System, method and apparatus for remote wireless sensor device configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high installation and maintenance costs of wireless sensor networks limit their penetration in the marketplace due to the need for redesign or redeployment with each change in sensor applications, making it challenging to find a scalable solution that can accommodate various industries and markets without wasting existing infrastructure or incurring significant expenses.
Innovation Solution
A plug-and-play universal sensor interface allows sensor module units to be deployed separately from wireless nodes, enabling flexible connection and customization of sensors without reconfiguring the network infrastructure, supporting multiple sensor types and allowing seamless scaling with dynamic application objectives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless sensor networks are deployed with integrated sensors, then the network can function initially, but any change in sensor applications requires redesign or redeployment, increasing installation and maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the wireless node (communication infrastructure) from the sensor module units. This segmentation allows the wireless nodes to remain deployed while sensor modules can be independently added, removed, or replaced based on application needs, eliminating the need for complete network redesign when sensor applications change.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless nodes are designed with universal interfaces that can support multiple types of sensor module units. This universality allows a single wireless node deployment to accommodate various sensor types and applications, reducing the need for application-specific network redesign and lowering long-term installation and maintenance costs.
2Device complexity
If sensor module units are integrated with wireless nodes, then the system is simpler initially, but modifying or scaling the network requires reconfiguring the entire infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the system into independent wireless nodes and sensor module units, the architecture maintains simplicity at the component level while enabling flexibility at the system level. Each sensor module unit can be independently deployed or modified without affecting the core wireless node infrastructure, allowing easy network scaling and adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic configuration where sensor module units can be added, removed, or replaced based on changing application objectives. This dynamic approach allows the network to scale and adapt without requiring static reconfiguration of the entire infrastructure, maintaining operational flexibility while preserving infrastructure investment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom sensor configurations are deployed, then specific application requirements are met, but each configuration requires significant requalification and testing
Solution Approach 1:
Sensor module units are pre-configured and pre-qualified with specific sensor types and functionalities before deployment. This preliminary preparation allows rapid deployment of customized sensor configurations without requiring time-consuming requalification and testing of the entire wireless node system, as the sensor modules come pre-certified for their intended applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses standardized sensor module unit designs that can be replicated across multiple wireless nodes. Once a sensor module configuration is qualified and validated, it can be copied and deployed across the network without repeating the full requalification and testing process, significantly reducing time to market for new sensor applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A configured mode of operation of a wireless sensor node unit can selectively activate a first subset of sensor channels of data and selectively deactivate a second subset of sensor channels of data. The configured mode of operation customizes the sensor functionality in the wireless sensor node unit in support of the delivery of data streams to customers.