Radio Node Configuration via Token and Digital Twin

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radio nodes in fixed networks face challenges with secure and coordinated configuration access, particularly when mobile data transmitting/receiving stations need to influence nodes, due to limited communication bandwidths and the risk of communication errors and data integrity loss from uncoordinated access.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a combination of radio node-specific tokens and digital twins allows for secure and synchronized access to radio nodes, enabling configuration through mobile data transmitting/receiving stations while preventing misconfigurations and data integrity issues by maintaining a synchronized digital twin of the node's configuration data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple access methods (fixed base station and mobile data transmitting/receiving station) are allowed for configuring radio nodes, then configuration flexibility and mobility are improved, but communication errors and data integrity loss increase due to uncoordinated access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration access flexibilityVSAvoiddata integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a base station as an intermediary coordination entity that manages access to radio nodes. The base station receives configuration requests from mobile data transmitting/receiving stations, coordinates the access timing with the radio node's wake-up schedule, and ensures synchronized configuration updates. This intermediary mechanism enables flexible mobile access while maintaining data integrity through centralized coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the radio node reports its current state and configuration to the base station, which then coordinates mobile access requests accordingly. The base station monitors configuration status and provides feedback to mobile stations about optimal access timing, ensuring that configuration operations occur during appropriate wake-up windows and preventing conflicting access attempts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If configuration access is restricted to fixed base stations only, then data integrity and coordination are maintained, but configuration flexibility and mobile access capability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration coordinationVSAvoidmobile configuration capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The base station serves as a mediating gateway that enables mobile access without compromising coordination. Mobile data transmitting/receiving stations communicate configuration requests through the base station, which then translates these into properly timed access operations during the radio node's wake-up periods. This allows mobile flexibility while maintaining the coordination benefits of fixed infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a temporal dimension to the access coordination by scheduling mobile access requests according to the radio node's wake-up cycle. Instead of restricting access spatially (fixed location only), the system allows mobile access from any location as long as it occurs at the appropriate time dimension (during wake-up windows), thus providing spatial freedom while maintaining temporal coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If communication bandwidth is increased to accommodate simultaneous access from multiple stations, then access flexibility is improved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous access capabilityVSAvoidbattery consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The radio node operates in periodic cycles, alternating between sleep mode and wake-up mode. Configuration access is scheduled to occur only during wake-up periods, allowing the node to remain in low-power sleep mode for the majority of the time. This periodic operation enables the node to handle configuration requests from multiple sources during active periods while minimizing energy consumption during inactive periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the radio node's operational state based on access requirements. The node transitions between sleep and wake states according to scheduled configuration windows, and the base station coordinates mobile access requests to align with these dynamic state changes. This dynamic operation allows flexible access capability when needed while conserving energy during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4383649A1Method for operating a radio node and radio node
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 DIEHL METERING SYSTEMS GMBH
  • EP4383649A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4383649A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4383649A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for operating a radio node (100), preferably a radio sensor node for recording consumption and/or a radio actuator node for performing work, in a fixed network (500) comprising a plurality of radio nodes (100), wherein a first, preferably bidirectional primary communication link (PKS1) is provided between a radio node (100) and a base station (200) of the fixed network (500), via which access, in particular configuration access, from or via the base station (200) to the radio node (100) is possible, wherein a second, preferably bidirectional, primary communication link (PKS2) is provided between the radio node (100) and a mobile data transmit/receive station (300), via which access, in particular configuration access, is possible.from the mobile data transmit/receive station (300) or via the mobile data transmit/receive station (300) to the radio nodes (100), wherein a head end (400) is provided in which the radio nodes (100) are managed, and wherein the head end (400) is able to communicate with the base station (200) of the fixed network (500) and/or with the mobile data transmit/receive station (300) via a tertiary communication link (TKS1, TKS2). To enable secure operation, the invention provides that access, in particular configuration access, from the mobile data transmitting/receiving station (300) or from the head end (400) to a radio node (100) of the majority of radio nodes (100) of the fixed network (500) is carried out by means of access data based on a combination of a token (101) and a digital twin (102) of the operating data of the respective radio node (100).