality of slave nodes (170), a remote end user (140), a data service provider (160) and a terminal node (150) as shown in FIG. 2.
  • the second OGC device (120) is connected to the OGC device (110) via an unlicensed or unused radio frequency band and the remote end user (140) is connected to the second OGC device (120), wherein the remote end user (140) is another mobile device.
  • connection between the remote end user (140) and the second OGC device (120) allows the transfer of data between the plurality of slave nodes (170) that are connected to the OGC device (110) and the remote end user (140) that is connected to the second OGC device (120) wirelessly.
  • the communication between the slave node (170) and the remote end user (140) occurs via the OGC network between the OGC device (110) and the second OGC device (120) using the unlicensed radio frequency band.
  • the remote end user (140) is connected to a data provider (160)
  • the communication may be extended to the terminal node (150) which is another mobile device that is also connected to the data provider (160).
  • the system (100) may include wireless sensors for transceiving sensor data.
  • the master node (130) also allows wireless sensor using compatible protocol to connect to the said master node (130), thus allowing the sensor to transmit data to the remote end user (140) via the OGC network.
  • the compatible protocol refers to any wireless protocol such as Bluetooth or Zigbee which are common to both the wireless sensor and the master node (130).
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method for an off-grid communication. Initially, a master node (130) is assigned as in step 1100. When one of the mobile devices first connect to the OGC device (110), the said mobile device is assigned as the master node (130). The sub-steps of assigning the master node (130) are further explained in relation to FIG. 4.
  • the master node (130) advertises its presence and becomes an access point as in step 1200.
  • the master node (130) advertise its presence by broadcasting beacon packets over the wireless medium. For example, if the master node (130) uses WiFi, it broadcasts a WiFi beacon packet.
  • the master node (130) acts as an access point to allow a plurality of other mobile devices or slave nodes (170) to be connected to the OGC device (110) via the master node (130).
  • the mobile device After the master node (130) becomes an access point, other mobile devices within the coverage area may connect to the master node (130).
  • the connected mobile devices become slave nodes (170) and establish the communication with the master node (130) as in step 1300.
  • the mobile device searches for the master node (130) by sending a request packet.
  • the master node (130) that is within the coverage area sends a response beacon packet to the requesting mobile device.
  • the mobile device listens for the beacon packet advertised by the master node (130) to acquire the network parameter.
  • the beacon packet contains information about the network such as service set identifier, capability information, time stamp and supported rate. The information within the beacon packet is required in order for the slave node (170) to establish communication with the master node (130).
  • the slave node (170) may transfer data with other slave nodes (170) in the same network as in step 1400. All slave nodes (170) on the same network have individual internet protocol, IP addresses assigned by the master node (130) when the slave nodes (170) are connected to the master node (130).
  • the method may further include the step of connecting the OGC device (110) to the second OGC device (120) via an unlicensed radio frequency band as in step 1500.
  • the OGC network is formed.
  • the slave nodes (170) that are attached to the master node (130) of the OGC device (110) are able to transfer data between the remote end user (140) that is attached to the second OGC device (120) via the OGC network as in step 1600.
  • the sub-steps for transferring data between a slave node (170) and the remote end user (140) connected to the second OGC device (120) through an off-grid communication network are further explained in relation to FIG. 5.
  • the method as illustrated in FIG. 3 may be used to initiate different forms of communication namely text messaging, multi-media messaging, global positioning system (GPS), diary and address book via accessing their respective applications using a mobile device.
  • text messaging multi-media messaging
  • GPS global positioning system
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of sub-steps for assigning a master node (130) as in step 1100 of the method of FIG. 3.
  • a mobile device initiates a connection with the OGC device (110) by receiving a beacon packet sent by the OGC device (110) as in step 1110.
  • the validity of the connection between the mobile device and the OGC device (110) is checked by the OGC device (110) using a handshake protocol as in decision 1120.
  • the handshake protocol is used for an authentication and exchange of key necessary to establish secure connections.
  • the connection is considered valid if the mobile device and the OGC device (110) successfully completes the handshake protocol.
  • the handshake protocol is unsuccessful, the connection between the OGC device (110) and the mobile device is considered invalid as in decision 1120. Thus, the same or a new mobile device searches for the OGC device (110) and reattempts to initiate a connection with the OGC device (110) as in step 1110. On the other hand, if the handshake protocol is successful, the connection between the OGC device (110) and the mobile device is considered valid as in decision 1120. Therefore, the mobile device is assigned as the master node (130) as in step 1130. Thereon, the master node (130) may send and receive data from the OGC device (110) via the local network as in step 1140.
