Wireless Sensor Node Localization in Tree-Mesh Hybrid Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless sensor network localization systems face challenges in low-power environments, accuracy in indoor settings, and the inability to triangulate in tree-like networks, leading to slow or inaccurate localization.

Innovation Solution

A system that configures a wireless network as a tree architecture for standard communication and temporarily switches to a mesh architecture for localization using time of flight and signal strength measurements, combining high-frequency localization with low-frequency communication to enhance accuracy and conserve power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If triangulation is used for localization in wireless sensor networks, then location accuracy is improved, but the system cannot establish sufficient path lengths between node pairs in tree-like networks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoidnetwork architecture compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically switches the network architecture between tree mode (for normal operation and power saving) and mesh mode (for localization). This dynamic transformation allows the system to adapt its topology based on operational requirements, enabling triangulation when needed while maintaining tree structure benefits during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The network is designed to perform multiple functions through a single unified architecture that can operate in both tree and mesh modes. The same wireless sensor network infrastructure supports both power-efficient tree operation and accurate mesh-based localization, eliminating the need for separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If fast and accurate localization is performed using repetitive data transmission, then localization speed and accuracy are improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocalization speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous repetitive transmission, the system performs localization measurements periodically by temporarily switching to mesh architecture only when localization is needed. During normal operation, the tree architecture maintains low power consumption while still enabling periodic high-accuracy localization updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The network dynamically transitions between low-power tree mode and high-performance mesh mode based on operational requirements. This dynamic switching allows the system to achieve fast and accurate localization only when necessary, rather than continuously, thereby reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If tree architecture is used for communication, then power consumption is reduced, but localization capability is limited due to insufficient path lengths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidlocalization capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically transforms the network topology from tree to mesh architecture when localization is required. This temporary transformation provides the multiple path lengths needed for triangulation while maintaining the power-efficient tree structure for normal communication operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the network operations into distinct phases: tree-mode communication for power saving and mesh-mode localization for accuracy. By separating these functions temporally and topologically, the system achieves both low power consumption and high localization capability without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This approach enables accurate, low-power, and context-aware localization in indoor environments by using a tree network for communication and mesh-based features for path length estimation, improving detection of walls and room context while reducing energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

Prior art wireless localization systems typically operate by measuring time of flight for wireless transmission between nodes to estimate distance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

Still other prior art wireless localization systems operate by measuring incident signal strength and using this information to estimate distance between transmitting and receiving nodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal strength:

Data Source

PatentUS10104508B2Systems and methods for determining locations of wireless sensor nodes in a tree network architecture having mesh-based features

Publication Date: 2018.10.16 ZAINAR INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for determining locations of wireless sensor nodes in a tree network architecture having mesh-based features 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 with sensor nodes to enable bi-directional communications. The one or more processing units of the hub execute instructions to configure the system with a tree architecture for communications between the hub and the sensor nodes, and to configure the system temporarily with a mesh-based architecture for determining location information for the sensor nodes.