Wireless Sensor Data Retrieval via Antenna Array Multipath Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless sensor networks face challenges in energy efficiency, latency, and cost due to the need for in-network processing and the inclusion of GPS receivers for location tracking, which increases energy consumption and costs.
Innovation Solution
A data retrieval system using a data retrieval device with an antenna array that transmits wideband signals to sensor nodes, leveraging multipath responses for efficient data collection with limited computational requirements at the sensor nodes, and employing interference suppression techniques for improved signal resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If in-network processing is used for data collection from sensor nodes, then data can be processed and routed through the network, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external data collection device as an intermediary that performs all computational processing outside the sensor network. This mediator receives raw sensor data directly from nodes and handles all data processing, routing, and analysis functions externally, eliminating the need for energy-consuming in-network processing while maintaining full data collection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the computational processing function from the sensor nodes themselves and relocates it to an external data collection device. By taking out the processing capability from the constrained sensor nodes and placing it in an external device with sufficient computational resources, the system eliminates energy consumption for processing at the nodes while preserving complete data analysis capability.
2Measurement precision
If GPS receivers are included at each sensor node for location tracking, then absolute location can be determined, but cost and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the external data collection device perform multiple functions: it collects sensor data, determines node locations through signal processing, tracks node movements, and processes all information centrally. By consolidating these functions in a single external device rather than distributing them across individual nodes, the system achieves precise location tracking without requiring complex or expensive components at each sensor node.
Solution Approach 2:
The external data collection device serves as an intermediary that performs location determination through signal processing of transmissions from sensor nodes. Instead of each node independently determining its location using GPS, the mediator analyzes the signals to extract location and movement information, achieving the same functional outcome with simpler node hardware.
3Ease of operation
If multiple hops are used to route data from remote sensor nodes, then data can reach the destination, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional routing approach by having all sensor nodes transmit data directly to a central external data collection device in parallel, rather than routing data through multiple intermediate nodes. This direct transmission model eliminates multi-hop delays while maintaining complete data collection capability, as each node communicates independently with the central receiver.
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
The system achieves reduced latency, improved energy efficiency, and lower costs by enabling rapid and effective data retrieval from multiple sensor nodes with reduced computational needs and without the need for GPS receivers at each node.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of sensor nodes act as active scatterers producing a multipath response to the wideband signal transmitted from the data retrieval device
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of sensor nodes act as active scatterers producing a multipath response to the wideband signal transmitted from the data retrieval device
Implementation Method 3
The multipath signals received at the data retrieval device include the sensed data transmitted from the plurality of sensor nodes. The multipath signals may be resolved spatially in angle and/or in range and based on Doppler frequency, if the sensor nodes and/or the data retrieval device are moving.
Data Source
AI summary
A system supporting data retrieval from a plurality of wireless sensor nodes is defined. The system includes the plurality of wireless sensor nodes and a data retrieval device. The plurality of wireless sensor nodes include a transceiver receiving a first signal and transmitting a second signal. The second signal includes a sensed datum or an encoded statistic based on the sensed datum identified at the plurality of wireless sensor nodes. The data retrieval device includes a plurality of antennas transmitting the first signal toward the plurality of wireless sensor nodes and receiving the second signal from the plurality of wireless sensor nodes, and a processor coupled to receive the received second signal from the plurality of antennas, the processor defining a virtual receive signal from the received second signal for the plurality of antennas and processing the defined virtual receive signal to determine the identified sensed datum.