Dynamic Buffer Management in Sensor Networks for Power Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor networks face challenges in efficiently managing power usage and data transfer rates while maintaining high data speed and security, particularly in wearable bioengineering applications where data from human bodies is collected.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a sensor network system with a root node and link nodes that utilize both synchronous and asynchronous links for dynamic power management, where the root node can adjust the size of data buffers maintained by the link nodes to optimize power usage and data transfer rates, using wired connections to enhance security and reduce detectability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If data transfer rate is increased to maintain high data speed, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer rateVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the data buffer size at link nodes based on real-time network conditions and data collection needs. When data collection intensity is high, buffer size is increased to allow larger batch transfers, reducing the frequency of transmissions and overall power consumption while maintaining high data throughput when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The root node and link nodes modify operational parameters (buffer size, transfer timing) in response to changing conditions. The buffer size parameter is specifically adjusted to optimize the trade-off between transfer frequency and power consumption, allowing the system to adapt to varying data collection requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If data buffer size is increased to reduce data transfer rate and conserve power, then power consumption is reduced, but data transfer speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddata transfer rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous data transmission, the system uses periodic batch transfers where data accumulates in buffers during low-power intervals and is transmitted in periodic bursts. This approach reduces the average power consumption by keeping sensors and communication interfaces in low-power states longer, while still achieving high overall data transfer rates through optimized burst transmissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If wired connections are used to enhance security and reduce detectability, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidconnection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines multiple communication functions (data transmission, power management, synchronization) into a single wired connection infrastructure. This integration reduces the number of separate components and connections needed, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the security benefits of wired connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10440450B2System and methods for dynamic power usage and data transfer rate management in a sensor network

Publication Date: 2019.10.08 MASSACHUSETTS INST OF TECH

AI summary

Described are systems, methods, and computer readable medium for dynamic power usage and data transfer rate management in a sensor network including synchronous and asynchronous links. Exemplary embodiments provide a lightweight communication protocol enabling dynamic management of data buffer size in a sensor network and corresponding control of power usage and data transfer rates in the sensor network.