IoT Sensor Messaging Using Precomputed Events and Counter States
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) end nodes require complex configurations and processing capabilities to determine and transmit sensor event messages in real-time, which can lead to increased power consumption and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A reduced-complexity end node system that uses pre-computed sensor event messages and incremental counter states to transmit packets via a radio signal, eliminating the need for a CPU and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If real-time sensor event message determination and transmission is implemented in LPWAN end nodes, then data transmission capability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-computing sensor event messages and storing them in memory before deployment. The end node loads these pre-computed messages into a message buffer and uses a frame counter to select and transmit appropriate messages without performing real-time computation, thereby eliminating the need for complex CPU configurations while maintaining data transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating pre-computed copies of sensor event messages that are stored in memory. Instead of generating unique messages in real-time, the system uses incremental frame counter values to select from pre-computed message templates, significantly reducing processing complexity while preserving the essential data transmission function
2Measurement precision
If real-time sensor event message processing is implemented, then data accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the computationally intensive message generation function from the end node by pre-computing messages during a configuration phase. The runtime system only needs to perform simple frame counter incrementing and message selection from pre-computed templates, dramatically reducing power consumption while maintaining sensor event detection accuracy through the use of deterministic frame counter-based message selection
Solution Approach 2:
By performing message computation in advance during system configuration rather than in real-time operation, the patent eliminates continuous processing power requirements. The pre-computed messages are stored and simply retrieved using frame counter indices, ensuring measurement precision without the ongoing power consumption of real-time computation
3Adaptability or versatility
If CPU-based processing is used for sensor event messages, then message generation flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying to create pre-computed message templates that can be selectively applied based on frame counter values. This approach provides message generation flexibility through the variety of pre-computed templates while avoiding the complexity of CPU-based real-time processing, as the system simply selects from stored copies rather than generating messages dynamically
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring all message generation logic in advance during system setup. The pre-computed messages incorporate all necessary sensor event handling logic, and the runtime system only needs to select appropriate messages using frame counter indices, thereby achieving flexibility without requiring complex processing capabilities at deployment
Data Source
AI summary
A reduced-complexity Internet of Things sensor is disclosed. An example apparatus comprises memory storing one or more sensor event messages, a radio configured to determine a sensor event, a counter configured to output incremental counter states, and a control circuitry. The control circuitry may be in communication with the memory, the radio, and counter, and the sensor. The control circuitry may be configured to determine, based on the sensor event, a select sensor event message of the one or more sensor event messages. The control circuitry may be further configured to output, via the radio signal, a packet comprising the select event message and an indication of a counter state associated with the sensor event message.