A multi-mode intelligent management method and system for an internet of things mesh network branch point

Abstract

This invention discloses a multi-mode intelligent management method and system for IoT mesh network pivots. Based on an Adaptive Energy-Balancing Model (AEBM) and a Dynamic Mode-Switching Threshold (DMST), the method defines a default mode (Mesh + 12 + 1 + 23) and several configurable self-navigation modes (F7 reusable mode, F5 non-reusable mode, and F4 storage mode) for the pivot. When the pivot goes offline, it can automatically switch between these modes according to preset strategies and commands. This invention solves the problem of how to achieve ultra-low power operation while ensuring data continuity in the absence of network coverage or gateway failure by introducing a Cyclic Overwrite Storage Strategy (COSS) and a Multi-Mode State Machine (MMSM) model. It also provides flexible deployment methods such as mobile data acquisition and wireless sleep management, significantly improving the robustness, flexibility, and management convenience of the mesh network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wireless communication network technology, specifically to a multi-mode intelligent management method and system for Internet of Things (IoT) Mesh network pivots. Background Technology

[0002] Internet of Things (IoT) mesh networks typically consist of gateways and numerous sensor nodes. In real-world deployments, these nodes often face a variety of complex operating conditions: 1. Unexpected gateway outage: Due to power outages, antenna damage, or other reasons, the gateway fails, the node goes offline, and data is lost; 2. No fixed gateway scenario: In some areas, it is not possible to install a fixed gateway, and temporary data collection is required; 3. Pivot storage and transportation: A large number of pivots need to maintain extremely low power consumption during storage or transportation, while also being easily woken up and managed remotely.

[0003] Existing Mesh network protocols mostly focus on optimization while the network is active, lacking a systematic, adaptive, and configurable management strategy for when the pivot is offline or in specific task scenarios. When the pivot is offline, it usually either continues searching, causing the battery to drain rapidly, or enters deep sleep, causing data acquisition to be interrupted. It cannot achieve an intelligent balance between power consumption and data continuity, and lacks a flexible task-oriented management mode. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical issues, this invention provides a multi-mode intelligent management method and system for IoT Mesh network nodes. This system can automatically switch modes according to preset strategies and commands, achieving an optimal balance between power consumption and data acquisition, and ensuring that critical data is not lost during network outages or periods without network coverage.

[0005] The technical solution is as follows: a multi-mode intelligent management method for IoT Mesh network pivots, characterized in that the pivot supports at least the following working modes: default mode and self-navigation mode; the pivot autonomously switches between the above working modes according to the network status and preset commands; when the manual pivot is powered on or the pivot changes from an on-network working state to an offline state, the default mode is executed, which includes a 12-hour search and sampling phase, a 1-hour full-range search phase, and a 23-hour sleep phase; When the manual pivot is powered on, it first enters a 1-hour full-range search phase, where it performs a full-range network search. If it fails to connect to the network after 1 hour, it enters a 23-hour sleep phase. After the 23-hour sleep phase, the pivot automatically restarts, clears all historical data, and re-enters the 1-hour full-range search phase. This cycle of 1-hour full-range search and 23-hour sleep continues until the pivot successfully connects to the network. If it successfully connects to the network within 1 hour, the pivot enters the online working state. If the pivot in the online working state goes offline, it enters a 12-hour search and sampling phase, where it performs network search, data sampling, and local storage. If it successfully connects to the network within 12 hours, it returns to the online working state. If it fails to connect to the network after 12 hours, it re-enters the 1-hour full-range search phase. When the pivot meets the dynamic mode switching threshold condition, the self-navigation mode is activated; during the offline period, the pivot collects data and stores it locally at a preset sampling interval.

