Unattended Sensor Node Relay Mode Power Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless surveillance systems for military applications require separate relay devices to achieve extended VHF communication range, which are not configured to conserve power resources when acting as both sensors and relays.

Innovation Solution

An unattended sensor node configured to operate in either sensor mode or relay mode, where the detector and signal processor are operational in sensor mode and the radio transceiver is non-operational, and vice versa in relay mode, with a controller managing the operational state to conserve power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If separate relay devices are used to achieve extended VHF communication range, then communication range is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication rangeVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor node is designed to perform multiple functions - it can operate as both a sensor (detecting events) and as a relay (repeating communications). This eliminates the need for separate relay devices and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining extended communication range capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the relay function with the sensor node by integrating a radio transceiver that can operate in repeat mode. This merging of functions into a single device reduces the number of components needed in the system while achieving the same communication range extension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If devices act as both sensors and relays, then device versatility is improved, but power resource conservation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice versatilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor node dynamically switches between different operational modes (sensor mode, relay mode, and sleep mode) based on system needs. The controller can disable the radio transceiver when not needed, enabling the device to adapt its power consumption to match its actual functional requirements while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system can implement periodic checking of operational requirements and switch between modes accordingly. The sensor node can periodically wake up to check for events or communication needs, then return to low-power mode, optimizing power usage while maintaining readiness for both sensing and relay functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS8154598B2Multipurpose unattended ground sensor node with relay capability

Publication Date: 2012.04.10 STINGRAY IP SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

An unattended sensor is provided for use in a surveillance system. The sensor is generally comprised of: a detector; a signal processor; a radio transceiver; a power source; and a controller which configures the sensor in either a sensor mode or a relay mode. When configured in the sensor mode, the detector and signal processor are operational and the transceiver is non-operational. When configured in the relay mode, the transceiver is operational but the detector and signal processor are non-operational. In an alternative approach, the detector and the signal process may remain operational in the relay mode.