Sensor Network System Using Power Line Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor network systems face challenges in adapting to changes in sensor disposition and layout, particularly in large facilities like factories and buildings, leading to deteriorated communication quality and increased costs due to the need for frequent changes in wireless communication systems and wired infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A sensor network system that combines wireless communication between sensors and sensor master devices using DECT, with wired communication, including power line communication, between sensor master devices and data servers, allowing for flexible sensor placement and adaptive notification based on detection information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication systems are used to allow flexible sensor placement, then the degree of freedom of sensor disposition is improved, but communication quality deteriorates due to position changes or increased transmission distance
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor node is designed to support multiple communication methods (wireless communication and wired communication) within a single device. This allows the sensor node to automatically switch between communication modes based on environmental conditions, maintaining both the flexibility of wireless placement and the reliability of wired communication when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication method is made dynamic rather than fixed. The sensor node can adaptively change its communication mode (wireless or wired) based on real-time conditions such as transmission quality, distance, and environmental factors, thereby maintaining reliable communication while preserving placement flexibility.
2Reliability
If wired communication systems are used to ensure stable communication, then communication quality is improved, but high costs and time are required for new cable laying when layout changes
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor node incorporates both wireless and wired communication capabilities in a single device, allowing it to function in either mode. This eliminates the need for separate wireless and wired systems, reducing overall system cost and complexity while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication mode is made adaptable rather than fixed. When layout changes occur, the sensor node can switch from wired to wireless communication without requiring physical cable reinstallation, thereby eliminating the high costs and time associated with cable laying while maintaining stable communication through selective mode switching.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless sensor nodes are installed to cope with layout changes, then adaptability to disposition changes is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring different wireless sensor nodes or alternative wired systems
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of deploying different types of sensor nodes (wireless-only, wired-only, or alternative systems) to handle various scenarios, the invention uses a single universal sensor node that supports both wireless and wired communication. This reduces device complexity by consolidating multiple specialized devices into one multi-functional device.
4Ease of manufacture
If power line communication is used for wired communication between sensor master device and data server, then ease of installation is improved by using existing power lines, but communication stability may be affected by electrical noise
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor master device is designed to support multiple communication methods (wireless communication and power line communication) within a single device. This allows the system to use power line communication for easy installation while having the option to switch to wireless communication when electrical noise affects stability, thereby maintaining both ease of installation and communication reliability.
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 stable and flexible acquisition of detection information and adaptive notification, reducing costs and complexity by allowing sensors to be easily repositioned and notifying relevant devices based on detection positions and contents, without the need for extensive rewiring.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor master device is connected to the sensor by wireless communication
Implementation Method 2
the sensor master device and the data server are connected to each other by wired communication including power line communication
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a sensor network system including sensor master devices (15A to 15D) which receive detection information obtained by sensors (11A to 11F) through wireless communication, a data server (17) which acquires the detection information from the sensor master devices (15A to 15D) through power line communication, and notification devices (13A, 13B) which receive notification information from the data server (17) to perform notification, in which the sensor master devices (15A to 15D) are connected to the sensors (11A to 11F) and the notification devices (13A, 13B), and the data server (17) determines an object to be notified in accordance with, for example, a detection position which is detection information for at least one of an object to be notified and notification contents, on the basis of the acquired detection information.