  • the master node (130) is disconnected from the OGC device (110)
  • all slave nodes (170) are also disconnected from the OGC device (110).
  • the mobile devices within the range start searching for the signal from the OGC device (110) as in step 1100.
  • the first mobile device that connects to the OGC device (110) is assigned as the new master node (130).
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of sub-steps for connecting a mobile device to the master node (130) as in step 1300 of the method of FIG. 3.
  • a mobile device initiates a connection with the master node (130) by receiving a beacon packet sent by the master node (130) as in step 1310. Thereon, the validity of the connection between the mobile device and the master node (130) is checked by the master node (130) using a handshake protocol as in decision 1320. The connection is considered valid if the mobile device and master node (130) successfully completes the handshake protocol.
  • the mobile device searches for the master node (130) and reattempts to initiate a connection with the master node (130) as in step 1310.
  • the handshake protocol is successful, the connection between the OGC device (110) and the mobile device is considered valid as in decision 1320. Therefore, the mobile device is assigned as a slave node (170) as in step 1330 and an individual IP address is assigned to the slave node (170) by the master node (130).
  • the slave nodes (170) may send and receive data from other slave nodes (170) in the same network as in step 1340 via the master node (130) based on the IP address assigned by the master node (130). The data received is displayed on the slave node (170).
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of sub-steps for transferring data between the slave nodes (170) and the remote end user (140) connected to the second OGC device (120) through the OGC network as in step 1600 of the method of FIG. 3.
  • a user creates a message to be sent to the remote end user (140) using the slave node (170) as in step 1601.
  • the message is then sent to the master node (130) via the local network between the plurality of slave nodes (170) and the master node (130) as in step 1602.
  • the sent message is registered as a local user identification, ID at the master node (130) as in step 1603.
  • the message then goes through the Advance Message Queing Protocol (AMQP) which is an open standard protocol for message oriented middleware.
  • AMQP Advance Message Queing Protocol
  • the sent message contains several information that is placed in a specific format of packet. Parts of the information are addresses which indicate the origin of the message and its destination. These information enables the OGC device (110) to identify or register the message. Thereon, the master node (130) relays this message to the OGC device (110) as in step 1604.
  • the OGC device (110) receives and converts the message by the master node (130) into an RF signal as in step 1605.
  • the message is converted and embedded into the RF signal as a carrier signal through a standard modulation process.
  • the RF signal is then sent to the second OGC device (120) via an unlicensed radio frequency band.
  • the second OGC device (120) receives the RF signal sent by the OGC device (110) and converts the signal back into a message as in step 1606.
  • the RF signal is converted back into a message by filtering the embedded message from the RF signal carrier through a standard demodulation.
  • the message is then sent to the remote end user (140) that is connected to the second OGC device (120) via the local area network as in step 1607. Finally, the message is displayed on the remote end user (140) as in step 1608.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (100) for an off-grid communication, OGC device. The system (100) comprises an OGC device (110), a master node (130) and a plurality of slave nodes (170). The system (100) requires a plurality of mobile devices installed with an OGC software to connect to the OGC device (110). The plurality of mobile devices may include but are not limited to mobile phones and wireless sensors. A first mobile device to scan and connect to the OGC device (110) is known as a master node (130). Other mobile devices that connect to the master node (130) are known as the slave nodes (170). The slave nodes (170) transfer data with other slave nodes (170) in the same network wirelessly via the master node (130).

Description

A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AN OFF-GRID COMMUNICATION
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system and method for an off-grid communication. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for an off-grid communication to extend device connectivity.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Off-grid communication, OGC is the means of communicating using mobile devices when there is no terrestrial network connection to any service provider. Mobile devices are unable to communicate with each other when there is no signal in a particular area. These areas are known as off-grid areas where communications between mobile devices are cut off. Hence, OGC devices are used to provide a method for communication in these off-grid areas.
A mobile device can be connected to this OGC device and allow a way of communication between devices. An example of an OGC device is disclosed in an International Patent Publication No. WO2016155303A1 , which relates to a mobile terminal and method for carrying out end-to-end communication under an off-network condition. The mobile terminal comprises a first transceiver module, a second transceiver module, a setting module and a switch module. The first transceiver module is used for receiving signals at a first frequency and sending signals at a second frequency, and the second transceiver module is used for sending signals at the first frequency and receiving signals at the second frequency thereby enabling the mobile terminal to be capable of carrying out the end-to-end communication under the off-network condition.