[0006] A further feature is that the self-navigation mode includes an F7 reusable self-navigation mode and an F5 non-reusable self-navigation mode; The activation conditions for the F7 reusable self-navigation mode are as follows: after the pivot has been pre-configured with the F7_SwitchOn and F7_T commands, and after the 12-hour search sampling phase and the 1-hour full-range search phase of the default mode have been fully executed, the cumulative search time exceeds the dynamic mode switching threshold. After the F7 reusable self-navigation mode is activated, the pivot samples and stores data in F7_T cycles, and manages local data using a cyclic overwrite storage strategy until it receives the F7_WakeUp command and automatically restarts the pivot, executes the default mode, and retains the stored data. If it resumes its working state on the network, it will upload the stored default mode phase data and F7 reusable self-navigation mode phase data; otherwise, it will return to the F7 reusable self-navigation mode. The F5 non-reusable self-navigation mode is activated immediately upon receiving the F5_Enter command while the pivot is in a network-connected state. After activation, the pivot disconnects from the Mesh network, samples at F5_T intervals, and stores the data in a dedicated independent storage area for F5 mode, marking it independently. Upon receiving the F5_Exit command, the pivot automatically restarts, executes the default mode, and clears the non-F5 mode stored data. If the pivot returns to a network-connected state, it will upload all data stored during the F5 non-reusable self-navigation mode phase, and the F5 non-reusable self-navigation mode will automatically expire after this data upload is completed; otherwise, the default mode will continue to be executed.

[0007] The pivot also includes an F4 storage transport mode. When the pivot is in network working state and receives the F4_Enter command, it is activated and puts the pivot into an ultra-low power sleep state. The pivot remains in this state until it receives the F4_Exit command, after which it automatically restarts the pivot and executes the default mode.

[0008] A multi-mode intelligent management system for IoT Mesh network pivots, characterized in that it comprises: The gateway is used to send configuration commands and wake-up commands; The pivot point includes a processor, memory, and wireless communication module; The memory of the pivot point stores program instructions, which, when executed by the processor, are configured to implement a default mode based on an adaptive energy balance model and at least one of the self-navigation modes.

[0009] The configuration commands and wake-up commands sent by the gateway include one or more of the following: F7_SwitchOn and F7_T commands for pre-configuring the F7 reusable self-navigation mode, F7_WakeUp command for waking up the F7 reusable self-navigation mode pivot, F5_Enter and F5_T commands for activating the F5 non-reusable self-navigation mode, F5_Exit command for waking up the F5 non-reusable self-navigation mode pivot, F4_Enter command for activating the F4 storage and transport mode, and F4_Exit command for waking up the F4 storage and transport mode pivot.

[0010] By adopting this invention, the pivot can automatically switch between multiple modes according to preset strategies and commands, achieving an optimal balance between power consumption and data acquisition. Through the self-navigation mode, it ensures that critical data is not lost during network interruptions or periods without network coverage, and is completely stored and uploaded after the network is restored. Furthermore, the two different self-navigation modes achieve different effects. The F7 reusable self-navigation mode provides a "safety net" for unexpected gateway failures, ensuring the long-term stable operation of the system. The F5 non-reusable self-navigation mode makes it possible to conduct periodic data collection in areas where fixed gateways cannot be installed, creating a new deployment paradigm for "mobile data collection". Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the default outbound network strategy mode and self-navigation mode of the present invention in Embodiment 1. Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the F7 reusable self-navigation mode workflow of the present invention, as shown in Embodiment 2. Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the F5 non-reusable self-navigation mode workflow of the present invention, as shown in Embodiment 3. Figure 4This is a flowchart of the F4 storage and transportation mode of the present invention, as shown in Example 4. Detailed Implementation

[0012] A multi-mode intelligent management method for IoT Mesh network pivots, wherein the pivot has multiple working modes: default mode, F7 reusable self-navigation mode, F5 non-reusable self-navigation mode, and F4 storage and transportation mode; and can autonomously switch between multiple working modes according to network status and preset commands. The corresponding system includes a gateway (for sending configuration commands and wake-up commands) and a pivot (containing a processor, memory, and wireless communication module); wherein, the pivot's memory stores program instructions, which, when executed by the processor, are configured to implement a default mode based on an adaptive energy balance model and at least one of the aforementioned self-navigation modes; the configuration commands and wake-up commands sent by the gateway include one or more of the following: F7_SwitchOn and F7_T commands for pre-configuring the F7 reusable self-navigation mode, F7_WakeUp command for waking up the pivot in the F7 reusable self-navigation mode, F5_Enter and F5_T commands for activating the F5 non-reusable self-navigation mode, F5_Exit command for waking up the pivot in the F5 non-reusable self-navigation mode, F4_Enter command for activating the F4 storage and transportation mode, and F4_Exit command for waking up the pivot in the F4 storage and transportation mode.

