System, method and apparatus for wireless sensor network configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The high installation and maintenance costs of wireless sensor networks limit their penetration into the marketplace due to the need for custom solutions tailored to specific applications, making it difficult to deploy and scale sensor networks across various industries without significant redesign or redeployment.
Innovation Solution
A plug-and-play universal sensor interface allows sensor module units to be easily connected to wireless nodes, enabling flexible deployment and modification of wireless sensor networks without reconfiguring the existing infrastructure, allowing for the use of generic wireless nodes with interchangeable sensor modules tailored to specific applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom solutions are used for specific sensor applications, then application-specific performance is improved, but installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal sensor interface that can accommodate multiple sensor types and applications through a single standardized platform. The interface uses a common connector design and configuration protocol that works across different sensor modules, eliminating the need for custom solutions for each application while maintaining optimal performance for each specific use case.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the sensor network into modular components: a universal wireless node interface and interchangeable sensor modules. This segmentation allows the interface to remain standardized while sensor modules can be swapped based on application needs, reducing installation and maintenance costs by eliminating custom interface development for each application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless sensor networks are deployed across various industries, then market penetration is improved, but the need for redeployment and redesign increases costs
Solution Approach 1:
The universal sensor interface enables a single wireless node design to serve multiple industries and applications by supporting various sensor modules through a standardized connection. This eliminates the need for industry-specific redesign, allowing rapid market penetration while minimizing redeployment time when transitioning between applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic reconfiguration of sensor modules on existing wireless nodes without requiring physical redesign or lengthy requalification processes. Sensors can be added, removed, or replaced based on changing application requirements, enabling rapid adaptation to new markets and uses.
3Productivity
If sensor module units are connected to wireless nodes, then network functionality is improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module interface automatically performs configuration tasks when connected to a wireless node. The system includes automated identification, registration, and parameter setup that occurs without manual intervention, reducing configuration complexity while maintaining full network functionality. The interface self-configures based on the sensor module type detected during connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote user can specify data collection and processing characteristics of a wireless sensor network. In one example, a configuration station enables a user to activate/deactivate different sensor channels of data to support a delivery of data streams to customers. In another example, a configuration station enables a user to specify reporting intervals for different sensor channels of data. In yet another example, a configuration station enables a user to specify transformation functions for different sensor channels of data. The remote configuration process can be applied to every sensor in every sensor module unit attached to every wireless node at a monitored location.