Adaptive Network Module Deployment via Beacon Discovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of new interactive modules in adaptive wireless networks is hindered by the sleep mode of existing modules, which conserves power but causes delays due to intermittent operation and unreliable communication paths, leading to prolonged validation of suitable locations.
Innovation Solution
A new interactive module transmits a burst of beacon messages to discover neighboring modules, which respond based on reliability and signal strength indicators, allowing the new module to select the best communication path and indicate reliable connections using a LED indicator, thus facilitating faster deployment without relying on base station validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If new interactive modules are added to expand network coverage, then network coverage is improved, but deployment time increases due to sleep mode delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having existing modules store their identification and location information in memory before new modules arrive. When a new module activates, it can immediately query stored information without waiting for multi-hop communications, significantly reducing deployment validation time while enabling expanded network coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where existing modules cache their identification and location data locally. This intermediary storage allows new modules to quickly discover and validate communication paths without relying on slow multi-hop relay chains, thus accelerating deployment while expanding coverage
2Use of energy by moving object
If interactive modules operate in sleep mode to conserve power, then energy consumption is reduced, but communication reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Existing modules perform preliminary actions by pre-storing their identification and location information in memory during their wake periods. This allows them to immediately respond to beacon messages from new modules without needing to be in active communication mode, maintaining communication reliability while preserving energy through sleep mode operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing new modules to autonomously discover neighboring modules using stored information and independently establish communication paths. Existing modules in sleep mode still contribute to network functionality through their pre-stored data, maintaining system reliability without requiring continuous active participation
3Reliability
If multiple hops are used for message relay to reach base station, then communication redundancy is improved, but message transmission time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having existing modules pre-store their identification and location data. New modules use this stored information to immediately determine optimal single-hop communication paths to the base station, eliminating the time delay associated with multi-hop relay while maintaining communication redundancy through alternative path selection
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements skipping by allowing new modules to bypass the traditional multi-hop message relay process. Using pre-stored location information, new modules can directly establish communication paths to the base station in a single hop, rushing through the deployment validation process while the base station maintains redundancy awareness of multiple possible paths
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of modules interact to form an adaptive network in which each module transmits and receives data signals indicative of physical properties sensed at the modules. A new module is joined in the adaptive network in an expedient manner. The new module transmits a burst of beacon messages after the interactive module is activated to discover neighboring interactive modules deployed and operating in the adaptive network. The neighboring interactive module stays in a sleep-mode of low-power expenditure. The beacon messages persist for a first interval longer than a second interval during which the neighboring interactive modules remain in the sleep mode. After receiving the beacon messages, one or more neighboring interactive modules transmit response messages to the new interactive module. The new interactive module receives the response messages and selects a neighboring interactive module for communication based on the received response messages. The new module can also include an indicator for indicating discovery of a neighboring interactive module with which a reliable wireless link can be established.