[0013] Example 1 Default Mode: This strategy represents the basic behavioral logic for all nodes when no special modes (F5 / F7) are configured. Its theoretical basis is the Adaptive Energy Balance Model (AEBM), which achieves an optimal balance between power consumption and data acquisition after unexpected network disconnection. The specific implementation process is as follows; please refer to [the relevant documentation / reference]. Figure 1 : Step 1, Start-up (Powering on the artificial pivot): The pivot is powered on for the first time, and the system is initialized.

[0014] Step 2, Initial Network Joining Phase: The pivot immediately attempts to search for and join the Mesh network. This process lasts for 1 hour, which is a full-range search for 1 hour. If the network connection is successfully established within one hour, proceed to step 4; If the network is not connected after one hour, proceed directly to step 3 (23-hour sleep stage).

[0015] Step 3, 23-Hour Sleep Phase (Ultra-Low Power Cycle): Pivot enters a 23-hour ultra-low power sleep cycle. It features a loop mechanism: after the 23-hour sleep period, Pivot automatically restarts (system initialization), clears all temporary data stored during the 12-hour phase, and re-executes the initial network access search in Step 2. If this 1-hour search fails again, Pivot re-enters the 23-hour sleep phase in Step 3. Thus, the "1-hour full-range search," "23-hour sleep," and "automatic restart" constitute a loop, which repeats continuously until Pivot successfully connects to the network.

[0016] Step 4, Working on the network: The pivot successfully connects to the Mesh network, samples data at a preset sampling period T (e.g., 5 minutes), and sends it to the gateway in real time.

[0017] Step 5, Offline Detection and Triggering: If a node operating on the network repeatedly fails to communicate with the gateway, it is determined to be in an "offline" state and the default mode recovery process is immediately initiated. The specific process is as follows: ① 12-hour search sampling phase (continuous search and data preservation): Behavior: During this phase, the pivot maintains a high activity frequency, continuously performing network searches for a total duration of 12 hours. Simultaneously, the pivot continues to sample data at periods T and temporarily stores the data in local memory.

[0018] Exit condition: If the network is successfully connected within 12 hours, the pivot will first upload all the historical data stored locally for these 12 hours to the gateway, and then return to step 4 to restore the normal network working status.

[0019] ② 1-hour full-range search phase (high-intensity full-range search): Trigger: If the network is not connected by the end of the 12-hour search and sampling phase, this phase will be entered automatically.

[0020] Action: The pivot will conduct a 1-hour, more intensive, full-range network search. During this time, sampling and local data storage will cease to concentrate resources on the network search.

[0021] Exit condition: If you successfully join the network within this 1 hour, Pivot will upload the data stored in the previous 12-hour phase and then resume normal operation.

[0022] ③ Sleep stage: Trigger: If the network is not connected after the 1-hour full-range search phase ends, this phase will begin.

[0023] Behavior: The pivot enters a 23-hour ultra-low-power sleep cycle.

[0024] ④ Circulation mechanism: After a 23-hour sleep period, the system will automatically restart (initialize). This restart will clear all temporary data stored locally during the previous 12-hour search and sampling phase. A full-range network search will then be performed again for one hour (i.e., a "1-hour full-range search").

[0025] If the search within one hour is successful and the network is successfully established, the pivot will return to its online working status.

[0026] If the search fails again within one hour, the pivot will enter the next "23-hour sleep" cycle.

[0027] Thus, a complete cycle is formed by "1 hour of full-range search", "23 hours of sleep", and "automatic restart". This process will continue until the pivot successfully joins the network.

[0028] Example 2 F7 reusable self-navigation mode: The theoretical basis is the Dynamic Mode Switching Threshold (DMST) and the Cyclic Overwrite Storage Strategy (COSS). The specific implementation is as follows, please refer to [the relevant documentation]. Figure 2 : Step 1, Start-up (Powering on the artificial pivot): The pivot is powered on for the first time, and the system is initialized.

