System, method and apparatus for wireless sensor network configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high installation and maintenance costs of wireless sensor networks limit their penetration into the marketplace due to the need for customized and static sensor solutions that do not easily adapt to changing application requirements, leading to inefficiencies and increased expenses when new sensors or features are introduced.
Innovation Solution
A plug-and-play universal sensor interface allows sensor module units to be easily connected and disconnected from wireless nodes, enabling flexible deployment and customization without requiring significant reconfiguration of the network infrastructure, thus reducing costs and enabling seamless scaling with dynamic sensor application objectives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If customized and static sensor solutions are used, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and installation/maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal sensor interface that can accommodate multiple sensor types through a single standardized connection mechanism. This universal interface allows different sensor modules to be interconnected with wireless nodes without requiring customized integration for each sensor type, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable sensor solutions through standardized protocols and connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If customized sensor solutions are deployed, then adaptability to specific applications is improved, but ease of manufacture and deployment are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor network into modular segments where sensor modules, wireless nodes, and gateway components can be independently manufactured and then easily assembled. Each module maintains standardized interfaces that enable flexible configuration for different applications without requiring complex custom manufacturing, thus improving both adaptability and ease of deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal sensor interface enables a single standardized connection mechanism to support multiple sensor types and application scenarios. This universality allows the same hardware platform to be manufactured once and then adapted to various applications through software configuration rather than custom manufacturing, significantly improving ease of manufacture while maintaining application adaptability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If static sensor network configuration is used, then system stability is improved, but adaptability to changing requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic configuration capability where the sensor network can be reconfigured through software updates and module reconnections without physical restructuring. The standardized interfaces maintain system stability during operation while enabling easy adaptation when requirements change, allowing hot-swapping of sensor modules and remote configuration updates that preserve stability while enhancing adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote user can specify data collection and processing characteristics of a wireless sensor network. In one example, a configuration station enables a user to activate/deactivate different sensor channels of data to support a delivery of data streams to customers. In another example, a configuration station enables a user to specify reporting intervals for different sensor channels of data. In yet another example, a configuration station enables a user to specify transformation functions for different sensor channels of data. The remote configuration process can be applied to every sensor in every sensor module unit attached to every wireless node at a monitored location.