Dual-Protocol Sensor Gateway With Batch Transmission Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gateways for sensor data forwarding face challenges in flexibility and economic efficiency due to high power consumption, requiring frequent battery changes or external power sources, and are limited by different communication protocols for receiving and sending data.
Innovation Solution
A gateway with a processor and two communication modules that temporarily store sensor data and switch between communication protocols to optimize energy usage, allowing for flexible operation using integrated energy storage and reducing the need for external power, while supporting various communication standards for efficient data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gateway is powered by a battery, then it can operate wirelessly with flexibility, but frequent battery replacement or recharging is required due to high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway employs periodic action by cyclically switching communication modules on and off. The first communication module receives sensor data periodically, stores it locally, and the second communication module transmits accumulated data periodically to the server. This periodic operation pattern significantly reduces average power consumption compared to continuous operation, enabling extended battery life and wireless flexibility.
2Speed
If the gateway continuously transmits sensor data, then real-time data forwarding is achieved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway implements preliminary action by accumulating sensor data in local memory before transmission. Instead of transmitting each sensor reading immediately, the gateway collects multiple data points and transmits them in batches. This preliminary data accumulation reduces the frequency of communication module activation, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining data availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action by transmitting accumulated sensor data at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. The second communication module is activated periodically to send batches of stored sensor data to the server, reducing power consumption compared to continuous real-time transmission while still providing timely data updates.
3Use of energy by moving object
If different communication protocols are used for receiving and sending data, then optimization for short-range and long-distance transmission is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway applies segmentation by dividing the communication function into two separate communication modules: a first communication module optimized for short-range wireless communication with sensors (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy or Zigbee), and a second communication module optimized for long-distance communication with the server (e.g., Wi-Fi or cellular). Each module is configured for its specific protocol, simplifying individual module design while achieving overall system optimization through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway implements multi-functionality by incorporating multiple communication modules that can operate with different protocols simultaneously. This universal capability allows the gateway to interface with various sensor types using different short-range protocols while maintaining a single long-distance communication interface for server connectivity, enhancing adaptability without requiring complex protocol translation.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the gateway temporarily stores sensor data, then transmission can be optimized for energy efficiency, but memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway applies partial action by storing only the necessary amount of sensor data in local memory until transmission conditions are favorable. Rather than buffering all possible data indefinitely, the system maintains a limited memory buffer that holds data temporarily for energy-efficient batch transmission, balancing memory usage with transmission optimization goals.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a gateway 405 for sensor data forwarding, comprising a first communication module 101 configured for receiving sensor data from at least one sensor data source, a processor 704 configured with the first communication module 101 for collecting and temporarily storing the sensor data, and for executing programs that represent a communication protocol, and a second communication module 104 connected to the processor 104 and configured for sending the collected and temporarily stored sensor data, wherein the processor 704 is configured to switch on the second communication module for sending the collected data and to switch it off after sending the collected data.