Wireless Node Threshold Control for Predictable Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mesh networks face unpredictable power consumption challenges, especially in battery-powered nodes, making it difficult to estimate battery lifespan due to variable data relaying requirements, unlike star networks where power usage is more predictable.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a threshold mechanism in wireless multi-hop networks where nodes only transmit data if a certain threshold of data amount or power usage is not reached, with the option to reset this threshold periodically, allowing for predictable power consumption and adjusting in real-time based on battery levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nodes in a mesh network relay data from other nodes to multiple destinations, then network connectivity and data delivery are improved, but power consumption becomes unpredictable and battery lifespan cannot be estimated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic threshold resetting for data relaying at each node. Nodes alternate between periods where they relay all received data and periods where they relay only a portion or none of the received data. This periodic action creates predictable power consumption patterns while maintaining network connectivity through multi-hop data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of data relaying behavior by introducing a threshold mechanism. Nodes adjust their relaying threshold based on their energy status, transitioning between states of high relaying activity and low or no relaying activity. This parameter change enables predictable power consumption while preserving essential network functionality.
2Productivity
If nodes transmit all received data to ensure complete data delivery, then data delivery completeness is improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing threshold-based data relaying where nodes transmit only a portion of received data rather than all data. During threshold periods, nodes relay limited data to conserve energy, while during non-threshold periods they may relay more data. This partial relaying approach balances data delivery completeness with battery lifespan extension.
Solution Approach 2:
Nodes periodically reset their relaying thresholds, creating alternating periods of higher and lower data transmission activity. This periodic behavior allows the network to achieve complete data delivery over time while controlling instantaneous power consumption to extend battery life.
3Productivity
If nodes reset thresholds frequently to maintain data flow, then network activity and data transmission are improved, but power consumption variability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes fixed periodic intervals for threshold resetting rather than frequent or irregular resets. This regular periodic action creates predictable power consumption cycles while maintaining adequate network activity levels. The periodic nature ensures that power consumption variability is bounded and predictable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous network functionality by ensuring that threshold resetting occurs at regular intervals, preventing complete data flow cessation. This continuous useful action preserves network activity while controlling power consumption variability through predictable resetting cycles.
Data Source
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AI summary
A network (20) of nodes (22) is provided in which the network (20) is a wireless multi-hop network. Data is wirelessly transmitted between nodes (22) and data is capable of being passed from a source node (22) to a sink node (22) in a multi-hop manner via one or more intermediate nodes (22). At least some of the nodes (22) are arranged such that a node (22) has a threshold (52) relating to the data that is transmitted by the node (22). If the threshold (52) has not been reached, then the node (22) transmits data that has been received from one node (22) and that is intended for another node (22) to another node (22). If the threshold (52) has been reached, then the node (22) does not transmit data that has been received from one node (22) and that is intended for another node (22) to another node (22).