Central Sensor Evaluation for Low-Complexity Sensor Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor network systems require powerful processing units in each sensor device, which can be inefficient and limit the scalability and complexity of data evaluation algorithms.
Innovation Solution
A sensor network system with a central evaluation unit that processes measurement data from multiple sensor devices, distributing complex evaluation algorithms across these devices using partial calculation instructions, eliminating the need for powerful processing units in each device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each sensor device has a powerful processing unit to determine individual output data locally, then the data evaluation capability is improved, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data evaluation function into two segments: simple local processing in each sensor device (determining measurement data from measurement signals) and complex central evaluation in a base station (determining individual output data from measurement data of multiple sensors). This segmentation allows each sensor device to have a simple processing unit while the system achieves sophisticated data evaluation capabilities through the base station's central evaluation algorithm.
2Adaptability or versatility
If each sensor device has a powerful processing unit to determine individual output data locally, then the data evaluation capability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the computational workload by placing only essential local processing (measurement signal to measurement data conversion) in each sensor device, while relocating the computationally intensive central evaluation algorithm to the base station. This significantly reduces the energy consumption of individual sensor devices while maintaining sophisticated data evaluation capabilities at the system level.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
A sensor network system (10) having a multiplicity of sensor devices (12_1–12_5) that each comprise: - an acquisition unit (16, 18) for acquiring a physical quantity and for providing a corresponding measurement signal, - a computing unit (20) for processing the measurement signal and for providing measured data (M_1-M_5) based on the measurement signal, and - a data interface (22) from which output data (A_1–A_5) are able to be read out, is known. In order to create an efficient sensor network system (10), according to the invention, a central evaluation unit (24) is present and is configured: - based on the measured data (M_1–M_5) from at least two of the sensor devices (12), to determine individual output data (A_1–A_5) for the at least two sensor devices (12_1–12_5) by way of a central evaluation algorithm, and - to provide the determined output data (A_1–A_5) to the respective sensor device (12_1–12_5).