Underwater Sensor Node Frequency Allocation via Distance Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional underwater communication networks face limitations in managing a large number of sensor nodes due to restricted frequency usage, leading to inefficient control and increased battery consumption, as they cannot efficiently allocate frequencies to multiple nodes within a limited bandwidth, resulting in reduced operational periods and decreased data transmission efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a central node that divides the limited frequency band into smaller bands based on distance estimates from sensor nodes, allowing multiple sensor nodes to share the same frequency band within their communication range, thereby optimizing frequency allocation and reducing unnecessary node inactivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single frequency is allocated to one sensor node, then communication reliability for that node is improved, but all other sensor nodes cannot transmit or receive signals
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency band is divided into multiple sub-bands, allowing different sensor nodes to be allocated different frequency sub-bands. This segmentation enables multiple nodes to communicate simultaneously without interfering with each other, resolving the contradiction between communication reliability for individual nodes and the number of communicable nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to frequency allocation by considering the distance between sensor nodes and the central node. Nodes at similar distances are allocated the same frequency sub-band, creating a two-dimensional allocation strategy combining frequency and spatial dimensions, which increases the number of communicable nodes while maintaining communication reliability.
2Productivity
If multiple frequencies are allocated to sensor nodes, then more nodes can communicate simultaneously, but all nodes must continuously inspect frequency allocations increasing battery consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The central node performs preliminary frequency allocation based on distance estimation before actual communication occurs. Sensor nodes receive their assigned frequency sub-bands in advance, eliminating the need for continuous frequency inspection during operation. This preliminary action significantly reduces battery consumption while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensor nodes autonomously determine their own frequency allocation based on their distance from the central node without requiring continuous monitoring or coordination. Each node self-configures its operating frequency, reducing the computational and energy overhead associated with continuous frequency inspection.
3Productivity
If frequency band is divided into smaller bands, then multiple sensor nodes can share frequencies efficiently, but the complexity of frequency management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency allocation strategy applies local quality by assigning frequency sub-bands based on the specific distance characteristics of each sensor node. Nodes at similar distances receive the same frequency sub-band, creating localized frequency assignments that simplify management while improving allocation efficiency. The central node maintains a simplified mapping between distance ranges and frequency sub-bands.
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
This approach enables efficient communication and control of multiple sensor nodes within a limited frequency band, enhancing data transmission efficiency and extending operational periods by ensuring that all nodes can transmit and receive signals effectively, even when the number of nodes exceeds available frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
The underwater communication is performed using ultrasonic waves because of physical properties of media
Implementation Method 2
transmitting to a plurality of sensor nodes (10) a signal for distance estimation, and receiving a wave reflected by the sensor nodes (10)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an underwater communication method capable of communicating with a plurality of sensor nodes within a limited frequency band. Underwater information communication of the present invention allocates an appropriate frequency to each sensor node according to the distance between a central node and the plurality of sensor nodes, and then, controls underwater communication between the central node and the plurality of sensor nodes using the allocated frequency. By virtue of such control, the present invention prevents the occurrence of an unusable sensor node which cannot smoothly perform underwater communication when the allocated frequency is unreasonable. Therefore, the present invention has the effect of enabling efficient underwater communication between a plurality of sensor nodes and a central node.