Wireless Node Movement Characterization Using Hierarchical Clustering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless network systems face challenges in accurately characterizing and predicting the movement behaviors of wireless nodes, particularly in distinguishing between stationary and moving nodes, which affects location estimation and resource management within the network.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a device that applies hierarchical clustering and sequence modeling to location estimates and timestamps to identify stationary periods and associate wireless nodes with behavioral profiles, generating predictive models for node location prediction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If hierarchical clustering and sequence modeling are applied to location estimates, then the ability to differentiate stationary and moving nodes improves, but the computational complexity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation estimation accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the problem into distinct processing stages: first applying hierarchical clustering to group location estimates, then performing sequence modeling on the clustered data. This segmentation allows each algorithm to focus on specific aspects of the problem, improving overall accuracy while managing computational complexity through modular processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary clustering of location estimates before applying sequence modeling. This preliminary action organizes the data in advance, making the subsequent sequence modeling more efficient and accurate. By pre-processing the data through clustering, the system reduces the complexity of the final prediction stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If behavioral profiles are created for wireless nodes, then resource optimization and anomaly detection improve, but the time and computational resources required for profile generation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork management efficiencyVSAvoidprofile generation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically generates behavioral profiles by analyzing historical location data and movement patterns of wireless nodes. Once created, these profiles enable the system to autonomously optimize resource allocation, detect anomalies, and make predictions without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving long-term productivity despite the initial time investment for profile generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary analysis of node behavior patterns to create behavioral profiles in advance. These pre-generated profiles are then reused for multiple prediction and optimization tasks, reducing the need for repeated analysis and thereby improving productivity while amortizing the initial time cost of profile creation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If predictive models are generated for node location, then the accuracy of location prediction improves, but the computational resources and processing time required increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction accuracyVSAvoidmodel generation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the predictive modeling process into distinct phases: data collection, hierarchical clustering of location estimates, sequence modeling of stationary periods, and behavioral profile generation. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, improving overall prediction accuracy while managing computational resources more efficiently through structured processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary clustering and sequence modeling to identify stationary periods and create behavioral profiles before generating final predictive models. These pre-computed behavioral profiles serve as the foundation for location predictions, reducing the computational burden during actual prediction operations and improving the efficiency of the modeling process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10542517B1Characterizing movement behaviors of wireless nodes in a network
Publication Date: 2020.01.21 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US10542517B1 patent drawing
  • US10542517B1 patent drawing
  • US10542517B1 patent drawing

AI summary

In one embodiment, a device receives location estimates for a wireless node in a network, each location estimate having an associated timestamp. The device applies hierarchical clustering to the received location estimates and their associated timestamps, to identify locations and points in time in which the wireless node was stationary. The device performs sequence modeling on the identified locations and points in time in which the wireless node was stationary, to form a sequence of locations and associated time periods in which the wireless node was stationary. The device associates the wireless node with a behavioral profile based on the sequence of locations and associated time periods in which the wireless node. The device generates, based in part on the behavioral profile for the wireless node, a predictive model that predicts a location of the wireless node at a particular point in time.