Another example of OGC device is disclosed in a China Patent Publication No. 107635193, which relates to a terminal and method for off-grid teaming. The specific position information of the terminal is determined by using a positioning module through a radio signal or mobile communication network. The position information of the terminal is sent to other off-network teaming terminals and it simultaneously receives the position information which is sent by other off-network teaming terminals. The location of the terminal can be determined in a region with no network coverage. Although there are many OGC devices and methods for off-grid communications in the market, all the OGC devices and methods can be applied to connect only one mobile device. When there is more than one mobile device in an off- grid area, multiple OGC devices are needed to accommodate the number of mobile devices as only one mobile device can be connected to one OGC device. Thus, there is a need for an OGC device or system and method that addresses the above mentioned problems.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system (100) and method for an off-grid communication. The system (100) comprises at least one mobile device that acts as a slave node (170), an off-grid communication device, OGC device (110) configured to establish off-grid communication between the plurality of slave nodes (170) and a master node (130) configured to extend the connectivity of the OGC device (110) by acting as an access point to the plurality of slave nodes (170), wherein the master node is the first mobile device connected to the OGC device (110).
In another embodiment, a system (200) for an off-grid communication comprising at least one mobile device that acts as a slave node (170), an off-grid communication device, OGC device (110), a second OGC device (120), and a remote end user (140). The OGC device (110) is configured to establish an off-grid communication between the plurality of slave nodes (170). The second OGC device (120) connected to the OGC device (110) to allow data transfer between the plurality of slave nodes (170) and the remote end user (140) via an off-grid communication network, OGC network. The system (200) further comprises a master node (130) configured to extend the connectivity of the OGC device (110) by acting as an access point to the plurality of slave nodes (170), wherein the master node is the first mobile device connected to the OGC device (110).
The method for off-grid communication that includes the step of assigning a mobile device as the master node (130) for the OGC device (110). The presence of the master node (130) is then advertised as an access point by sending a beacon packet containing the information of service set identifier, capability information, time stamp and supported rate. Thereon, other mobile devices are assigned as a plurality of slave nodes (170) by the master node (130). Finally, data is transferred between one slave node (170) and other slave nodes (170) in same network through the master node (130).
In another embodiment, the method includes the steps of of assigning a mobile device as the master node (130) for the OGC device (110) and advertising the presence of the master node (130) as an access point, wherein the present of the master node (130) is advertised by sending a beacon packet containing the information of service set identifier, capability information, time stamp and supported rate. Thereon, other mobile devices are assigned as a plurality of slave nodes (170) by the master node (130) and data is transferred between one slave node (170) and other slave nodes (170) in same network through the master node (130). Thereon, the OGC device (110) is connected to a second OGC device (120). Finally, the data is transfered between the slave nodes (170) and a remote end user (140) connected to the second OGC device (120) via an OGC network.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a system (100) for off-grid communication according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of a system (200) for off-grid communication according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method for off-grid communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of sub-steps for assigning a master node (130) of the method of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of sub-steps for connecting a mobile device to the master node (130) of the method of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of sub-steps for transferring data between a slave node (170) and a remote end user (140) connected to a second OGC device (120) through an off-grid communication network of the method of FIG. 3.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the description with unnecessary detail.
Reference is made initially to FIG. 1 which illustrates a diagram of a system (100) for an off-grid communication, OGC according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system (100) comprises an OGC device (110), a master node (130) and a plurality of slave nodes (170). The system (100) requires a plurality of mobile devices installed with an OGC software to connect to the OGC device (110). The plurality of mobile devices may include but are not limited to mobile phones and wireless sensors. A first mobile device to scan and connect to the OGC device (110) is known as a master node (130). Other mobile devices that connect to the master node (130) are known as the slave nodes (170). The slave nodes (170) transfer data with other slave nodes (170) in the same network wirelessly via the master node (130).
The OGC software is an essential software that is installed in the mobile devices in order to connect and communicate with the OGC device (110) and the nodes that are attached to the OGC device (110). The software refers to a mobile application type software that enables system settings, user input for text messaging, audio communication and managing the data transfer between the slave nodes (170).
The OGC device (110) is configured to create a platform for the off-grid communication. The OGC device (110) establishes a wireless connection with the master node (130) to extend the connectivity of the OGC device (110). The master node (130) acts as an access point to the plurality of slave nodes (170).
