Camera-Based Mesh Network for Industrial Sensor Reconnection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IoT sensor networks in industrial settings face challenges with network downtime, high hardware and networking overhead, and reduced reliability due to frequent disconnections and reconnections, especially in large spaces where sensors move in and out of communication range, leading to increased processing demands on hubs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a camera-based mesh network where cameras with BLE capabilities communicate directly with sensors and each other, forming a mesh network to facilitate direct internet connections, sensor data transmission, and automatic reconnection, while performing object and facial recognition to validate and locate sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hub-based network architecture is used to connect IoT sensors, then centralized control and data collection are achieved, but network downtime and reconnection overhead increase when sensors move in and out of communication range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized hub-based network into a distributed mesh network where each camera node independently manages its own connections. Instead of all sensors relying on a single hub, the network is divided into multiple interconnected camera nodes that can each serve as potential connection points, eliminating the single point of failure and reducing reconnection time when nodes move.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the network topology parameter from star topology (hub-based) to mesh topology (camera-to-camera). This fundamental parameter change in network architecture allows for dynamic routing and multiple path options, improving reliability and reducing reconnection overhead when individual connections are lost.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are deployed to cover large spaces, then monitoring coverage is improved, but hardware requirements and networking overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes cameras multi-functional by combining surveillance capabilities with network infrastructure functions. Each camera serves dual purposes: monitoring the environment and simultaneously acting as a network node for sensor communication. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated network infrastructure, reducing hardware requirements and simplifying deployment in large spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh network implements self-service through automatic node discovery and dynamic routing. When new cameras are deployed, they automatically discover existing nodes and integrate into the network without manual configuration. The system self-organizes the network topology and routing paths, significantly reducing networking overhead and deployment complexity.
3Ease of operation
If battery-powered sensors with low power wireless communication are used, then portability is improved, but communication range and data transmission reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces camera nodes as intermediaries between battery-powered sensors and the network. Sensors use low-power Bluetooth to communicate with nearby cameras, which then relay data through the mesh network. This intermediary approach allows sensors to maintain portability with battery power while achieving reliable communication through the camera-based infrastructure with higher power capabilities.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A sensor monitoring system includes a plurality of image capture devices. Each image capture device includes one or more sensors to detect image data representing an environment about the image capture device, communications circuitry to receive sensor data from a sensor device and remote sensor data including at least one of a second image of the sensor or second position data regarding the sensor device, and processing circuitry to validate the sensor device based on the sensor data, determine first position data regarding the sensor device based on at least one of the first network connection or the remote sensor data, determine that the sensor device is in an image capture range based on the first position data, retrieve one or more images of the sensor device, and generate an alert based on the first position data.