Mesh Network Protocol for Narrow-Band Wireless Sensor Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing narrow-band wireless sensor networks lack efficient meshing capabilities and require complex setup processes, limiting their coverage and customization options, especially in scenarios where direct wireless coverage by base stations is impractical.
Innovation Solution
A network protocol that enables simple radio devices to form mesh-tree structures through a central provisioning server, allowing for self-managed link formation and timing synchronization, enabling remote configuration and data transmission without the need for extensive field setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If mesh functionality is added to extend coverage beyond base station range, then network coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into hierarchical levels (base stations, mesh nodes, end devices) with clearly defined roles. Each node type has simplified functionality appropriate to its level, avoiding the need for every device to implement full mesh capabilities while still achieving network-wide coverage extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a provisioning server as an intermediary that automates the complex tasks of mesh network configuration, node discovery, and topology management. This centralizes the complexity in a dedicated system rather than distributing it across all network devices.
2Ease of manufacture
If pre-installation staging or field configuration is required for mesh networks, then network setup is possible, but installation time and technical expertise requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action through automated network discovery and configuration processes that occur during initial node deployment. The provisioning server pre-establishes communication parameters and automatically configures nodes as they join the network, eliminating the need for manual pre-installation staging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service through automated node self-configuration and self-registration with the provisioning server. Nodes automatically discover their roles, establish connections, and integrate into the mesh topology without requiring field technicians to perform manual configuration tasks.
3Use of energy by moving object
If simple radio devices are used for sensor networks, then device cost and power consumption are reduced, but meshing capability and coverage extension are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple simple radio devices into a collaborative mesh network where nodes combine their individual coverage areas to achieve extended network coverage. Each low-power device contributes its local coverage zone, and the collective network coverage is the union of all individual zones, achieving area extension without increasing individual device power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A narrow-band wireless data network includes a central provisioning server that is configured for providing command and control data to the network, to retain the mesh-tree structure of the network, and to manage and retain all sensor data and new connection requests. A gateway device is connected to the central provisioning server for communicating with the network through a first and a second radio receiver/transmitter that is configured to send and receive data on at least one frequency channel. Multiple device nodes that control and communicate with associated sensor devices for collecting sensor data. The device nodes interpret and execute commands transmitted from the gateway device or other device nodes on the network addressed to individual device nodes. The commands are executed with no acknowledgment.