[0029] Step 2, Initial Network Access and Pre-configuration: The pivot attempts to search for and join the Mesh network. After successful network access, the gateway can issue the F7_SwitchOn command and sampling interval F7_T (e.g., 30 minutes) to it; the pivot stores this configuration, and the F7 enable flag is set. After this, the pivot is in the "on-network working" state.

[0030] Step 3, Network Disconnection and Default Policy Execution: After the pivot disconnects from the network (the detection logic is the same as step 5 in Example 1), the default mode in Example 1 is executed completely, that is, it goes through "12 hours of search sampling" and "1 hour of full-range search" in sequence. After the above 1-hour enhanced search phase ends, it is determined whether the following conditions are met simultaneously: it has not yet joined the network and the F7 enable flag is ON; If both conditions are met, then the dynamic mode switching threshold T_search > T_th is met, and the pivot point automatically switches to step 4. If the conditions are not met, the system will cycle through "1-hour full-range search", "23-hour sleep" and "automatic restart" in the default mode.

[0031] Step 4, F7 Mode Operation: In F7 mode, the pivot samplees data periodically at F7_T and uses a circular overwrite storage strategy (COSS) to store data locally (overwriting the oldest data when the storage is full). The pivot listens to the wireless channel to determine if it receives an F7_WakeUp command from the gateway; if not, it continues in F7 mode; if it does receive one, it proceeds to Step 5.

[0032] Step 5: Automatically restart the pivot point, initiate a 1-hour full-range search, and after joining the network, automatically upload the two parts of data it stores: 1) Data stored during the search sampling phase 12 hours after disconnection; 2) All data stored during F7 mode.

[0033] Step 6, Mode Reuse: After the upload is complete, the F7 mode remains active (the enable flag is still ON). This mode can be reused unless it is turned off by the F7_SwitchOff command.

[0034] Example 3 The F5 non-reusable self-navigation mode is suitable for scenarios without a fixed gateway and requiring periodic inspection and data collection. Its behavior is directly driven by a multi-mode state machine model (MMSM). The specific implementation process is as follows, please refer to [the relevant documentation]. Figure 3 : Step 1, Start-up (Powering on the artificial pivot): The pivot is powered on for the first time, and the system is initialized.

[0035] Step 2, Initial Network Joining: The pivot attempts to search for and join the Mesh network. After successfully joining the network, it is in the "working on the network" state.

[0036] Step 3, Command Reception Judgment: During network operation, determine whether the F5_Enter command and the specified sampling interval F5_T (e.g., 4 hours) from the gateway are received; if not received, maintain the "network operation" state; if received, proceed to Step 4.

[0037] Step 4, Immediate Activation and Deactivation: In the next work cycle, the pivot will immediately and actively exit (disappear) from the current Mesh network, proceeding to Step 5.

[0038] Step 5, F5 mode operation: The pivot independently samples at a period of F5_T and stores the data in a storage area dedicated to F5 mode; the pivot listens to the wireless channel during operation to determine whether it receives the F5_Exit command from the gateway; if it does not receive it, it continues to operate in F5 mode; if it receives it, it proceeds to step 6.

[0039] Step 6, Network Connection and Data Upload: Pivot attempts to connect to the network. If connection is successful, all data stored in F5 mode will be automatically uploaded. If connection fails, the default recovery process will begin with the "1-hour full-range search" in default mode. During this process, if an automatic restart occurs, only temporary data generated during the "12-hour search sampling" in default mode will be cleared, while the data stored in F5 mode will be fully preserved. If network connection is successfully established during this recovery process, Pivot will upload the preserved F5 mode data.

[0040] Step 7, Mode End: After the data upload is complete, this F5 task cycle ends, and the F5 mode automatically expires. The node returns to the normal "Online Working" status. To use it again, the F5_Enter command must be reissued.

[0041] Example 4 F4 storage and transportation mode: used for power management during long-term warehousing or physical transportation, it is a typical application of the E_sleep dominant state in the Adaptive Energy Balance Model (AEBM). The specific implementation process is as follows, please refer to... Figure 4 : Step 1, Start-up (Powering on the artificial pivot): The pivot is powered on for the first time, and the system is initialized.

