Virtual Wireless Sensor Network Abstraction for Developer Simplicity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Developing applications for wireless sensor networks (WSN) is hindered by the limited memory of sensor nodes and the need for knowledge of complex, low-level application programming interfaces (APIs), making it difficult for developers to create applications without delving into resource details.
Innovation Solution
Creating a virtual WSN that masks communication and networking details, allowing developers to focus on application logic by embedding sensor node niceties into a soft object, providing higher-level abstractions and access through a graphical user interface (GUI), thus relieving the need to understand specific programming languages or platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If developers write codes directly in physical WSN sensor nodes, then application functionality can be implemented, but the limited memory of sensor nodes creates difficulty for developers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual WSN that is a simplified copy of the physical WSN. This virtual representation allows developers to work with abstracted sensor nodes that have sufficient memory and simplified interfaces, while the actual physical nodes handle the resource-constrained operations. The virtual WSN copies the essential structure and behavior of the physical WSN without replicating its memory limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual WSN acts as an intermediary layer between the developer and the physical WSN. It provides a buffer that translates high-level application logic into low-level commands suitable for the constrained physical nodes. This mediator handles the complexity of communication protocols and resource management, shielding developers from these details.
2Ease of operation
If developers use complex and low-level APIs of sensor nodes, then access to resources is enabled, but developer knowledge requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the WSN interface into two distinct layers: the virtual WSN layer with simplified, high-level APIs for developers, and the physical WSN layer with complex, low-level APIs handled automatically. This segmentation allows developers to interact only with the simplified interface while the system manages the complexity of the underlying layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual WSN creates a simplified copy of the sensor node interfaces. Instead of requiring developers to use the complex actual APIs, the system provides a virtualized version that replicates the essential functionality with much simpler interaction models, reducing the knowledge barrier.
3Ease of manufacture
If physical WSN resource details are exposed to developers, then precise control is achieved, but application development becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual WSN serves as an intermediary that selectively filters information. It preserves and exposes only the resource details necessary for application logic, while automatically managing and hiding implementation-specific details about communication protocols, memory constraints, and hardware variations. This selective information exposure simplifies development without losing essential functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for creating a virtual Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is disclosed. The method includes extracting one or more niceties of a physical WSN and embedding at least one of the extracted niceties in a soft object to represent one or more sensor nodes of the physical WSN. The method includes, sending equivalent command to the one or more sensor nodes of the physical WSN, when one or more changes are performed on corresponding niceties of the soft object. Further, the method adding or deleting one or more niceties corresponding to the one or more sensor nodes from the soft object upon ingress or egress of the one or more sensor nodes in the physical WSN. The method also includes steps of building application using the soft object of the virtual WSN.