Low-Power Redundant Transmission Network
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mesh networks require all nodes to be configured for both transmission and reception, leading to high power consumption, especially in large networks, making them inefficient for data transmission in challenging environments.
Innovation Solution
A low-powered redundant transmission network system that designates devices as transmitters, repeaters, or receivers, using time-based and transmission path diversity to efficiently transmit data without the need for all devices to actively receive and transmit, thereby reducing power usage and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all nodes are configured for both transmission and reception in a mesh network, then data transmission reliability is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mesh network nodes into three distinct functional groups: transmitter nodes (send only), receiver nodes (receive only), and repeater nodes (receive and retransmit). This segmentation allows each node to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining transmission reliability through the coordinated work of specialized nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different operational characteristics to different parts of the network. Transmitter nodes operate with high power for sending data, receiver nodes operate in low-power listening mode, and repeater nodes activate only when needed to forward data. This localized optimization reduces total network power consumption while preserving reliability.
2Reliability
If all nodes constantly listen for data transmissions, then data reception reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having receiver nodes listen for transmissions only at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. Transmitter nodes send data at specific intervals, and receiver nodes wake up periodically to check for new transmissions. This periodic operation maintains data reception reliability while dramatically reducing power consumption compared to constant listening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action through repeater nodes that maintain data flow in the network. When transmitters send data periodically and receivers listen periodically, repeaters continuously monitor and forward data when needed, ensuring uninterrupted data transmission while allowing individual nodes to enter low-power states between their active periods.
3Reliability
If the number of nodes in the network increases, then network coverage and redundancy are improved, but total power demand increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the growing network into specialized node types, allowing the network to scale while managing power consumption. As more nodes are added to increase coverage and redundancy, each node is assigned a specific role (transmitter, receiver, or repeater) that optimizes its power usage, preventing linear increases in total power demand despite network expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing nodes that can potentially perform multiple functions but are optimized for one primary function. Nodes are built with capabilities to transmit, receive, and repeat data, but each node is configured to excel at its designated role, allowing the network to scale with diverse node types while maintaining efficient power consumption across the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for using a communication protocol over a low-powered transmission network. The communication system and protocol enables low-powered transmission devices to efficiently and reliably transmit data in challenging environments. The communication system and protocol can reduce power consumption by designating devices as either transmitter devices, repeater devices, and receiving devices, such that not all devices in the network need to be configured to transmit and receive data. Because the communication protocol does not require that all devices need to both transmit and receive data, there is a significant power usage savings relative to traditional mesh networks. Additionally, the present invention implements a combination of time-based diversity and transmission path diversity to more reliably communicate data. Devices in the system can change the manner in which they operate based on the sensor measurements, allowing the devices to intelligently respond to different conditions.