[0042] Step 2, Initial Network Joining: The pivot attempts to search for and join the Mesh network. After successfully joining the network, it is in the "working on the network" state.

[0043] Step 3, Command Reception Judgment: During the network operation, determine whether an F4_Enter command has been received from the gateway; if not received, continue in the "Network Operation" state; if received, proceed to Step 4.

[0044] Step 4: Enter deep sleep mode: After the fulcrum confirms the command, immediately shut down the sensor and most of the circuitry, and enter the ultra-low power F4 sleep mode.

[0045] Step 5, Sleep Maintenance and Monitoring: The pivot maintains this sleep state and periodically wakes up to monitor the wireless channel with a very short time window; it determines whether the F4_Exit command from the gateway is captured within the monitoring window; if not received, it continues the F4 sleep state; if received, it proceeds to Step 6. Step 6, System Wake-up and Network Attempt: Pivot fully boots up the system and begins attempting to search for and join a Mesh network (i.e., performing a search process similar to the "Initial Network Attempt" in Example 1). After successful network access, F4 mode ends, and Pivot returns to the "Online Working" state.

[0046] The models mentioned above are as follows.

[0047] 1. Adaptive Energy Balance Model (AEBM): The total energy consumption E_total(S) of the pivot in state S is defined as: E_total(S) = E_comm(S) + E_sense(S) + E_sleep(S), where E_comm is the communication energy consumption, E_sense is the sampling energy consumption, and E_sleep is the sleep energy consumption.

[0048] The objective of this invention is to minimize E_total while satisfying the data integrity constraint D_min.

[0049] M_0, M_7, M_5, and M_4 correspond to the default, F7, F5, and F4 modes, respectively, and D(S) is the amount of data available in this mode.

[0050] 2. Dynamic Mode Switching Threshold (DMST): The activation condition for F7 mode can be formalized as: Enter F7 ⇋ T_search>T_th and C_F7=ON, where T_search is the cumulative search time, T_th=13 hours (12+1), and C_F7 is the pre-configured flag for F7.

[0051] 3. Circular Overwrite Strategy (COSS): In F7 / F5 mode, local storage uses a circular queue mechanism. Assuming a storage capacity of N_max entries and a current number of entries of N, when new data arrives: If N = N_max, overwrite the oldest entry; otherwise, append to the existing entry.

[0052] This strategy ensures long-term data preservation within limited storage space.

[0053] 4. Multi-Mode State Machine (MMSM): Pivot behavior can be modeled as a state machine, where the transition of state S_next is driven by the current state S_current, the network state N_state∈{ON, OFF}, and the command input C_md. S_next=f(S_current, N_state, C_md) where f is a deterministic transfer function defined by this invention, which ensures the predictability and controllability of the pivot behavior.

[0054] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following significant advantages: 1. Intelligence and Adaptability: The pivot is no longer in a single "online" or "offline" state, but can automatically switch between multiple refined modes according to preset strategies and commands, achieving the optimal balance between power consumption and data acquisition.

[0055] 2. High data integrity: Through F7 and F5 modes, it ensures that critical data will not be lost during network outages or periods without network coverage, and will be stored completely and uploaded after the network is restored.

[0056] 3. Extremely flexible deployment: The F5 mode makes it possible to conduct regular data collection in areas where fixed gateways cannot be installed, creating a new deployment paradigm for "mobile data collection".

[0057] 4. Convenient management: The F4 mode allows for wireless "on / off" operations on a large number of pivots without physical contact, greatly facilitating warehousing, logistics, deployment, and maintenance.

[0058] 5. Strong system robustness: F7 mode provides a "safety net" for unexpected gateway failures, ensuring long-term stable operation of the system.

[0059] 6. Outstanding theoretical innovation: The proposed Adaptive Energy Balance Model (AEBM), Dynamic Mode Switching Threshold (DMST), and Multi-Mode State Machine Model (MMSM) provide a systematic theoretical framework for IoT node management, enhancing the originality and technical depth of this invention.

