I/O Driven Node Commissioning in Sleeping Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing and adding new nodes to a mesh network with sleeping nodes is challenging due to their extended periods of inactivity, making it difficult to perform node operations and maintenance, especially when the sleep timing is unknown or synchronized across the network.
Innovation Solution
Actuating a neighboring node to wake up during its coordinated sleep period, allowing the new node to exchange data and join the network, using methods such as toggling an I/O or interrupt line to awaken the node, enabling synchronization and configuration without requiring the entire network to remain awake or deplete battery power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If mesh network nodes sleep for extended periods to conserve power, then energy consumption is reduced, but node commissioning and network management become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A commissioning mode is activated before the sleeping node enters sleep mode, allowing the node to be commissioned during its awake period. This preliminary action enables network parameters and configuration to be prepared in advance, so that when the node wakes up, it can automatically join the network without requiring manual intervention during sleep periods.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate commissioning device or interface is introduced as an intermediary between the user and the sleeping node. This intermediary can store commissioning information and transmit it to the node when the node is awake, eliminating the need for direct user-node interaction during sleep periods and simplifying the commissioning process.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If all nodes sleep synchronously to maximize power savings, then battery life is extended, but network operations and new node integration become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
Network operations such as commissioning new nodes are performed during the awake period before nodes enter synchronized sleep mode. This preliminary action ensures that all necessary network configurations and registrations are completed in advance, allowing nodes to remain in low-power sleep mode while maintaining full network functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The network maintains continuous operational capability by ensuring that at least some nodes remain awake or can be quickly awakened for commissioning operations. This allows network management functions to be performed continuously without interruption, even though most nodes are sleeping, thereby maintaining productivity while maximizing power savings.
3Use of energy by moving object
If nodes wake up at unknown times to conserve power, then energy is saved, but timing coordination for network operations becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Commissioning operations are initiated during the node's awake period with a known and predictable timing window. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare and execute commissioning tasks before the node enters sleep mode, eliminating the need for complex wake-up timing coordination and simplifying the overall system design.
Data Source
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AI summary
A set sleep period is coordinated among a plurality of mesh network nodes to conserve power. A neighbor wireless mesh network node in proximity to a second node to be added to the mesh network is actuated, causing the neighbor wireless mesh network to be woke from a sleep state. The second node is added to the wireless mesh network by exchanging data with the neighbor wireless mesh network node to join the network.