Battery-Powered Wireless Network Infrastructure Node for Underground Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless network technologies are inadequate for real-time tracking of mobile terminals in underground or confined environments due to high energy consumption, unreliable signal propagation, scarcity of power outlets, and the need for scalable mesh networks that can operate without central synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A battery-powered wireless network system with infrastructure nodes that alternate between deep sleep and active transmission/reception states to minimize energy consumption, using a proprietary protocol for efficient communication between nodes, and organizing nodes into a hierarchy to enhance detection of rapidly moving clusters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard wireless networking protocols (WLAN, WiMAX, Bluetooth) are used, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but energy consumption increases and scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic beacon transmission where infrastructure nodes wake up at scheduled intervals to transmit beacon messages containing synchronization information and channel characteristics. Mobile terminal nodes similarly operate in periodic cycles, listening for beacons and transmitting data only when scheduled. This periodic operation dramatically reduces energy consumption compared to continuous operation in standard protocols, while maintaining reliable network connectivity through structured periodic communication cycles.
2Stability of the object's composition
If centralized synchronization is implemented in mesh networks, then network coordination is improved, but energy consumption increases and real-time response is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds synchronization information and receiver powering-on schedules directly within the beacon messages transmitted by infrastructure nodes. Mobile terminal nodes extract this preliminary synchronization data from beacons and use it to autonomously schedule their own transmissions and receptions. This eliminates the need for continuous centralized coordination, as nodes have already been pre-synchronized through the beacon information, dramatically reducing energy consumption while maintaining stable network coordination.
3Speed
If infrastructure nodes remain continuously active to enable real-time communication, then communication responsiveness is improved, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power state transitions where infrastructure nodes alternate between deep sleep mode and active transmission/reception states based on scheduled time frames. Nodes wake up at predetermined intervals to transmit beacons and receive scheduled communications, then return to sleep mode. This dynamic operation allows nodes to be highly responsive during active periods while conserving battery life during sleep periods, achieving both real-time communication capability and extended battery operation.
4Use of energy by moving object
If power outlets are installed in underground environments to support wired networks, then power availability is improved, but installation complexity and operational practicality worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical wired network infrastructure with a wireless battery-powered mesh network. Instead of installing physical power outlets and wiring in underground environments, nodes communicate wirelessly using radio frequency. The infrastructure nodes are battery-powered and mobile, eliminating the need for any physical electrical infrastructure installation in the underground environment, thereby solving both power availability and installation complexity issues.
5Ease of operation
If RF signal propagation is used in confined underground environments, then wireless communication is enabled, but signal reliability deteriorates due to waveguide constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality optimization by having each infrastructure node transmit beacon messages containing specific channel characteristics relevant to its local environment. Mobile terminal nodes measure and report channel conditions locally, and the network adapts transmission parameters based on local channel quality rather than attempting uniform propagation across the entire underground environment. This localized adaptation improves signal reliability in confined spaces with waveguide constraints.
6Reliability
If wired LAN infrastructure is deployed in remote underground areas, then network reliability is improved, but operational practicality and maintenance capability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service capabilities where the wireless mesh network automatically routes messages between nodes without requiring manual configuration or intervention. The network autonomously adapts to node failures by dynamically rerouting communications through alternative paths. Mobile terminal nodes and infrastructure nodes self-organize into the network topology, eliminating the need for skilled labor to install, configure, or maintain the network in remote underground areas, thereby improving operational practicality while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method of reducing energy consumption of network infrastructure nodes in a wireless network, the method comprising: (a) turning a transmitter and a receiver of the network infrastructure node to a power-off state; b) powering-on the transmitter of the network infrastructure node for a limited transmission time frame; c) during the transmission time frame, transmitting a beacon message comprising an identifier of the network infrastructure node, channel characteristics of the network infrastructure node and a powering-on schedule of the receiver of the network infrastructure node, for allowing mobile terminal nodes in the network to communicate with the network infrastructure node, where the mobile terminal nodes are almost continuously in a power-on state; d) powering-on the receiver of the network infrastructure node during a limited reception time frame in accordance with the schedule, for enabling the receiver to receive messages transmitted by the mobile terminal nodes in the network if required; e) repeating steps a) to d) periodically. There is further provided a battery-powered network infrastructure node which reduces energy consumption. There is further provided a battery-powered wireless network with an energy management for network infrastructure node. There is further provided a method of increasing probability of detection of rapidly moving clusters of mobile terminal nodes in a wireless network.