Autonomous Sensor Mesh Network State Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current information handling systems face challenges in efficiently managing and processing data from autonomous sensors in diverse environments, particularly in terms of communication reliability and resource optimization within complex networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a mesh network of autonomous sensors that operate in different states (dormant, discovery, active, and nomadic) to adapt communication and data transmission based on environmental changes and network conditions, utilizing various networking protocols like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and ZigBee, and integrating with a gateway for remote management and data aggregation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If autonomous sensors operate continuously in active state to ensure reliable data transmission, then data transmission reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by defining distinct operational states (dormant, discovery, active, nomadic) that sensors cycle through. Sensors transition between low-power dormant states and active communication states based on network conditions and data transmission requirements, rather than remaining continuously active. This periodic state transition maintains reliability during active periods while significantly reducing average energy consumption during dormant periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling sensors to dynamically adjust their operational state based on real-time network conditions, discovered nodes, and communication requirements. The sensor states are not fixed but adapt according to the mesh network environment, allowing optimal balance between reliability and energy efficiency in changing conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If sensors transition through multiple operational states to save energy, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor operational lifecycle into distinct, manageable states: dormant (lowest power), discovery (listening for beacons), active (full communication), and nomadic (transition state). This segmentation simplifies state management by breaking down complex continuous operation into discrete, well-defined phases with specific transition criteria, making the complexity more manageable through structured state machine design.
3Reliability
If mesh network protocols like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and ZigBee are used for fault-tolerant communication, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the mesh network to support multiple communication protocols (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee) within a unified framework. The system can select appropriate protocols based on availability, reliability requirements, and energy constraints, allowing a single sensor network to leverage the strengths of different protocols without requiring separate specialized systems for each protocol type.
Data Source
AI summary
A autonomous sensor includes a sensor configured to measure one or more events, a network interface, and a processor. The autonomous sensor is configured to communicate with a plurality of other autonomous sensors using the network interface. The processor is configured to detect, while in a discovery state, if an event has occurred and enter an active state if the event occurred, when an event has occurred, enter an active state, transmit event data to a parent while in the active state, detect the presence of a neighboring sensor; and when the neighboring sensor is detected, while in a nomadic state, monitor the activity of the neighboring sensor.