The master node (130) that acts as an access point allows a plurality of mobile devices or slave nodes (170) to be connected to the master node (130). The master node (130) routes data packets among the slave nodes (170) connected to the said master node (130) and over an OGC network through the OGC device (110). The master node (130) also allows a wireless sensor using a compatible protocol to connect to the master node (130), thus allowing the sensor to transmit data to remote server over the OGC network.
The slave nodes (170) are a plurality of mobile devices connected to the master node (130) by detecting and connecting to the access point generated by the master node (130). The slave nodes (170) acquire network parameters in order to connect to the master node (130).
In another embodiment, a system (200) for OGC comprises the OGC device (110), a second OGC device (120), the master node (130), the plurality of slave nodes (170), a remote end user (140), a data service provider (160) and a terminal node (150) as shown in FIG. 2. The second OGC device (120) is connected to the OGC device (110) via an unlicensed or unused radio frequency band and the remote end user (140) is connected to the second OGC device (120), wherein the remote end user (140) is another mobile device. The connection between the remote end user (140) and the second OGC device (120) allows the transfer of data between the plurality of slave nodes (170) that are connected to the OGC device (110) and the remote end user (140) that is connected to the second OGC device (120) wirelessly.
The communication between the slave node (170) and the remote end user (140) occurs via the OGC network between the OGC device (110) and the second OGC device (120) using the unlicensed radio frequency band. When the remote end user (140) is connected to a data provider (160), the communication may be extended to the terminal node (150) which is another mobile device that is also connected to the data provider (160).
The system (100) may include wireless sensors for transceiving sensor data. The master node (130) also allows wireless sensor using compatible protocol to connect to the said master node (130), thus allowing the sensor to transmit data to the remote end user (140) via the OGC network. The compatible protocol refers to any wireless protocol such as Bluetooth or Zigbee which are common to both the wireless sensor and the master node (130). FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method for an off-grid communication. Initially, a master node (130) is assigned as in step 1100. When one of the mobile devices first connect to the OGC device (110), the said mobile device is assigned as the master node (130). The sub-steps of assigning the master node (130) are further explained in relation to FIG. 4.
Once the master node (130) is assigned, the master node (130) advertises its presence and becomes an access point as in step 1200. The master node (130) advertise its presence by broadcasting beacon packets over the wireless medium. For example, if the master node (130) uses WiFi, it broadcasts a WiFi beacon packet. The master node (130) acts as an access point to allow a plurality of other mobile devices or slave nodes (170) to be connected to the OGC device (110) via the master node (130).
After the master node (130) becomes an access point, other mobile devices within the coverage area may connect to the master node (130). The connected mobile devices become slave nodes (170) and establish the communication with the master node (130) as in step 1300. In order to connect to the master node (130), the mobile device searches for the master node (130) by sending a request packet. The master node (130) that is within the coverage area sends a response beacon packet to the requesting mobile device. The mobile device then listens for the beacon packet advertised by the master node (130) to acquire the network parameter. The beacon packet contains information about the network such as service set identifier, capability information, time stamp and supported rate. The information within the beacon packet is required in order for the slave node (170) to establish communication with the master node (130).
Once a slave node (170) is connected to the master node (130), the slave node (170) may transfer data with other slave nodes (170) in the same network as in step 1400. All slave nodes (170) on the same network have individual internet protocol, IP addresses assigned by the master node (130) when the slave nodes (170) are connected to the master node (130).
In order for the slave nodes (170) to communicate with the remote end user (140), the method may further include the step of connecting the OGC device (110) to the second OGC device (120) via an unlicensed radio frequency band as in step 1500. Once the OGC device (110) is connected to the second OGC device (120), the OGC network is formed. Hence, the slave nodes (170) that are attached to the master node (130) of the OGC device (110) are able to transfer data between the remote end user (140) that is attached to the second OGC device (120) via the OGC network as in step 1600. The sub-steps for transferring data between a slave node (170) and the remote end user (140) connected to the second OGC device (120) through an off-grid communication network are further explained in relation to FIG. 5.
The method as illustrated in FIG. 3 may be used to initiate different forms of communication namely text messaging, multi-media messaging, global positioning system (GPS), diary and address book via accessing their respective applications using a mobile device.
FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of sub-steps for assigning a master node (130) as in step 1100 of the method of FIG. 3. Initially, a mobile device initiates a connection with the OGC device (110) by receiving a beacon packet sent by the OGC device (110) as in step 1110. Thereon, the validity of the connection between the mobile device and the OGC device (110) is checked by the OGC device (110) using a handshake protocol as in decision 1120. The handshake protocol is used for an authentication and exchange of key necessary to establish secure connections. The connection is considered valid if the mobile device and the OGC device (110) successfully completes the handshake protocol.
If the handshake protocol is unsuccessful, the connection between the OGC device (110) and the mobile device is considered invalid as in decision 1120. Thus, the same or a new mobile device searches for the OGC device (110) and reattempts to initiate a connection with the OGC device (110) as in step 1110. On the other hand, if the handshake protocol is successful, the connection between the OGC device (110) and the mobile device is considered valid as in decision 1120. Therefore, the mobile device is assigned as the master node (130) as in step 1130. Thereon, the master node (130) may send and receive data from the OGC device (110) via the local network as in step 1140. In the event where the master node (130) is disconnected from the OGC device (110), all slave nodes (170) are also disconnected from the OGC device (110). The mobile devices within the range start searching for the signal from the OGC device (110) as in step 1100. The first mobile device that connects to the OGC device (110) is assigned as the new master node (130).
FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of sub-steps for connecting a mobile device to the master node (130) as in step 1300 of the method of FIG. 3. A mobile device initiates a connection with the master node (130) by receiving a beacon packet sent by the master node (130) as in step 1310. Thereon, the validity of the connection between the mobile device and the master node (130) is checked by the master node (130) using a handshake protocol as in decision 1320. The connection is considered valid if the mobile device and master node (130) successfully completes the handshake protocol.
If the handshake protocol is unsuccessful, the connection between the master node (130) and the mobile device is considered invalid as in decision 1320. Thus, the mobile device searches for the master node (130) and reattempts to initiate a connection with the master node (130) as in step 1310. On the other hand, if the handshake protocol is successful, the connection between the OGC device (110) and the mobile device is considered valid as in decision 1320. Therefore, the mobile device is assigned as a slave node (170) as in step 1330 and an individual IP address is assigned to the slave node (170) by the master node (130). Thereon, the slave nodes (170) may send and receive data from other slave nodes (170) in the same network as in step 1340 via the master node (130) based on the IP address assigned by the master node (130). The data received is displayed on the slave node (170).
FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of sub-steps for transferring data between the slave nodes (170) and the remote end user (140) connected to the second OGC device (120) through the OGC network as in step 1600 of the method of FIG. 3. A user creates a message to be sent to the remote end user (140) using the slave node (170) as in step 1601. The message is then sent to the master node (130) via the local network between the plurality of slave nodes (170) and the master node (130) as in step 1602. The sent message is registered as a local user identification, ID at the master node (130) as in step 1603. The message then goes through the Advance Message Queing Protocol (AMQP) which is an open standard protocol for message oriented middleware. The sent message contains several information that is placed in a specific format of packet. Parts of the information are addresses which indicate the origin of the message and its destination. These information enables the OGC device (110) to identify or register the message. Thereon, the master node (130) relays this message to the OGC device (110) as in step 1604.
The OGC device (110) receives and converts the message by the master node (130) into an RF signal as in step 1605. The message is converted and embedded into the RF signal as a carrier signal through a standard modulation process. The RF signal is then sent to the second OGC device (120) via an unlicensed radio frequency band.
The second OGC device (120) receives the RF signal sent by the OGC device (110) and converts the signal back into a message as in step 1606. The RF signal is converted back into a message by filtering the embedded message from the RF signal carrier through a standard demodulation. The message is then sent to the remote end user (140) that is connected to the second OGC device (120) via the local area network as in step 1607. Finally, the message is displayed on the remote end user (140) as in step 1608.
While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specifications are words of description rather than limitation and various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1 . A system (100) for an off-grid communication comprising:
a) at least one mobile device that acts as a slave node (170); and b) an off-grid communication device, OGC device (110) configured to establish an off-grid communication between the plurality of slave nodes (170);
characterised in that the system (100) further comprises:
c) a master node (130) configured to extend the connectivity of the OGC device (110) by acting as an access point to the plurality of slave nodes (170), wherein the master node is the first mobile device connected to the OGC device (110).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the at least one mobile device incorporates a mobile application type software that enables system settings, user input for text messaging, audio communication and managing the data transfer between the slave nodes (170).
