Wireless Sensor Network Reconfiguration via Dynamic Anchor Role Assignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless sensor networks face challenges in reconfiguring mobile and hybrid networks without requiring redundancy or physically moving anchors to fill coverage holes, especially in complex and expensive environments where node position accuracy is critical.
Innovation Solution
A method for reconfiguring wireless sensor networks using a tree architecture, where a central server identifies and transforms subordinate anchors into coordinating anchors based on minimum distance and link quality criteria, allowing the network to maintain synchronization and coverage without physical node movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS receivers or triangulation systems are equipped on anchor nodes to determine position, then position accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces GPS receivers and triangulation systems (complex hardware) with a software-based solution using beacon signal timing. Nodes determine relative positions by measuring time of arrival of beacons from coordinating anchors, eliminating the need for expensive position determination hardware while maintaining the ability to track node positions in the network
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central server as an intermediary that collects timing information from nodes and calculates positions centrally. This mediator processes the raw beacon timing data and provides position information to nodes, simplifying the individual node hardware while maintaining accurate position tracking through centralized computation
2Reliability
If static maintenance strategy is used to replace failing nodes with redundant nodes, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic maintenance where the network automatically adapts to node failures by having surviving nodes assume coordinating anchor roles. Instead of static redundancy, the system dynamically reconfigures by selecting new coordinating anchors from remaining nodes based on their beacon reception capabilities, allowing the network to maintain reliability without pre-deployed redundant hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The network performs self-healing by automatically detecting coordinate anchor failures and selecting replacement nodes without external intervention. The system uses the existing node infrastructure to identify and promote new coordinating anchors, eliminating the need for separate maintenance equipment or manual reconfiguration while restoring network functionality
3Reliability
If dynamic maintenance strategy is used to reconfigure network by moving replacement nodes, then network reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical node movement with logical reconfiguration. Instead of mechanically moving nodes to new positions, the system changes the roles and relationships of existing nodes through software - selecting new coordinating anchors and updating their beacon transmission parameters. This eliminates the complexity of physical relocation while achieving the same reliability improvement
4Adaptability or versatility
If anchor nodes are equipped with position determination systems to enable autonomous movement, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides adaptability through dynamic role assignment rather than physical movement. Nodes can transition between being regular nodes and coordinating anchors based on network conditions and failures. This logical adaptability allows the network to respond to changes without requiring nodes to physically relocate or have complex position determination and movement control systems
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reconfiguring a network of wireless sensors in which certain nodes, referred to as coordinating anchors, emit beacon signals, and others, referred to as subordinated anchors, receive the signals only for synchronisation purposes. The whole network synchronises from peer to peer via wireless links from a primary anchor, the various nodes being further configured, via an auxiliary channel, from a central server. When a node loses its synchronisation, one or more subordinated anchors can be transformed into coordinating anchors by the central server so as to restore the synchronisation of the node. Likewise, when an electronic tag moves through the network, subordinated anchors can be transformed dynamically into coordinating anchors in order to ensure the synchronisation of the tag.