Programmable Tape Node Roles in Hierarchical Dual-Range Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing logistics systems face challenges in efficiently integrating wireless communication and sensing components into adhesive tapes for seamless deployment in various logistics applications, requiring additional materials and labor, and lacking continuous monitoring capabilities across heterogeneous environments.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, multi-function adhesive tape platform integrating wireless communication and sensing components within a flexible adhesive structure, allowing for unobtrusive deployment and enabling persistent connections and hierarchical network formation among tape nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless communication and sensing components are integrated into adhesive tapes, then continuous monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the monitoring function into distributed tape nodes, each with simplified components, rather than a single complex centralized system. Each tape node handles local sensing and communication, reducing individual device complexity while enabling continuous monitoring across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive tape integrates multiple functions (sensing, wireless communication, power management, and adhesive bonding) into a single multi-functional component. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate devices for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wireless communication interfaces with different ranges are used, then network adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication interface is segmented into different types (first type with shorter range, second type with longer range) that can be selectively deployed on different tape nodes. This allows the system to adapt to various network topologies and coverage requirements without requiring every node to support all communication modes.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than equipping all tape nodes with all communication interfaces, the system uses partial action by providing different interface types to different nodes based on their functional requirements. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining network adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hierarchical network structure is implemented, then system scalability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into hierarchical levels with master tape nodes managing subordinate nodes. This segmentation enables scalable system architecture where new nodes can be added at appropriate levels without requiring changes to the entire network structure, reducing the complexity burden on individual devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Master tape nodes act as intermediaries between individual sensor nodes and the central system. This intermediary layer simplifies device complexity by handling routing, data aggregation, and coordination functions, allowing simpler slave nodes to focus only on local sensing and communication.
4Use of energy by moving object
If one-time wake circuit creates persistent connection, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wake circuit is designed to automatically establish power connection upon first activation event, performing the connection setup action in advance before any data transmission occurs. This preliminary action ensures immediate availability of power for communication while maintaining energy efficiency by keeping the circuit dormant until needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The wake circuit autonomously detects activation events and establishes power connections without external intervention. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex external control mechanisms while ensuring reliable power delivery, thereby improving energy efficiency without significantly increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure features a method of creating a communications network. In this method, a first tape node includes a first type of wireless communication interface and a second type of wireless communication interface having a longer range than the first type of wireless communication interface. A second tape node includes the first type of wireless communication interface that is operable to communicate with the first tape node over a wireless communication connection established between the first type of wireless communication interfaces of the first and second tape nodes. Over a wireless communication connection, the first tape node sends programmatic code executable by the first tape node to function as a master tape node with respect to the second tape node.