Wireless Node Networking via Power-Up Time Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless networking methods for radio or communication nodes are cumbersome and prone to user error due to the need for manual intervention, such as keying in common keys or switching DIP switches, which can lead to incorrect networking and increased time and expense.
Innovation Solution
A method where radio nodes sharing a common power supply automatically network by sending a start signal upon power-up, with slave nodes joining the network of a Master node if they receive the signal within a predetermined time window, eliminating the need for user intervention and reducing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual networking methods (keying in common keys, switching DIP switches) are used, then security measures can be implemented, but user intervention is required which leads to user frustration, user error, and increased time and expense
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs networking automatically without user intervention. When power is applied to multiple nodes connected to the same breaker, they self-identify as belonging to the same vehicle through elapsed time comparison and automatically establish network connections, eliminating the need for manual key entry or switch configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures nodes with identical elapsed time values at power-up. This preliminary action allows nodes to automatically recognize they belong to the same vehicle network before actual communication begins, enabling seamless automatic networking without user input
2Reliability
If manual networking methods are used, then security measures can be implemented, but the process requires time and expense to complete
Solution Approach 1:
The networking process occurs automatically as soon as power is applied to the nodes. The system eliminates manual configuration steps entirely, reducing setup time from potentially lengthy manual processes to an automatic background operation that completes without user involvement
Solution Approach 2:
Nodes are pre-programmed with networking logic and elapsed time tracking capabilities. This preliminary preparation allows the actual networking to occur instantly upon power-up through automatic elapsed time comparison, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual configuration steps
3Reliability
If manual networking methods are used, then security measures can be implemented, but user error can lead to incorrect networking with too few or too many nodes joining
Solution Approach 1:
Each node automatically determines its own network membership by comparing its elapsed time since power-up with received signals from other nodes. This self-service approach eliminates user error entirely, as the system objectively determines network boundaries based on synchronized timing rather than subjective user input
Solution Approach 2:
Nodes transmit their elapsed time values to each other and compare received values with their own. This feedback mechanism provides objective verification of network membership, ensuring that only nodes powered from the same source (and thus having identical elapsed times) join the same network, preventing both under-networking and over-networking
Data Source
AI summary
A method of wirelessly networking a system of at least first and second communication nodes includes obtaining a common power source for the at least first and second communication nodes, switching on the common power source, and establishing a power-up time. Each of the first and second communication nodes is capable of tracking the time since the power-up time. The method includes sending a start signal from one of the first and second communication nodes, wherein the start signal occurs after the power-up time and includes at least information of the elapsed time since the power up time. The method includes networking the other of the first and second communication nodes with the one of the first and second communication nodes sending the start signal, if the elapsed time of the other of the first and second communication nodes approximately matches the elapsed time provided in the start signal.