Sensor Network Association via Physical Pattern Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor network systems face challenges in accurately associating sensors with their installation targets, especially when sensors are separated or attached to moving objects, due to reliance on multi-hop data transmission and estimation methods that are not precise.
Innovation Solution
A sensor network system that includes a server and sensing modules with a generating module capable of generating and detecting specific patterns, allowing for accurate association of sensors with their installation targets through physical quantity detection, reducing human error and simplifying configuration by integrating pattern detection into the sensor's operation modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If multi-hop data transmission is used to communicate sensor data, then data can be transmitted over long distances, but the sensor position can only be estimated approximately and cannot be accurately associated with the installation target
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the association process into two independent parts: (1) obtaining sensor identification information from the sensor itself, and (2) obtaining installation target information from the generation module. This segmentation allows each part to be obtained through different, more accurate methods rather than relying on the imprecise multi-hop transmission for both purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary that receives and associates sensor identification information with installation target information. This intermediary approach enables accurate association by centralizing the matching process and using dedicated communication channels rather than relying on multi-hop transmission for position determination.
2Ease of operation
If the antenna position is used to represent the sensor position, then communication is simplified, but the sensor position cannot be accurately determined when the antenna and sensor are separated
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts sensor identification information directly from the sensor itself, separating it from the antenna position data. This extraction allows the sensor's actual identity to be obtained independently of the antenna's location, enabling accurate association even when the antenna and sensor are physically separated.
Solution Approach 2:
The server creates an accurate digital representation of the sensor-installation target association by storing the paired sensor identification information and installation target information. This digital copy ensures precise tracking of the actual sensor position regardless of antenna location.
3Measurement precision
If manual input of sensor identification information and installation target information is required, then accurate association can be achieved, but human labor and operation errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor automatically provides its own identification information through its detection function, and the generation module automatically provides installation target information. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual input, reducing both human labor and operation errors while maintaining accurate association.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor's detection function is utilized for dual purposes: its primary sensing function and generating identification information for association. This multi-functionality allows the same component to serve multiple roles, improving efficiency without sacrificing accuracy.
4Reliability
If a dedicated association function is added to the sensing module, then sensor-installation target association can be achieved, but the configuration of the sensing module becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor's existing detection function is used to generate identification information, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated association function. This multi-functional approach maintains reliable association capability while avoiding increased configuration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary that handles the complex association logic, allowing the sensing module to remain relatively simple. The server receives identification information from the sensor and installation target information from the generation module, then performs the association matching, thereby distributing complexity away from the sensing module.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise and reliable association of sensors with their installation targets, reducing human labor and errors, while allowing for efficient operation in both standby and non-standby modes, ensuring accurate data communication and pattern detection.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor detecting the specific pattern and sensor identification information identifying the sensor that has detected the specific pattern
Data Source
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AI summary
A generating module 300 generates a signal including a set pattern that includes a specific pattern by varying a physical quantity. A sensing module 200 including a sensor 210 transmits to a server 400, pattern detection information generated in response to the sensor 210 detecting the specific pattern and sensor identification information identifying the sensor 210 that has detected the specific pattern. The server 400 stores association information associating the sensor identification information received from the sensing module 200 that has transmitted the pattern detection information with installation target information communicated from the generating module 300 that has generated the specific pattern.