Probe Configuration via Bounding Box Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In measurement systems with thousands of probes, distributing configuration information is burdensome due to high network bandwidth and probe resource requirements, and frequent queries to a configuration server increase communication demands.
Innovation Solution
Probes select their configuration based on relevant conditions such as time and location, interacting with a central processor and other probes to manage their configuration, reducing the need for full data communication by using opportunistic metadata transfer and bounding boxes to determine when to refresh configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If configuration information is distributed to all probes, then probes can operate independently, but network bandwidth and probe resources are burdened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the configuration space into local regions using bounding boxes, where each probe receives configuration data only for its specific location and time period. This allows probes to operate independently with localized configuration data rather than receiving all configuration information, reducing the quantity of configuration data while maintaining probe autonomy.
2Loss of information
If all configuration data is communicated to every probe, then probes have complete configuration information, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration data by dividing the configuration space into multiple bounding boxes based on location and time. Each probe receives only the configuration data relevant to its specific bounding box, ensuring configuration completeness for its operational context while minimizing network bandwidth consumption by eliminating redundant data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by transmitting only the necessary portion of configuration data to each probe rather than all configuration data. Each probe receives configuration information sufficient for its current bounding box, which may change over time, thereby maintaining configuration completeness while reducing overall network bandwidth usage.
3Measurement precision
If probes frequently query the configuration server, then configuration accuracy is maintained, but communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing probes with configuration data in advance for future bounding boxes before they are needed. Probes receive configuration information for their current and potentially future bounding boxes, allowing them to operate with accurate configuration data without needing to frequently query the server, thus maintaining configuration accuracy while improving communication efficiency.
4Loss of energy
If configuration data is compressed, then transmission efficiency improves, but probe resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses partial action by transmitting configuration data with a granularity level optimized for the specific probe and its bounding box. Rather than always using highly compressed formats that require more processing, the system transmits configuration data at an appropriate level of detail that balances transmission efficiency with probe processing capabilities, avoiding unnecessary compression overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
Probe configuration is achieved in a measurement system in which probes are given possible configuration data depending upon conditions in an area relevant to the area of the probe. The possible probe configurations include global boundaries, such as time, and each probe then, based upon the possible configurations, selects a configuration. In one embodiment, the probe may interact with a central processor to further define the probe configuration. In one embodiment, probes may communicate with other probes, both to help define their operating environment and to optionally provide configuration data to another probe.