Wireless Sensor Tag Handover Using Anchor Distance and Beacon Strength
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless sensor network handover processes result in communication interruptions and excessive energy consumption due to arbitrary anchor selection and inefficient energy usage, particularly when tags move through areas with multiple coordinator anchors.
Innovation Solution
A handover method for wireless sensor tags that determines their location relative to anchors using distance criteria, scans adjacent cells for stronger beacon signals, and selectively associates with the best available anchor, minimizing energy consumption and maintaining continuous communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tag constantly listens to all beacons to anticipate link break, then communication interruption is avoided, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the tag proactively scan for adjacent cell beacons and evaluate signal strengths before the current link actually breaks. The tag monitors beacon signals and identifies potential target anchors in advance, so when handover is needed, the transition can occur smoothly without communication interruption, while avoiding the need to constantly listen to all beacons
2Ease of operation
If the tag selects the first detected coordinator anchor during handover, then the process is simple, but the selection is arbitrary and may not be optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by having the tag actively scan and evaluate beacon signals from multiple coordinator anchors, comparing their signal strengths to make an informed selection. The tag receives feedback from the environment (beacon signal powers) and uses this information to select the optimal target anchor, rather than arbitrarily choosing the first detected one. This ensures reliable anchor selection while maintaining reasonable operational complexity
3Reliability
If the tag frequently performs handover operations while moving through the network, then network coverage is maintained, but energy consumption multiplies due to repeated association messages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the tag scan for and evaluate beacon signals from adjacent cells before handover becomes necessary. By identifying potential target anchors in advance and assessing their signal strengths, the tag can perform handovers more efficiently when needed, reducing the number of repeated association messages and energy consumption while maintaining continuous network coverage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a handover method for a tag in a wireless sensor network having a cellular architecture. At the tag or the coordinating anchor, the distances separating the tag from the different coordinating anchors in the cell are used to determine if the tag is in a coverage area of the cell. If the tag is not in a coverage area of the cell, the tag searches for the beacon signal from neighbouring cells that has the strongest power over a plurality of superframes. If this power value satisfies a selection criterion, the tag establishes a link with the coordinating anchor of this new cell and breaks the link with the coordinating anchor of the previous cell.