Super Frame Protocol Reconfiguration for Wearable Sensor QoS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems for wearable body area networks, such as those used in healthcare, face challenges in providing optimal quality of service (QoS) due to varying sensor requirements and real-time protocol adjustments, as they lack efficient methods to dynamically reconfigure protocols to meet the specific needs of sensor nodes and application programs.
Innovation Solution
A communication system utilizing a super frame structure that includes a beacon period for protocol information dissemination, access periods for sensor node requests, MAC periods for data transmission, and sleep periods for power saving, allowing for dynamic protocol reconfiguration through control messages exchanged between sensor nodes and hub devices, enabling real-time protocol adjustments to meet QoS requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed communication protocol is used in wearable body area networks, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but quality of service cannot be optimized for varying sensor requirements and application programs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic protocol reconfiguration by allowing the hub device to change MAC protocol parameters and access period protocols in real-time based on sensor node requirements and application program needs. The system transitions from a fixed protocol to a dynamic one where protocol characteristics can be adjusted during operation to optimize quality of service.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes protocol parameters dynamically by modifying MAC protocol characteristics, access period durations, and beacon message contents based on real-time network conditions and sensor requirements. This allows the system to adapt protocol behavior without changing the fundamental protocol structure, balancing adaptability with manageable complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If real-time protocol reconfiguration is implemented to meet varying sensor requirements, then quality of service is optimized, but communication overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic beacon messages transmitted during designated beacon periods to convey protocol reconfiguration information. Instead of continuous communication overhead, the system utilizes structured periodic intervals where protocol updates are efficiently distributed to sensor nodes, reducing overall communication burden while maintaining real-time adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If continuous communication is maintained to support dynamic protocol adjustments, then quality of service responsiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic communication cycles with distinct beacon periods for protocol information exchange and sleep periods for energy conservation. Sensor nodes can enter low-power states during non-critical intervals while the hub device maintains protocol reconfiguration capability, achieving a balance between responsiveness and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous protocol management capability at the hub device while allowing sensor nodes to periodically suspend communication during sleep periods. This maintains the system's adaptive responsiveness through the hub's continuous operation while enabling energy-efficient periodic operation at the sensor node level.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a super frame that may be used to reconfigure a dynamic protocol to synchronize a sensor node with different protocols of a hub device. The super frame enables a hub device to provide a real-time quality of service (QoS) with respect to a plurality of sensor application programs.