Wireless Sensor Network Configuration Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for configuring deposited wireless sensor networks (RCSDs) lack tools to determine the optimal number and placement of nodes to achieve performance criteria in specific operational contexts, such as camp/zone surveillance, and fail to provide results specific to a given deployment, leading to suboptimal detection performance and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method that defines performance criteria with threshold values and optimizes node placement and configuration through an iterative process, incrementing or decrementing nodes to meet performance criteria, using analytical modeling and optimization techniques to determine the minimum number of nodes required for each zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of sensor nodes is increased to improve detection performance, then the probability of miss-detection decreases, but the energy consumption and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of node activation from continuous to periodic/duty-cycled operation. Nodes alternate between active and sleep states, with activation probability adjusted based on detection needs. This parameter change maintains detection performance while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation of all nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic node activation where nodes transition between active and sleep states based on operational requirements. The system dynamically adjusts which nodes are active at any given time, allowing the network to maintain detection capability while minimizing energy consumption through adaptive node scheduling.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If sensor nodes are deployed sparsely to reduce cost and energy consumption, then the system lifetime increases, but the detection coverage and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-organization where sensor nodes autonomously determine their roles (active or sleep) based on local conditions and network requirements. Nodes self-adjust their activation patterns without centralized control, enabling sparse deployments to achieve optimal detection coverage while extending system lifetime through autonomous resource management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the deployment density parameter and compensates through duty-cycle adjustment. Instead of requiring high node density for adequate coverage, the system uses periodic activation of sparse nodes with adjusted probability parameters, achieving both extended lifetime and sufficient detection coverage.
3Speed
If nodes are activated frequently to reduce alert transmission delay, then the response time improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic activation of sensor nodes and communication interfaces instead of continuous operation. Nodes wake up at scheduled intervals to perform sensing and potential alert transmission, then return to sleep mode. This periodic action reduces energy consumption while maintaining acceptable alert transmission delays through optimized duty cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts activation frequency based on operational context. When threats are detected or suspicion is high, nodes activate more frequently to reduce alert delay. During normal conditions, activation frequency decreases to conserve energy, creating a dynamic balance between response time and energy consumption.
4Reliability
If continuous monitoring is implemented to improve detection probability, then the vigilance level increases, but the battery power depletes faster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces continuous monitoring with periodic sampling at optimized intervals. Sensors activate periodically to collect data, then enter low-power sleep mode. The periodic interval is calculated to maintain adequate vigilance for detecting target phenomena while extending battery lifespan by minimizing active monitoring time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the monitoring parameter from continuous to periodic with adjustable duty cycle. By optimizing the duty cycle parameter, the system achieves the necessary vigilance level for reliable detection while significantly extending battery operational life compared to continuous monitoring approaches.
Data Source
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AI summary
The process for configuring a network of deployed wireless sensors includes the following steps: 1 Define (step 12) performance criteria constituting constraints (CPC), with associated threshold values (CPC*), and at least one performance criterion to be optimized (CPO), for at least one zone (Zi) to be equipped with nodes, each performance criterion being defined by a model 2 Define (step 10) for the zone(s) (Zi) a. Characteristics (d) of the zone b.3. Allocate (step 10) to the area or each area (Zi) to be equipped, a number of nodes. 4. Apply (step 22) an optimization process per zone on the area or each area (Zi). 5. Increase (16) the number of nodes or modify (14) the performance criteria (CPC* and CPO) defined in the area or each area where the performance criteria are not met and reproduce in these areas the optimization process per zone with the new number of nodes or the new performance criteria (CPC* and CPO). 6. Apply the determined configuration to each node in the area or each area.