Intermittently Powered Mesh Node Configuration via Wake-Up Beam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication networks face limitations in building automation due to structural barriers and noise interference, and wired networks are costly and inflexible.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for configuring a constant powered mesh network node to control an intermittently powered node, allowing the intermittently powered node to request configuration information upon powering up, and using a wake-up destination to manage communication in a wireless mesh network, which can include battery-powered nodes and various energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wireless communication networks are used for building automation, then installation flexibility and cost are improved, but reliability and signal quality deteriorate due to structural barriers and noise interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic routing where mesh network nodes continuously adapt their communication paths based on real-time signal quality and network conditions. This allows the system to dynamically switch between wireless and wired connections, or select alternative wireless paths, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving wireless installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes communication parameters such as transmission power, modulation scheme, and frequency based on detected interference levels and signal quality. This allows the network to maintain reliable communication despite structural barriers and noise by adapting parameters in response to environmental conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If battery-powered nodes are used in mesh network, then energy consumption is reduced, but communication continuity and configuration reliability worsen due to periodic power down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration where wake-up destination information and routing data are pre-configured in battery-powered nodes during installation or during periods when the node is powered. This preliminary setup ensures that when the node wakes up, it can immediately communicate reliably without requiring complex real-time configuration exchanges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses constant-powered mesh nodes as intermediaries that maintain network configuration information and can assist battery-powered nodes with configuration updates. The constant-powered nodes act as mediators that store and forward configuration data, ensuring reliable configuration delivery even when battery-powered nodes are intermittently powered.
3Use of energy by moving object
If intermittently powered nodes request configuration information upon power up, then energy management is improved, but network wake-up destination tracking and routing complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a copying mechanism where wake-up destination information and routing tables are replicated across multiple constant-powered nodes in the network. When a battery-powered node wakes up, it can request configuration from any nearby constant-powered node, reducing the need for complex centralized tracking and simplifying routing management.
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for configuring a constant powered mesh network node to control a configuration of an intermittently powered mesh network node, where the intermittently powered mesh network node may include a repeater node that periodically powers down for a time period to conserve energy. The embodiments include transmitting a message beam to the repeater node, where a duration of the message beam length may exceed the time period that the repeater node is powered down, and where the message beam may contain a preamble with data that may indicate that the repeater node is to remain powered up in order to receive a message, and may cause the intermittently powered mesh network node to request configuration information relating to a network topology from the constant powered mesh network node when the intermittently powered mesh network node powers up.