Sensor device and secured wireless communication protocol for air quality sensor devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy building management systems are inadequate in managing high-volume data, lack modern connectivity, and fail to integrate modern sensing and data collection capabilities, leading to inefficiencies in energy and air quality management, particularly in larger buildings.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with a radio circuit for secure wireless communication using an air-quality communication protocol, equipped with air-quality detectors, processing circuitry, and memory, which facilitates efficient data collection and encryption, enabling secure and power-efficient communication with a control device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If legacy building management systems are used for data collection, then basic environmental control is achieved, but high-volume data processing capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cloud-based data processing servers as intermediaries between sensor devices and building management systems. These cloud servers handle high-volume data aggregation, storage, and analysis, enabling legacy systems to process large datasets without requiring local hardware upgrades. The cloud infrastructure acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between existing legacy systems and modern high-volume data processing requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If legacy building management systems are used, then existing infrastructure is maintained, but modern connectivity features and cloud processing integration are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the building management system into distinct modular components: legacy on-premise systems, cloud-based data processing services, and wireless sensor networks. Each segment operates independently with standardized communication interfaces, allowing modern connectivity features to be added without disrupting existing legacy infrastructure. This segmentation enables gradual integration of cloud processing and wireless communication capabilities while maintaining compatibility with older systems.
3Measurement precision
If manual calibration of sensor devices is performed, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but time and effort requirements are prohibitively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-calibration functionality where sensor devices automatically adjust their measurements using reference data from other sensors and environmental models. The system performs autonomous cross-calibration by comparing readings from multiple sensor types and applying correction algorithms, eliminating the need for manual calibration interventions. This self-service approach maintains measurement precision while reducing calibration time and effort requirements.
4Loss of information
If sensor devices operate continuously to collect air quality data, then data availability is maximized, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling with adaptive intervals where sensor devices collect air quality data at variable time intervals based on environmental conditions and priority levels. During stable conditions, sampling frequency is reduced to conserve battery power, while during detected anomalies or high-priority periods, sampling intensity increases automatically. This periodic action with dynamic adjustment maintains adequate data availability while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for secured and power-efficient communication between a sensor device and a control device operable in an air-quality system. The method includes receiving, during a first time period, a wake-up signal, wherein the wake-up signal includes at least a packet number; sending, during a second time period, an acknowledgment (ACK) signal, wherein an ACK signal is sent in reference to a synchronized time slot and a packet number; sending, during a third time period, at least sensor reading data of at least one air quality detector, wherein the sensor reading data is encrypted using at least an encryption key; receiving, during a fourth time period, a sleep signal; and entering into a sleep mode upon receipt of the sleep signal.