Sensor Network Handover Mechanism for Body Sensor Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current body sensor networks (BSNs) face inefficiencies in data collection due to the design of low-power devices, especially when they are mobile and need to forward data to a single device, leading to battery drain and limited flexibility in data collection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A handover mechanism is introduced that allows data collection control to be transferred from a portable, battery-powered device to a fixed, mains-powered device, with features like quality-based and priority-based signal handovers to ensure efficient data transfer and reduce battery usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a portable device continuously collects and forwards sensor data, then data collection functionality is maintained, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between portable and fixed devices based on operational conditions. The portable device can hand over data collection control to a fixed device when appropriate, and resume control when needed, making the system adaptable to different power and performance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
A handover control unit acts as an intermediary between the portable device and fixed device, managing the transfer of data collection control. This mediator coordinates the transition of responsibilities, ensuring continuous data collection while optimizing power consumption by selecting the appropriate device based on current conditions
2Use of energy by moving object
If a fixed device takes over data collection control, then battery usage of portable device is reduced, but system flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The handover mechanism is designed to be dynamic and reversible. The portable device can hand over control to a fixed device to save battery, but can also resume control when needed, maintaining system flexibility while optimizing power consumption based on real-time conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different data collection modes (portable-only, fixed-handover, portable-resume) based on battery status, signal quality, and operational requirements, allowing flexible adaptation to different scenarios
3Productivity
If handover is initiated based on signal quality threshold, then data collection efficiency improves, but handover complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handover control unit monitors signal quality parameters and automatically triggers handover when thresholds are exceeded. By changing the operational state based on measurable parameters like signal strength and data loss rates, the system improves efficiency while keeping the control logic relatively simple and rule-based
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and access devices for collecting data from sensors of a wireless sensor network include transmitting a broadcast signal by a master device which currently collects the data and detected by other access devices. Handover of data collection control from the current master access device to an alternate access device is initiated based on a result of the detection. A handover request signal is received at the master device and a handover reply is signaled to a source device of the handover request signal. The handover reply indicates the time at which data collection is handed over from the current master access device to the source device. Thereby, the master device can be changed in a flexible manner based on current environmental conditions.