Sensor Node Synchronization Timing for Low-Power Gateway Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing node apparatuses in production facilities face high power consumption due to frequent data transmissions and unnecessary standby operations, despite the need for bidirectional communication for effective synchronization and data exchange.
Innovation Solution
The node apparatus is configured to perform data transmission and synchronization tasks at different timings, reducing unnecessary standby periods and optimizing power consumption by controlling the execution of measurement and synchronization events based on internal timers and conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the node apparatus keeps the receiver in on-state for bidirectional communication, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The node apparatus performs synchronization tasks periodically at specific timings rather than maintaining continuous communication readiness. The receiver is activated only at predetermined synchronization timings and turned off at other times, creating a periodic action pattern that reduces power consumption while maintaining necessary communication reliability.
2Productivity
If the node apparatus performs frequent data transmissions, then data exchange efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The node apparatus transmits data periodically at predetermined timings rather than continuously or on-demand. By scheduling data transmissions to occur at specific intervals and turning off the communication unit between transmissions, the system maintains data exchange efficiency while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The node apparatus determines in advance when data transmission is necessary and prepares transmission timing beforehand. By using predetermined timings for both data transmission and synchronization tasks, the system avoids unnecessary standby periods and activates communication only when needed, optimizing both productivity and energy usage.
3Measurement precision
If the node apparatus performs synchronization tasks separately from data transmission, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The node apparatus merges synchronization tasks with data transmission operations by performing both functions at predetermined timings using the same communication unit. This integration approach maintains synchronization accuracy through separate task execution while reducing operational complexity compared to maintaining entirely separate synchronization and data transmission systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A node apparatus configured to be connected with a sensor includes a communication portion and a control portion. The communication portion is configured to communicate with a gateway apparatus. The control portion is configured to execute a first task in which the control portion transmits data obtained from the sensor, to the gateway apparatus by using the communication portion, and a second task in which the control portion transmits information on synchronization with the gateway apparatus, to the gateway apparatus by using the communication portion at a timing different from a timing at which the control portion executes the first task.