Sensor Network Node Selection via Remote Configuration Gateway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor network systems lack efficient mechanisms for node selection and remote management, leading to challenges in dynamic sensor network topology changes and increased administrative costs due to on-site diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A sensor data management system with a 'sensors as a service' model that enables node selection, remote configuration, and maintenance through a web API, allowing for customizable data collection, processing, and distribution, as well as remote reset options to minimize disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sensor networks use traditional node selection and management methods, then system reliability is maintained, but administrative costs increase and operational flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway as an intermediary component that mediates between the sensor nodes and the external network. The gateway handles complex management tasks including node selection, configuration updates, and system diagnostics, allowing remote operation without requiring direct complex interactions between individual nodes and external systems. This resolves the contradiction by providing ease of remote operation while containing complexity in the intermediary gateway rather than in the node selection mechanism itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor nodes are equipped with self-diagnostic capabilities and can automatically report their status, configuration needs, and operational issues to the gateway. This self-service approach reduces the need for manual on-site diagnostics and administrative intervention, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable node selection through automated monitoring and reporting mechanisms.
2Productivity
If sensor networks implement comprehensive remote management capabilities, then administrative costs decrease, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The management system is segmented into distinct functional components distributed across multiple elements: individual sensor nodes with self-diagnostic capabilities, a central gateway for coordination and complex operations, and external network interfaces. This segmentation allows comprehensive remote management functionality to be achieved while distributing complexity across manageable segments rather than concentrating it in a single complex system, thereby improving deployment efficiency without excessive overall complexity.
3Reliability
If sensor nodes require on-site diagnostics for malfunctions, then system reliability is maintained, but operational disruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor nodes continuously perform self-diagnostic checks and monitor their own operational status, detecting potential failures before they cause complete node malfunction. Configuration issues and hardware problems are identified in advance and reported to the gateway, which can then schedule maintenance during planned downtime rather than responding to unexpected failures. This preliminary detection and reporting mechanism maintains system reliability while minimizing unplanned operational disruptions and downtime.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and apparatus for node selection of a sensor network. Multiple sensor networks can operate in or around a monitored location. Nodes can be organized amongst the multiple sensor networks using remote configuration updates that are provided by a host system to a sensor network node.