Universal Sensor Interface for Scalable Wireless Node Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high installation and maintenance costs of wireless sensor networks limit their penetration into the marketplace due to the need for redesign or redeployment when new sensor applications are introduced, and existing solutions lack scalability and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A plug-and-play universal sensor interface allows sensor module units to be deployed separately from wireless nodes, enabling flexible and cost-effective customization of sensor networks by supporting multiple sensor types and allowing for seamless scaling with changing application objectives without requiring significant reconfiguration or downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless sensor networks are deployed with fixed sensor configurations, then initial installation costs are covered, but adaptation to new sensor applications requires redesign or redeployment, increasing maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal sensor interface that can accommodate multiple sensor types through a single standardized connection mechanism. This allows the wireless sensor network to adapt to new sensor applications without requiring redesign or redeployment of the infrastructure, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining device complexity at acceptable levels.
2Measurement precision
If sensor networks are customized for specific applications, then measurement precision is improved, but installation and maintenance costs increase due to lack of scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The universal sensor interface enables precise measurements from specialized sensors while maintaining ease of manufacture and deployment through standardized connections. This scalability allows the network to be customized for specific applications without proportionally increasing installation and maintenance costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the sensor module from the wireless node, allowing independent customization of sensing capabilities while using a standardized interface for connection. This segmentation enables precise measurements through specialized sensor modules while maintaining cost-effective deployment through reusable wireless node infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing sensor networks are modified to support new applications, then functionality is improved, but downtime increases during reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The universal sensor interface is pre-configured with standardized connection protocols and pin assignments, allowing new sensor modules to be quickly connected and activated without extensive reconfiguration. This preliminary preparation of the interface standard reduces reconfiguration downtime when supporting new sensor applications.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor types are integrated into a single wireless node, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor system into separate sensor modules and wireless nodes, with the universal interface enabling multiple sensor types to be connected through standardized ports. This segmentation maintains adaptability across sensor types while reducing device complexity by keeping each component specialized and interchangeable.
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.