Wireless Sensor Network Initialization Protocol

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication protocols for wireless sensor networks face challenges in efficiently initializing, configuring, and maintaining networks while complying with regulatory requirements, particularly in ensuring unique frequency and network identifier selection to avoid interference and ensure reliable data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for initializing and configuring wireless sensor networks that involve node discovery, authentication, unique identifier assignment, and frequency selection using ambient Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) readings and network polls to ensure compliance with US and European regulatory standards, minimizing collisions and interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wireless sensor networks use existing communication protocols for initialization and configuration, then network setup can be performed, but interference and collisions occur due to lack of unique frequency and network identifier selection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliable data transmissionVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing frequency selection and network identifier assignment during the initialization phase before normal operation begins. Nodes conduct network polls and select frequencies in advance, ensuring unique identifiers are assigned before data transmission starts, thereby preventing interference and collisions during operational communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through network polls where nodes transmit their current frequency and identifier information back to other nodes. This feedback loop enables nodes to detect collisions and interference conditions, allowing the system to adjust frequency selections and identifier assignments to avoid harmful interactions during data transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of manufacture

If wireless sensor networks operate without unique frequency and network identifier selection, then network setup is simpler, but regulatory compliance is compromised and interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork initializationVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling nodes to autonomously perform frequency selection and network identifier assignment through distributed algorithms. Each node independently conducts network polls, evaluates available frequencies, and selects appropriate identifiers without requiring centralized coordination, thereby maintaining regulatory compliance while avoiding interference through autonomous decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically selecting and changing frequency parameters and network identifier parameters during initialization. Nodes adjust these parameters based on detected interference conditions and regulatory requirements, transitioning from default or fixed parameters to optimized parameters that ensure compliance and minimize interference while maintaining relatively simple initialization procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If existing communication protocols are used without modification, then protocol simplicity is maintained, but network performance and longevity are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol complexityVSAvoidnetwork performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the network initialization and configuration process into distinct phases: network polling phase, frequency selection phase, and identifier assignment phase. This segmentation allows the protocol to maintain relative simplicity in each individual phase while achieving enhanced overall network performance through systematic progression through well-defined stages that ensure unique frequency and identifier selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enables efficient network initialization and operation by ensuring unique frequency and network identifier selection, reducing interference and ensuring reliable data transmission while meeting regulatory requirements, thereby improving network performance and longevity.

Implementation Method 1

frequency selection using ambient Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) readings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication):

Data Source

PatentUS7426190B2System and method for a communication protocol for wireless sensor systems including systems with high priority asynchronous message and low priority synchronous message

Publication Date: 2008.09.16 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

AI summary

A method for initializing a wireless network is provided which includes discovering at least one node of the wireless network that is within hearing range of a base station of the wireless network, authenticating the at least one discovered node, assigning a node identifier to the at least one discovered node, and selecting a network frequency, at least one backup frequency, and a locally unique network identifier.