Wireless Node Association Using Signal Strength Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing commissioning process for associating node devices in a network, such as lighting and sensing devices, is costly in terms of time and human resources, especially for large deployments like parking lighting systems.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first type of node device automatically associates with a second type of node device based on signal strength levels and percentages, using preconfigured device credentials, to facilitate interaction without manual commissioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual commissioning by field engineers is used to associate node devices, then reliable network configuration is achieved, but time and human resource costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service commissioning where node devices automatically associate with each other using preconfigured device credentials. The first node device receives signals from the second node device, calculates signal strength percentages, and automatically determines association without requiring field engineer intervention, thereby eliminating manual commissioning time while maintaining reliable network configuration through automated verification
Solution Approach 2:
Device credentials are preconfigured in node devices during manufacturing before deployment. This preliminary configuration enables devices to automatically authenticate and associate with each other upon installation, eliminating the need for on-site manual configuration and significantly reducing commissioning time while ensuring reliable network setup
2Reliability
If manual commissioning by field engineers is used to associate node devices, then proper device interaction is ensured, but deployment costs increase due to travel expenses and human resources
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service deployment where node devices automatically perform association and configuration without requiring field engineers. Devices use preconfigured credentials to authenticate and establish interactions, eliminating travel expenses and human resource costs while maintaining reliable device interaction through automated signal strength verification and percentage calculations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual commissioning process with an automated electronic system. Field engineers physically visiting sites are replaced by automated electronic verification where node devices calculate signal strength percentages and automatically determine associations, transforming a labor-intensive physical process into a cost-effective automated electronic system
3Productivity
If automated association based on signal strength percentage is used, then deployment time is reduced, but association accuracy must be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the first node device continuously receives signals from the second node device and calculates signal strength percentages. This feedback loop allows the system to verify association accuracy by measuring actual signal characteristics and comparing them against threshold values, ensuring accurate associations while maintaining rapid deployment through automated verification
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes in signal strength thresholds and percentage calculations to control association accuracy. By adjusting threshold parameters and calculating percentages based on signal strength variations, the system achieves both rapid automated deployment and accurate association verification, resolving the contradiction between speed and precision
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of associating a first type of node device and a second type of node device in a network is disclosed. The network comprises a plurality of first type of node devices and a plurality of second type of node devices operatively interconnected with each other, each first type of node device and each second type of node device comprise a wireless communication module. The method is performed by a first type of node device and comprising the steps of: receiving a first number of signals each having a signal strength level from a second type of node device; calculating a percentage of received signals with a signal strength level higher than a predetermined signal strength threshold; and associating the first type of node device with the second type of node device if the percentage is higher than a threshold percentage by configuring the first type of node device to react to messages from the second type of node device.