Underground Sensor Beaconing for Low-Power Soil Data Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underground wireless sensor systems face challenges in efficient and reliable communication, precise localization, and maintenance, particularly in difficult terrains like vast farmlands and natural forests, with issues related to soil characteristics, obstructions, and power optimization.
Innovation Solution
A data collection system comprising tag devices with sensors, a battery, memory, and transceiver, operating in low-power and active modes, transmitting beacon signals and tether-free communication with a bridge device for data transmission, allowing asynchronous data collection and geo-tagging without precise localization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired connections are used between sensors and data transmission modules, then reliable data transmission is achieved, but the measured parameters are affected due to installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless electromagnetic communication. Sensors transmit data via radio frequency signals through the soil medium, eliminating the need for physical cable installations that would distort soil structure and affect measurements.
2Loss of information
If continuous communication mode is used, then real-time data transmission is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor operates in periodic communication cycles, alternating between low-power sleep mode and active transmission mode. The sensor wakes at predetermined intervals to transmit stored measurements, then returns to sleep mode, achieving acceptable data timeliness while dramatically reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation.
3Ease of operation
If underground wireless communication is implemented, then tether-free operation is achieved, but communication reliability is affected by soil characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts communication parameters including transmission power, frequency selection, and data rate based on measured soil conditions such as moisture content and electrical conductivity. This adaptation optimizes signal propagation through the variable soil medium, maintaining reliable communication despite changes in environmental parameters.
4Measurement precision
If precise localization of sensors is implemented, then accurate positioning is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of implementing complex active localization systems with multiple receivers and signal processing algorithms, the patent uses passive geo-tagging. Each sensor is assigned a fixed geographic coordinate during installation, creating a simplified digital copy of its position that is stored and transmitted with measurements, eliminating the need for ongoing localization infrastructure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient, reliable, and low-maintenance data collection from underground and surface sensors, reducing soil distortion and providing unbiased data for soil monitoring, with reduced power consumption and extended operational life.
Implementation Method 1
the differences between the propagation of electromagnetic (EM) waves in soil and in air are so significant
Data Source
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AI summary
A data collection system able to provide in real-time sensor data and asynchronous sensor data is described. The data collection system comprises at least one tag device comprising a battery, a memory, a transceiver, a controller, and at least one sensor. The tag device being adapted for generating and transmitting a beacon signal at first intervals; and for storing the data in memory when no reception signal is received within a first time lapse. The data collection system comprises a bridge device comprising a controller and a transceiver. The bridge device being adapted for receiving, tether-free from the at least one tag device, the beacon signal; and transmitting the reception signal in response to the beacon signal. The tag device is also adapted to transmit asynchronous signals when the beacon signal is received.