Sensor Node Communication Terminal Power Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless sensor network systems require constant power consumption to maintain signal reception, leading to high energy usage, especially when sensor nodes have both transmitting and receiving functions.
Innovation Solution
A communication terminal and wireless sensor network system where sensor nodes can receive data only during a predetermined time period after transmission, utilizing a timer and power-saving mechanisms to reduce power consumption, and the host can adjust communication rates based on signal strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensor nodes constantly turn ON receivers to maintain signal reception capability, then reception reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic reception windows where sensor nodes activate their receivers only during predetermined time periods after data transmission, rather than continuously. The host sets reception windows at specific intervals, and sensor nodes wake up only during these windows to receive control signals, thereby maintaining reception reliability while dramatically reducing power consumption through periodic rather than continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The host communicates transmission timing information to sensor nodes in advance before actual data transmission occurs. This preliminary communication of timing schedules allows sensor nodes to pre-configure their reception windows and power management states, ensuring they are ready to receive signals at the correct moments without requiring continuous receiver activation.
2Ease of operation
If sensor nodes keep receivers in reception waiting mode continuously, then communication readiness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining continuous reception waiting mode, the system employs periodic reception windows where sensor nodes transition between power-saving sleep states and active reception states. The host manages these periodic windows, and sensor nodes briefly activate receivers only when needed to receive control signals, achieving communication readiness during operational periods while minimizing energy consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic reception window management where the host can flexibly adjust reception timing based on actual communication needs. The system transitions from static continuous reception mode to dynamic periodic mode, allowing reception readiness to be adjusted according to operational requirements rather than maintained at all times.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensor nodes with both transmitting and receiving functions keep receivers ON, then bidirectional communication capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables sensor nodes to maintain bidirectional communication capability through periodic reception windows rather than continuous receiver operation. During transmission periods, sensor nodes can send data to the host, and during subsequent predetermined reception windows, they can receive control signals from the host. This periodic approach preserves full bidirectional functionality while eliminating the need for continuous receiver activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The host communicates transmission and reception scheduling information to sensor nodes in advance, enabling them to prepare for bidirectional operations. This preliminary timing information allows sensor nodes to coordinate their transmitting and receiving functions efficiently within the periodic window structure, maintaining communication versatility without continuous power consumption.
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 significantly reduces power consumption by minimizing the need for constant receiver activation in sensor nodes and allows for efficient data transmission with adjustable communication rates, enhancing the longevity of social infrastructure monitoring systems.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna connected to the wireless transmission/reception unit, the antenna capable of wirelessly transmitting the sensor information or a result of the calculation processing of the sensor information
Implementation Method 2
second wireless transmission data can be received from a host side during only a predetermined time period after transmission of the first wireless transmission data is completed
Data Source
AI summary
The sensor node communication terminal includes: a sensor capable of collect sensor information at an installed location in autonomous timing; a control unit connected to the sensor and capable of executing calculation processing of the sensor information; a memory connected to the control unit; a wireless transmission/reception unit connected to the control unit; an antenna connected to the wireless transmission/reception unit and capable of wirelessly transmitting the sensor information or a result of the calculation processing of the sensor information; a power supply unit connected to the control unit; and a timer connected to the control unit, wherein second wireless transmission data can be received from a host side during only a predetermined time period after transmission of wireless transmission data is completed. Moreover, there is provided a wireless sensor network system to which a plurality of such sensor node communication terminals can be applied.