UWB Mesh Monitoring With Local Operation During Wired Network Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monitoring systems face vulnerabilities in data transmission and security, particularly in the event of wired network failures due to infrastructure damage, leading to system compromise and loss of control over sensor data.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a UWB monitoring system with a redundant UWB mesh network that allows for alternative communication paths and local operation of control modules, ensuring data transmission and security even in the absence of a central control server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wired network is used for data transmission, then security against manipulation and eavesdropping is improved, but vulnerability to infrastructure damage and cable disruptions worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the monitoring system into autonomous cellular units, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the system to function even when parts of the wired network are damaged, as each cell can operate independently through its integrated wireless communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transmission medium parameter from wired-only to wireless-capable, allowing dynamic switching between wired and wireless modes. This parameter change enables the system to maintain communication when wired infrastructure is damaged by utilizing wireless pathways.
2Ease of operation
If a central control server is used, then centralized control and data management is improved, but system operation during network failure worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The control functionality is segmented and distributed across multiple autonomous cellular units rather than centralized in a single server. Each cell contains control logic that enables independent decision-making and operation, ensuring system continuity when centralized control is unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
Each cellular unit is equipped with self-service capabilities including local data processing, autonomous control decisions, and self-organized wireless mesh networking. This allows the system to maintain operation without relying on a central control server during network failures.
3Productivity
If wired network cables are laid throughout the spatial area, then data transmission capacity is improved, but exposure to manipulation and eavesdropping attempts worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical wired network infrastructure with wireless UWB communication capabilities. This substitution eliminates the physical cables that are vulnerable to manipulation and eavesdropping while maintaining adequate data transmission capacity through wireless pathways.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a UWB monitoring system (100) for monitoring a spatial region (102). The UWB monitoring system (100) comprises a plurality of UWB sensors (110, 110'), of which one or more are connected to a central or distributed control server (116) for controlling the operation of the UWB monitoring system (100) in order to transmit captured sensor data to a local, wired network. The UWB sensors (110, 110') are configured to provide a UWB mesh network having an intermeshed network topology as a wireless network that is at least partially redundant to the local, wired network. One or more of the UWB sensors (110') each comprise a control module (125) having an emergency function (128) which comprises control functions at least for local operation of a part of the UWB monitoring system (100) using the UWB mesh network. The UWB monitoring system (100) is configured to activate the emergency function (128) of the UWB sensors (110') for local operation of the UWB monitoring system (100) using the UWB mesh network in the event of a failure of the local, wired network and to transmit captured sensor data via the UWB mesh network by means of UWB.