Self powered son device network

a network device and self-powered technology, applied in the field ofsignal transmission systems, can solve the problems of labor-intensive wiring, inability to connect network devices to an electrical grid, and inability to provide power to such network devices

US20080123581A1Active Publication Date: 2008-05-29ROSEMOUNT INC
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Patent Type
Applications(United States)
Current Assignee / Owner
Publication Date
2008-05-29

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Abstract

A network includes a plurality of wirelessly interconnected self-organizing network (SON) devices for relaying signals in a self-organizing network and a field device for originating output signals. The sensor is configured to transmit the output signals to at least one of the SON devices, and the SON devices do not originate signals but only relay signals originated externally. At least one of the SON devices is self-powered by harvesting energy from an adjacent energy source.
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Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to signal transmission systems, and more particularly, to networks having a self-powered device for relaying signals.

[0002] Self-organizing networks are wireless signal transmission networks that enable single-hop and multi-hop transmission of signals between points in the network. The term “motes” denotes relays that are capable of wirelessly receiving and transmitting signals in the self-organizing network. Motes and similar devices can be communicably linked to sensors and other types of signal generating and receiving components. These self-organizing networks enable flexible transmission of signals, and can be used in process facilities and other plant settings to relay data between desired locations. This data can be collected by one or more sensors and transmitted via the network to one or more data collection and / or data processing locations.

[0003] Networks of motes or similar devices provide numerous advantages wi...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0009]The present invention provides a wireless self-organizing network made up of one or more self-organizing network devices (hereinafter, “SON devices”) that are self-powered by harvesting energy from an adjacent energy source. The term “self-organizing network” as used herein refers to a communications signal relaying system that enables passive relaying of signals between two external nodes communicably connected to the self-organizing network. A self-organizing network can have a mesh, star, cluster, or other type of topology. “SON devices” are devices that passively relay signals within a network, and, as that term is used herein, SON devices are distinguishable from field devices that generate signals (e.g., sensors) and collect signals (e.g., data collection and data processing devices). According to the present invention, installation of the wireless self-organizing network is simplified by utilizing available energy sources to generate electrical energy to power those SON...