WINS NG Sensor Nodes for Low Power Internet Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless sensor networks lack ease of use, standard development tools, and the ability to operate in variable or hostile environments, with energy consumption issues and limited connectivity to the Internet or database services, making them inefficient for seamless integration with the physical world.

Innovation Solution

The Wireless Integrated Network Sensor Next Generation (WINS NG) technology provides a compact system combining microsensor technology, low power signal processing, and low power wireless networking, enabling self-organization, secure communication, and seamless integration with the Internet, using layered signal processing and network protocols to facilitate standard tool use and adaptability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If wireless sensor networks use traditional architecture, then connectivity is established, but energy consumption is high and ease of use is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidease of use

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The WINS NG nodes perform self-configuration and self-organization automatically upon power-up, eliminating the need for manual network configuration. Each node autonomously determines its network role, establishes connections, and integrates into the distributed system, thereby reducing energy consumption associated with manual setup while significantly improving ease of use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts its architecture based on operational needs, allowing nodes to transition between different functional states and network roles. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the network to optimize energy consumption patterns while maintaining user-friendly operation through automatic adaptation rather than manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If wireless sensor networks are deployed in hostile environments, then monitoring capability is improved, but reliability decreases due to energy constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The WINS NG architecture segments the sensor network into autonomous nodes that can operate independently. Each node is a self-contained unit with integrated sensing, processing, and communication capabilities, allowing the network to maintain reliability even when individual nodes face energy constraints in hostile environments. Failed or depleted nodes can be replaced without affecting the entire network

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes operational parameters such as sampling rates, transmission power, and processing intensity based on environmental conditions and energy availability. This allows the network to maintain reliable monitoring in hostile environments by adapting to energy constraints rather than operating at fixed high-consumption levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If standard development tools are implemented, then ease of use improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestandard tool useVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The WINS NG system implements universal interfaces and standardized protocols that allow the same development tools to work across different sensor types, network configurations, and application domains. This multi-functionality approach provides ease of use through standardization while managing complexity by creating a unified toolset rather than requiring separate tools for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If Internet connectivity is added to sensor networks, then adaptability improves, but energy consumption and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveInternet integration capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The WINS NG architecture introduces gateway nodes as intermediaries between the wireless sensor network and the Internet. These gateways handle the complex protocols and high-energy communication tasks, allowing battery-powered sensor nodes to maintain adaptability through Internet connectivity while minimizing their own energy consumption by offloading network management functions to the gateways

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7797367B1Apparatus for compact internetworked wireless integrated network sensors (WINS)

Publication Date: 2010.09.14 INTELLECTUAL VENTURES I LLC

AI summary

The Wireless Integrated Network Sensor Next Generation (WINS NG) nodes provide distributed network and Internet access to sensors, controls, and processors that are deeply embedded in equipment, facilities, and the environment. The WINS NG network is a new monitoring and control capability for applications in transportation, manufacturing, health care, environmental monitoring, and safety and security. The WINS NG nodes combine microsensor technology, low power distributed signal processing, low power computation, and low power, low cost wireless and/or wired networking capability in a compact system. The WINS NG networks provide sensing, local control, remote reconfigurability, and embedded intelligent systems in structures, materials, and environments.