Aggregator-Node Predictive Correction for Sensor Data Reliability

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless sensor networks face reliability issues due to transient errors caused by noise, channel interference, and node failures, which existing methods address with high overhead in energy and design costs, particularly in heavily constrained sensor nodes.

Innovation Solution

The method predicts and corrects transient errors by leveraging inherent redundancy in sensor data using a predictive model developed at an aggregator node, allowing for run-time correction without additional design or operational overhead on sensor nodes, utilizing the aggregator node's greater resources for error protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If redundant hardware or extra data transmission is used to correct errors, then data reliability is improved, but energy consumption and design cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by collecting historical sensor data and computing predictive models in advance at the aggregator node. These models predict expected sensor values before actual readings are received, enabling proactive error detection and correction without requiring additional energy-intensive redundant transmissions from constrained sensor nodes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The aggregator node serves as an intermediary between sensor nodes and the final data consumer. It performs error correction by comparing received sensor data against predictive models, thereby shielding constrained sensor nodes from the need to implement expensive error correction mechanisms while still achieving reliable data collection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If redundant hardware or extra data transmission is used to correct errors, then data reliability is improved, but design and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata reliabilityVSAvoiddesign cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by collecting historical sensor data and computing predictive models in advance at the aggregator node. These models predict expected sensor values before actual readings are received, enabling proactive error detection and correction without requiring additional energy-intensive redundant transmissions from constrained sensor nodes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The aggregator node serves as an intermediary between sensor nodes and the final data consumer. It performs error correction by comparing received sensor data against predictive models, thereby shielding constrained sensor nodes from the need to implement expensive error correction mechanisms while still achieving reliable data collection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If aggressive design technologies like DSM and UDSM are used to reduce node cost, then manufacturing cost decreases, but nodes become more susceptible to transient errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenode manufacturing costVSAvoidnode reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the harm of using aggressive DSM/UDSM technologies (increased susceptibility to transient errors) into a benefit by implementing a predictive error correction system. The aggregator node uses historical data to build models that predict sensor readings, and when transient errors occur due to aggressive node design, the system detects and corrects these errors by comparing against predictions, thereby maintaining reliability while allowing cost-effective node design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS7793188B2Apparatus and method for improving reliability of collected sensor data over a network

Publication Date: 2010.09.07 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

AI summary

Apparatus and method suitable for improving reliability of collected sensor data over a network. One or more transient errors are predicted and corrected using correlation of collected data. For example, sensor data can be collected from one or more sensor nodes in a network. A device other than a sensor node can use the data to develop a predictive model based upon inherent redundancy in the sensor data, and correct one or more later-received values deemed unreliable.