Networked Controller Using Pointing Vectors for Wireless Node Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently controlling and identifying wireless networked nodes in complex environments due to difficulties in determining the correct device to communicate with, lack of naming conventions, and limitations of infrared transmission.
Innovation Solution
A networked controlling device determines its position and orientation using motion sensing and triangulation/trilateration techniques, transmitting a wireless control message with pointing vector data to identify and control target nodes based on their position relative to the controlling device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional device pairing and addressing methods are used to control wireless networked nodes, then device identification can be achieved, but network traffic increases, storage requirements increase, and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the traditional pairing and addressing information from the control process. Instead of using device names, addresses, or pairing data, the system uses only pointing vector data (directional information) to identify and control the target device. This extraction eliminates the need for storing and transmitting lengthy device identification data, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable device identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by having the controlling device determine its own position and orientation relative to networked nodes, rather than having nodes identify themselves. The controlling device calculates pointing vectors based on its motion sensing data and transmits only this compact directional information, reversing the conventional identification paradigm and achieving energy efficiency.
2Reliability
If device names and addresses are used for identification, then devices can be distinguished, but network traffic and data transmission requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential directional information (pointing vector) needed for device identification, removing all unnecessary device names, addresses, and pairing data from the network communication. This extraction reduces network traffic to the minimum required for accurate device identification and control.
3Ease of operation
If infrared transmission is used for control, then remote control is achieved, but line-of-sight requirements and environmental limitations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical/mechanical infrared transmission system with a wireless electronic communication system based on pointing vectors. This substitution eliminates the line-of-sight requirement and environmental sensitivity of infrared, allowing control through walls, furniture, and in various lighting conditions while maintaining ease of remote operation.
4Measurement precision
If detailed device addressing is implemented, then precise device control is achieved, but storage requirements and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the critical directional components (pointing vector) needed for precise device control, removing all redundant addressing and identification data from storage and processing. This extraction maintains precise device control while minimizing storage and computational requirements.
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
This approach reduces network traffic, storage requirements, and power consumption while simplifying control and status operations in large networks by eliminating the need for device pairing and addressing, enhancing communication speed and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the motion sensing device comprises an inertial measurement unit
Implementation Method 2
the position is determined by a trilateration process based on a distance of the networked controlling device from a plurality of the one or more wireless networked nodes
Implementation Method 3
the position is determined by a triangulation process
Implementation Method 4
the trilateration process comprises an ultra-wideband (UWB) trilateration process
Data Source
AI summary
An example networked controlling device, a wearable electronic device, and a computer-implemented method for using a networked controlling device to transmit a wireless control message to a target wireless networked node are provided. An example networked controlling device includes one or more processors configured to determine a position and an orientation of the networked controlling device relative to one or more wireless networked nodes in communication with a wireless network. The networked controlling device further configured to determine a pointing vector of the networked controlling device based at least in part on the position and the orientation; and transmit, on the wireless network, a wireless control message comprising pointing vector data representing the pointing vector, wherein the wireless control message is accepted by at least one wireless networked node of the one or more wireless networked nodes based at least in part on the pointing vector data.