Mobile Data Relay Network for Infrastructure-Free Worksites
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In large construction sites and mines lacking a fixed communication infrastructure, data generated by mobile and stationary machinery and equipment cannot be effectively distributed due to limited transmission ranges and mobility, leading to fragmented communication networks that hinder access to essential data.
Innovation Solution
A communication system comprising mobile and stationary communication modules, data acquisition units, and a data management station, utilizing the mobility of vehicles and personnel to indirectly distribute data through local storage and synchronization, enabling data exchange and central access without external infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobile communication modules are used without external communication infrastructure, then data exchange between mobile and stationary nodes is enabled, but the communication network fragments into unconnected partitions due to limited transmission and reception ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mobile nodes as intermediary elements that carry data between stationary communication modules. When stationary modules cannot directly communicate due to distance limitations, mobile nodes physically transport data packets between them, effectively mediating the communication and preventing network fragmentation while maintaining adaptability in infrastructure-less environments
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into stationary communication modules, mobile nodes, and data carriers. This segmentation allows each component to perform specialized functions: stationary modules provide fixed communication points, mobile nodes provide mobility and data transport, and data carriers enable information exchange. This modular segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing flexible reconfiguration to maintain connectivity
2Loss of information
If data is stored locally on mobile devices, then data availability is improved for offline access, but data synchronization and central access become difficult without external communication infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a copying mechanism where data is replicated across multiple mobile nodes and stationary communication modules. When a node stores data locally, it creates copies that can be exchanged with other nodes. This copying approach ensures data availability at multiple locations while simplifying synchronization, as nodes can exchange complete or partial data sets rather than maintaining complex incremental synchronization protocols
Solution Approach 2:
Mobile nodes autonomously manage their own data storage and exchange operations. Each node independently determines what data to store locally and when to exchange it with other nodes, without requiring centralized coordination. This self-service approach reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining both data availability and synchronization through decentralized autonomous behavior
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a communication system for workplaces, in particular large construction sites and mines, without a fixed communication infrastructure, comprising mobile communication modules assigned to each mobile device or mobile commercial vehicle, stationary communication modules assigned to each fixed location, at least one acquisition unit for acquiring a work parameter which is in signal connection with a stationary or mobile communication module, and a data management station with a stationary communication module which is in signal connection with a central data storage device and is configured to store data received from a mobile communication module in the central data storage device.The communication modules comprise a transmitter unit for wirelessly transmitting data, a receiver unit for wirelessly receiving data, and a local data storage unit. They are configured to indirectly exchange data between stationary communication modules with non-overlapping transmission and/or reception ranges via intermediate storage by moving mobile communication modules, and to compare and synchronize data stored on their own local data storage unit with received data. The invention further relates to a corresponding method and a computer program product.