Wireless Sensor Network Intrusion Detection Using EMF Disturbance Analysis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing area intrusion detection systems based on wireless sensor networks face challenges due to high energy consumption and cost, making them unsuitable for applications requiring low cost, extended sensing range, and power autonomy, as they demand complex and costly processing units to optimize energy efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing a network of nodes configured to generate and analyze changes in electromagnetic fields (EMF) by calculating differences in received signal strength and link quality values, allowing for object detection and tracking without the need for additional external sensors or costly infrastructure, using low-cost commercial off-the-shelf transceivers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If reliable accurate sensors with low sensitivity to environmental changes are used, then detection reliability is improved, but cost and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes wireless communication transceivers perform dual functions: their primary function for data transmission and an additional function for intrusion detection by analyzing EMF disturbances. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensors, reducing both cost and power consumption while maintaining detection reliability through multi-functional use of existing components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the electromagnetic field disturbances naturally caused by intruders moving through the area to detect intrusions. The transceivers monitor changes in their own operating environment (EMF variations) caused by intruders, eliminating the need for external active sensing mechanisms and reducing overall system power requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Length of stationary object

If the range of sensors is increased from a few feet to ten feet or greater, then sensing range is improved, but cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing rangeVSAvoidsensor complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional radio signal strength-based detection to electromagnetic field disturbance analysis, adding a new dimension of detection capability. By monitoring EMF variations caused by intruders rather than relying solely on signal attenuation, the system achieves extended effective range without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic field disturbance analysis as an intermediary mechanism between the transceiver and the intrusion detection function. Instead of directly measuring intruder presence or signal attenuation, the system detects EMF disturbances caused by intruders, providing a more sensitive and range-extending detection method without requiring complex specialized sensors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If more complex software algorithms are developed to maximize autonomy, then energy efficiency is improved, but processing unit demand and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing unit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by implementing simplified detection logic that monitors only key EMF disturbance parameters rather than performing comprehensive environmental analysis. This approach achieves sufficient energy efficiency for autonomous operation while avoiding the need for complex processing units, balancing autonomy requirements with cost constraints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach reduces energy consumption and costs by eliminating the need for external sensors and infrastructure, enabling effective intrusion detection and tracking with increased sensing range, while maintaining system reliability and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

each of the nodes being configured to generate an electromagnetic field (EMF) in the area and determining changes in the EMF between two nodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field disturbance: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8836344B2Intrusion detection and tracking system
Publication Date: 2014.09.16 RAYTHEON CO
  • US8836344B2 patent drawing
  • US8836344B2 patent drawing
  • US8836344B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In one aspect, a method to detect an object in an area includes forming a wireless network among a plurality of nodes, each of the nodes being configured to generate an electromagnetic field (EMF) in the area and determining changes in the EMF between two nodes based on: a first difference in received signal strength values between a previously determined received signal strength value and a currently determined received signal strength value, a second difference in received signal strength values between the currently determined received signal strength value and an average received signal strength value and a third difference in link quality values between a previously determined link quality value and a currently determined link quality value. The method further comprises detecting the object based on the changes in the EMF.