Dynamic Master-Slave Sensor Role Swapping for Motion Sensing Garments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems for wearable sensors face challenges with data handling and processing due to signal blockage, interference, and varying user motions, leading to instability and data loss, especially when the master device is shielded or operates in different environments and sports.
Innovation Solution
A master-slave swapping protocol is implemented, where sensors can adaptively switch between master and slave roles based on signal strength and environmental conditions, using metadata broadcasting via protocols like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC, to ensure stable data transmission and power optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed master-slave configuration is used in sensor communication network, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to signal blockage and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic master-slave role switching where sensors can change their operational status based on real-time signal strength and environmental conditions. The system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one, allowing any sensor to become master or slave depending on current communication conditions, thereby maintaining reliability without significantly increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor signal strength and communication quality. Based on this feedback, the master-slave roles are automatically adjusted to optimize data transmission. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions and maintain reliable communication
2Measurement precision
If all sensors operate continuously to ensure data collection, then measurement precision is maintained, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic activation of sensors based on motion detection requirements. Sensors switch between active and inactive states according to the detected motion patterns and communication needs. This periodic operation maintains measurement precision when data collection is required while significantly reducing energy consumption during idle periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters of sensors based on detected motion and communication conditions. When motion is detected, sensors transition to high-precision measurement mode; when idle, they enter low-power mode. This parameter adjustment balances measurement precision requirements with energy conservation
3Adaptability or versatility
If master device operates in different environments and sports, then adaptability improves, but reliability deteriorates due to signal blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts master-slave roles based on real-time signal strength measurements. When the current master experiences signal blockage or when environmental conditions change, the system automatically switches to an alternative master with better signal quality. This dynamic adaptation maintains both versatility across different environments and reliable signal transmission
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system and method for facilitating wireless communication amongst sensors attached to wearables. Each of the sensors may be configured to operate either as a master device or a slave device. Further, the sensors may be inter-communicatively coupled to establish a sensor communication network wherein one of the sensors operates as the master device and the other sensors operates as the slave devices. Further, a set of sensors may be configured to broadcast metadata information to at least one other sensor within the sensor communication network. Further, the said sensor communication network may be updated based upon the metadata information received from the set of sensors to form an updated sensor communication network. The said sensor communication network may be updated by swapping one of the slave devices with the said master device to operate as a new master device for the said updated sensor communication network.