Sensor Localization via Lateral Inhibition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor networks with random or ad hoc sensor placement face challenges in determining sensor positions and achieving optimal spatial resolution due to limitations in power consumption, resource constraints, and interference issues with existing localization techniques.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing lateral inhibition, where devices adjust communication signal strengths based on received signals and sensor measurements to determine relative and absolute positions, enhancing spatial resolution through dynamic signal adjustment and supervised learning techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If acoustic and radio signals are used to determine sensor positions, then localization capability is improved, but power consumption and system cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor position determinationVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex acoustic and radio signal-based localization systems with a simpler optical communication system. Sensors communicate their positions through light signals, eliminating the need for expensive and power-intensive acoustic transmitters and radio frequency equipment while achieving accurate localization through optical signal strength measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs inexpensive optical components such as LEDs and photodetectors instead of costly acoustic and radio frequency hardware. These simple optical elements can be easily integrated into each sensor node, providing localization capability without the high power consumption and expense of traditional acoustic/radio systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Measurement precision

If acoustic and radio signals are used to determine sensor positions, then localization capability is improved, but system cost increases due to expensive transmitters and receivers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor position determinationVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex acoustic and radio signal-based localization systems with a simpler optical communication system. Sensors communicate their positions through light signals, eliminating the need for expensive acoustic transmitters and radio frequency equipment while achieving accurate localization through optical signal strength measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If random sensor placement is allowed, then system adaptability is improved, but spatial resolution of measurements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor placement flexibilityVSAvoidspatial resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously measure the strengths of optical signals from neighboring sensors and adjust their own signal transmission strengths accordingly. This feedback loop enables randomly placed sensors to dynamically optimize their effective spacing and coverage, maintaining high spatial resolution despite the lack of predetermined positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of signal transmission strengths based on real-time measurements of neighboring sensor positions and signal intensities. This dynamic behavior allows the sensor network to adapt its effective spatial configuration continuously, ensuring optimal spatial resolution regardless of the random initial placement of sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If signal strength variations are used for localization, then localization capability is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to noise, interference, and multi-path effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor position determinationVSAvoidnoise and interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces radio frequency signal-based localization with optical signal-based localization. Optical signals are less susceptible to electromagnetic interference and multi-path effects that plague radio systems. The use of light instead of radio waves fundamentally reduces the harmful noise and interference factors while maintaining localization accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS7783457B2Sensor localization using lateral inhibition

Publication Date: 2010.08.24 ORACLE AMERICAN INC

AI summary

A system including multiple devices that each have a sensor and are each configured to communicate with other devices. The system further includes a controller configured to provide command information that specifies a mode of operation of the devices. In a first mode of operation, the devices transmit communication signals and a given device modifies a strength of its communication signal from an initial strength to a final strength based on communication signals it receives from one or more other devices. And in a second mode of operation, the devices transmit communication signals and the given device dynamically adjusts a strength of its communication signal based communication signals it receives from one or more other devices and on measurements performed by the sensor in the given device.