Claims

1. A multi-mode intelligent management method for IoT Mesh network pivots, characterized in that, The pivot supports at least the following working modes: default mode and self-navigation mode; the pivot can switch autonomously between the above working modes according to the network status and preset commands; when the manual pivot is powered on or the pivot changes from the on-network working state to the offline state, the default mode is executed, which includes a 12-hour search sampling stage, a 1-hour full-range search stage, and a 23-hour sleep stage. When the manual pivot is powered on, it first enters a 1-hour full-range search phase, where it performs a full-range network search. If it fails to connect to the network after 1 hour, it enters a 23-hour sleep phase. After the 23-hour sleep phase, the pivot automatically restarts, clears all historical data, and re-enters the 1-hour full-range search phase. This cycle of 1-hour full-range search, 23-hour sleep, and automatic restart continues until the pivot successfully connects to the network. If it successfully connects to the network within 1 hour, the pivot enters the online working state. If the pivot in the online working state goes offline, it enters a 12-hour search and sampling phase, where it performs network searches, data sampling, and local storage. If it successfully connects to the network within 12 hours, it returns to the online working state. If it fails to connect to the network after 12 hours, it re-enters the 1-hour full-range search phase. When the pivot meets the dynamic mode switching threshold condition, the self-navigation mode is activated; during the offline period, the pivot performs data acquisition and local storage at a preset sampling interval; the self-navigation mode includes F7 reusable self-navigation mode and F5 non-reusable self-navigation mode. The activation conditions for the F7 reusable self-navigation mode are as follows: after the pivot has been pre-configured with the F7_SwitchOn and F7_T commands, and after the 12-hour search sampling phase and the 1-hour full-range search phase of the default mode have been fully executed, the cumulative search time exceeds the dynamic mode switching threshold; after the F7 reusable self-navigation mode is activated, the pivot samples and stores data in F7_T cycles, and uses a cyclic overwrite storage strategy to manage local data until the pivot is automatically restarted after receiving the F7_WakeUp command, and the default mode is executed, and the stored data is retained; If the network is restored, the stored default mode phase data and F7 reusable self-navigation mode phase data will be uploaded; otherwise, it will return to F7 reusable self-navigation mode. The F5 non-reusable self-navigation mode is activated immediately upon receiving the F5_Enter command while the pivot is in a network-connected state. After activation, the pivot disconnects from the Mesh network, samples at F5_T intervals, and stores the data in a dedicated independent storage area for F5 mode, marking it independently. Upon receiving the F5_Exit command, the pivot automatically restarts, executes the default mode, and clears the non-F5 mode stored data. If the pivot returns to a network-connected state, it will upload all data stored during the F5 non-reusable self-navigation mode phase, and the F5 non-reusable self-navigation mode will automatically expire after this data upload is completed; otherwise, the default mode will continue to be executed.

2. The multi-mode intelligent management method for IoT Mesh network pivots according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pivot also includes an F4 storage transport mode. When the pivot is in network working state and receives the F4_Enter command, it is activated and puts the pivot into an ultra-low power sleep state. The pivot remains in this state until it receives the F4_Exit command, after which it automatically restarts the pivot and executes the default mode.

3. A multi-mode intelligent management system for IoT Mesh network pivots, used to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, It includes: The gateway is used to send configuration commands and wake-up commands; The pivot point includes a processor, memory, and wireless communication module; The memory of the pivot point stores program instructions, which, when executed by the processor, are configured to implement a default mode based on an adaptive energy balance model and at least one of the self-navigation modes.

4. The multi-mode intelligent management system for IoT Mesh network pivots according to claim 3, characterized in that, The configuration commands and wake-up commands sent by the gateway include one or more of the following: F7_SwitchOn and F7_T commands for pre-configuring the F7 reusable self-navigation mode, F7_WakeUp command for waking up the F7 reusable self-navigation mode pivot, F5_Enter and F5_T commands for activating the F5 non-reusable self-navigation mode, F5_Exit command for waking up the F5 non-reusable self-navigation mode pivot, F4_Enter command for activating the F4 storage and transport mode, and F4_Exit command for waking up the F4 storage and transport mode pivot.

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