Intelligent Sensor Network with Dynamic Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor networks are often static and lack robustness and adaptability, leading to inoperability when central data routing points or sensors fail, which can have disastrous consequences in military and other applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for deploying a multi-sensor network with dynamically reconfigurable routing, where sensors are positioned relative to each other in multiple dimensions, using an algorithm to determine efficient data routing paths that minimize orthogonal shifts and maximize 'straight line' transmissions, and can adapt to sensor unavailability by rerouting data around failed nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a static sensor network with fixed central data routing is used, then the network structure is simple and easy to implement, but the network becomes inoperable when the centralized data routing point or sensors along the path fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static sensor network into a dynamic one where sensors can change their operational states and routing paths adapt in real-time. Each sensor can become active or inactive based on operational needs, and data routing dynamically adjusts when sensors fail, preventing network inoperability while maintaining manageable complexity through automated adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the centralized routing structure into distributed sensor nodes that can independently function. By segmenting the network into autonomous sensor units with local decision-making capabilities, the system eliminates the single point of failure inherent in centralized routing while keeping individual sensor components simple and manageable.
2Reliability
If a centralized data routing system is used, then the routing control is simple and centralized, but the failure of any sensor along the path may isolate individual sensors and render the network inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor the operational status of neighboring sensors and automatically adjust routing paths based on this information. When a sensor fails, the system receives feedback about the failure and dynamically reroutes data through alternative paths, maintaining transmission continuity without requiring complex manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor network performs self-routing and self-healing without external intervention. When sensors fail, the remaining sensors automatically detect the failure and reconfigure data paths among themselves, enabling the network to maintain operability and transmission continuity through autonomous adaptation rather than requiring complex centralized control adjustments.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple sensors are deployed over an arbitrary area or volume, then the coverage and monitoring capability are improved, but the network becomes more complex and harder to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each sensor node universal and multi-functional, capable of performing sensing, data processing, routing, and relay functions. This universality allows sensors to be deployed flexibly over arbitrary areas and volumes without requiring different specialized components, simplifying network management despite the large scale and arbitrary geometry of the deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method, system, and program product for the deployment and use of an intelligent sensor network. More particularly, the method, system, and program product of the present invention enable the deployment and use of fused sensors in an arbitrary area or volume. In a first aspect, the invention provides a method for employing a multi-sensor network, the method comprising the steps of employing a first sensor, employing a plurality of additional sensors, a position of each additional sensor within the network being relative in at least two dimensions to only one of the first sensor and an adjacent sensor nearer the first sensor, and employing a routing algorithm for determining a routing path for data in the network.