Wireless Sensor Network Frame Structure for Low Latency and Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless sensor networks face challenges in achieving low power and low latency simultaneously due to issues with dedicated time slots for numerous sensor nodes, which lead to long wait times and collisions during random access.
Innovation Solution
A wireless sensor network architecture with a hub and sensor nodes featuring RF circuitry and processing units that adjust power modes and allocate different length time slots for various communications, using a pseudo random algorithm to minimize collisions and optimize energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each sensor node is provided with a dedicated time slot, then collisions are avoided, but the wait time for the next slot becomes too long
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple groups, with each group having its own dedicated time slot within a superframe structure. This allows sensor nodes to be divided into different groups (e.g., Group 0, Group 1) where each group transmits in alternating time slots, thereby reducing wait time while maintaining collision-free communication within each group.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a periodic superframe structure where time slots are allocated in a repeating pattern. Each sensor node group has periodic access to dedicated time slots within the superframe cycle, balancing the need for collision avoidance with reduced waiting periods through structured periodic transmission opportunities.
2Loss of time
If each sensor node is provided random access, then wait time is reduced, but collisions occur when numerous sensor nodes transmit at the same time
Solution Approach 1:
Sensor nodes are segmented into different groups that transmit in alternating time slots within the superframe structure. This segmentation prevents numerous nodes from transmitting simultaneously by organizing them into separate transmission groups, thereby reducing collisions while maintaining relatively short wait times through the periodic superframe cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic group formation and time slot allocation where sensor nodes can be assigned to different groups based on their transmission needs. The superframe structure allows dynamic adjustment of time slot assignments to optimize between wait time and collision avoidance based on network conditions.
3Loss of time
If sensor nodes remain in active power mode for frequent communications, then latency is reduced, but battery life is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a periodic superframe structure where sensor nodes alternate between active and sleep modes. During inactive periods, nodes sleep to conserve energy; during designated time slots within the superframe cycle, nodes wake up to transmit or receive data. This periodic activation pattern reduces overall power consumption while maintaining acceptable latency through structured wake-up schedules.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub performs preliminary actions by buffering and aggregating data for multiple sensor nodes before transmission. This allows sensor nodes to remain in low-power mode longer, as the hub prepares communications in advance and transmits multiple nodes' data in consolidated time slots, reducing the frequency with which individual nodes need to wake up.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing communications with an improved network frame structure within wireless sensor networks are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system includes a hub having one or more processing units and RF circuitry for transmitting and receiving communications in a wireless network architecture. The system also includes a plurality of sensor nodes each having a wireless device with a transmitter and a receiver to enable bi-directional communications with the hub in the wireless network architecture. The one or more processing units of the hub are configured to execute instructions to cause a change from a first power mode of a receiver of a sensor node to a second power mode upon transmitting notifications to the sensor node during a repeated hub broadcasting time slot.