3. A system (200) for an off-grid communication comprising:
a) at least one mobile device that acts as a slave node (170); b) an off-grid communication device, OGC device (110) configured to establish an off-grid communication between the plurality of slave nodes (170);
c) a second OGC device (120) connected to the OGC device (110) to allow data transfer between the plurality of slave nodes (170) and a remote end user (140) via an off-grid communication network, OGC network; and
d) the remote end user (140) connected to the second OGC device (120). characterised in that the system (200) further comprises:
e) a master node (130) configured to extend the connectivity of the OGC device (110) by acting as an access point to the plurality of slave nodes (170), wherein the master node is the first mobile device connected to the OGC device (110).
4. The system (200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one mobile device incorporates a mobile application type software that enables system settings, user input for text messaging, audio communication and managing the data transfer between the slave nodes (170).
5. A method for an off-grid communication is characterised by the steps of:
a) assigning a mobile device as a master node (130) by an off-grid communication device, OGC device (110);
b) advertising presence of the master node (130) as an access point by the master node (130);
c) assigning other mobile devices as a plurality of slave nodes (170) by the master node (130); and
d) transferring data between one slave node (170) and other slave nodes (170) through the master node (130).
6. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein assigning the mobile device as a master node (130) by the OGC device (110) includes the steps of:
a) initiating a connection between the mobile device and the OGC device (110); and
b) validating the connection between the OGC device (110) and the mobile device using a handshake protocol.
7. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein advertising presence of the master node (130) as the access point by the master node (130) includes the step of sending a beacon packet containing the information of service set identifier, capability information, time stamp and supported rate.
8. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein assigning other mobile devices as a plurality of slave nodes (170) by the master node (130) includes the steps of:
a) initiating a connection between at least one mobile device and the master node (130); and
b) validating the connection between the other mobile device and the master node (130) using a handshake protocol.
9. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein transferring data between the slave node (170) and other slave nodes (170) through the master node (130) includes the steps of:
a) assigning an individual internet protocol address, IP address to the slave node (170) by the master node (130); and
b) communicating between one slave node (170) and other slave nodes (170) via the IP address through the master node (130).
1 A method for an off-grid communication is characterised by the steps of:
a) assigning a mobile device as a master node (130) by an off-grid communication device, OGC device (110);
b) advertising presence of the master node (130) as an access point by the master node (130);
c) assigning other mobile devices as a plurality of slave nodes (170) by the master node (130);
d) transferring data between one slave node (170) and other slave nodes (170) through the master node (130);
e) connecting the OGC device (110) to a second OGC device (120); and f) transferring data between the slave nodes (170) and a remote end user (140) connected to the second OGC device (120) via an OGC network.
1 The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein assigning the mobile device as a master node (130) by the OGC device (110) includes the steps of:
a) initiating a connection between the mobile device and the OGC device (110); and
b) validating the connection between the OGC device (110) and the mobile device using a handshake protocol. 1 The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein advertising presence of the master node (130) as the access point by the master node (130) includes the step of sending a beacon packet containing the information of service set identifier, capability information, time stamp and supported rate.
13. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein assigning other mobile devices as a plurality of slave nodes (170) by the master node (130) includes the steps of:
a) initiating a connection between at least one mobile device and the master node (130); and
b) validating the connection between the other mobile device and the master node (130) using a handshake protocol.
14. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein transferring data between the slave node (170) and other slave nodes (170) through the master node (130) includes the steps of:
a) assigning an individual internet protocol address, IP address to the slave node (170) by the master node (130); and
b) communicating between one slave node (170) and other slave nodes (170) via the IP address through the master node (130).
15. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein transferring data between the slave nodes (170) and a remote end user connected to the second OGC device (120) via the OGC network includes the steps of:
a) sending a message to the master node (130) by the slave node (170); b) registering the message as a local user identification, ID at the master node (130);
c) receiving the message from the slave node (170) via local area network by the master node (130);
d) sending the message to the OGC device (110) wirelessly by the master node (130);
e) converting the message into radio frequency signal by the OGC device (110);
f) sending radio frequency signal to second OGC device (120) via unlicensed radio frequency band by the OGC device (110);
g) converting the radio frequency signal received from the OGC device (110) back into a message by the second OGC device (120); and h) sending the converted message to the remote end user (140) wirelessly by the second OGC device (120).
PCT/MY2019/050052 2018-08-30 2019-08-30 A system and method for an off-grid communication WO2020046108A1 (en)

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