Locating Device for Wireless Node Position Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Incorrect placement of nodes in a network topology can lead to inadequate data distribution and collection, resulting in areas not receiving or receiving degraded wireless signals, and failure to collect data or images, due to human error during installation.

Innovation Solution

A system and method using a locating device to determine the position of nodes in relation to a defined layout, comparing the actual position to the intended position, and providing recommendations for correction, utilizing data such as time of flight, signal strength, and directional signal data to ensure accurate placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If nodes are installed manually according to a designed network topology, then the network can be deployed, but human error can cause incorrect placement of nodes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork deployment speedVSAvoidnode placement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a locating device to detect the actual positions of nodes and provides feedback by comparing them with the defined layout, generating indications of mismatches to guide corrections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection and physical measurement with an automated locating device that uses electromagnetic signals (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID) to detect node positions automatically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If incorrect placement of nodes occurs, then installation is faster, but data distribution and collection are affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoiddata distribution reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs position verification after installation to detect placement errors before the network goes into full operation, allowing for corrective action before reliability issues manifest

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The locating device provides feedback on node positions and the system generates indications when positions do not match the defined layout, enabling correction of placement errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If manual installation is used, then device complexity is low, but measurement precision of node positions is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation system complexityVSAvoidnode position measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a locating device as an intermediary that uses electromagnetic fields (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID signals) to measure node positions indirectly, achieving high precision without complex mechanical measurement systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual measurement tools with electronic locating devices that use radio frequency signals to determine node positions automatically with high precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Ensures that nodes are installed correctly according to the designed network topology, enhancing data distribution and collection efficiency by accurately determining and correcting node positions, thereby improving network performance.

Implementation Method 1

receiving data from a node in a node array with a locating device, determining a position of the locating device, determining a position of the node in relation to the locating device based on the data received from the node and the position of the locating device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

utilizing data such as time of flight, signal strength, and directional signal data to ensure accurate placement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal strength:

Implementation Method 3

utilizing data such as time of flight, signal strength, and directional signal data to ensure accurate placement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDirectional signal data:

Data Source

PatentUS9030963B2Analyzing a network topology

Publication Date: 2015.05.12 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

Systems, methods, and devices for analyzing a network topology are described herein. For example, one or more embodiments include receiving data from a node in a node array with a locating device, determining a position of the locating device, determining a position of the node in relation to the locating device based on the data received from the node and the position of the locating device, comparing the position of the node to a defined layout of the node array, and determining whether the position of the node matches a defined position in the defined layout of the node array.