Sensor Network Node Script Distribution via Coordinator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implementing sensor networks is burdensome and costly due to application-specific design requirements and the complexity of enabling wireless communication, especially in noisy environments, which makes it difficult and time-consuming to configure and reconfigure node behavior.
Innovation Solution
A system where each sensor node in a network has a wireless communication module and a coordinator node that allows users to define and distribute scripts for controlling node behavior, enabling dynamic configuration and reconfiguration without physical access, using a host to manage the network and communicate with sensor nodes via wireless RF signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensor networks are custom designed for application-specific functionality, then the network can meet specific monitoring and control requirements, but the design process becomes burdensome and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal sensor node platform that can perform multiple functions through configurable parameters and scripts. Instead of designing custom hardware for each application, the system uses a standardized node architecture that can be programmed to monitor different parameters (temperature, humidity, motion, etc.) and perform various control actions, thereby reducing design complexity while maintaining application-specific adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic reconfiguration of sensor network behavior through wireless parameter updates and script distributions. Network parameters, node behaviors, and control logic can be modified remotely without physical access to nodes, allowing the network to adapt to changing application requirements while using the same hardware platform
2Ease of operation
If wireless communication is enabled in sensor nodes, then remote monitoring and control capabilities are improved, but the complexity and cost of the communication system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a base station as an intermediary that handles complex communication protocols and signal processing. Individual sensor nodes use simplified wireless transceivers that communicate basic data and receive commands from the base station, which manages the robust communication system required for noisy environments. This distributes complexity from nodes to the base station
3Reliability
If robust communication systems are implemented for noisy environments, then communication reliability is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into different functional layers: simple wireless transmission at the node level, protocol handling and error correction at the base station level, and application-level processing at the host level. This segmentation allows robust communication features to be implemented where needed (base station) while keeping nodes simple
4Manufacturing precision
If physical access to nodes is required for configuration, then precise node setup is possible, but the process becomes time-consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical configuration process with wireless electronic configuration. Instead of physically accessing nodes to adjust parameters or upload code, users can configure nodes remotely through wireless communication, sending configuration data and scripts electronically, thereby maintaining configuration precision while eliminating the time loss associated with physical access
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for controlling sensor networks. A sensor network has a plurality of sensor nodes, which have sensors for monitoring operational parameters of devices within an application-specific system. A wireless communication module is provided for each node to enable the node to wirelessly communicate with other nodes of the network. A user defines various scripts for controlling the behavior of one or more nodes, and the network distributes the scripts, as appropriate, to various nodes thereby implementing the behavior defined by the scripts. Accordingly, a user can easily and dynamically configure or re-configure the behavior of any node without having to physically access the node that is being configured or re-configured.