Method and apparatus for remote configuration of sensor data collection
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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 significant redesign or redeployment when new sensors or application features are introduced, and existing solutions lack scalability and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A plug-and-play universal sensor interface allows sensor module units to be deployed separately from wireless nodes, enabling flexible and cost-effective customization of sensor networks by supporting various types of sensors without requiring reconfiguration of the wireless network infrastructure, thereby reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless sensor networks are deployed with integrated sensors, then the network can function initially, but significant redesign or redeployment is required when new sensors or application features are introduced, leading to high installation and maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sensor network into separate modular components: wireless nodes and sensor module units. Each sensor type can be independently deployed as a separate module that communicates with the wireless network, allowing individual sensors to be added or modified without redesigning the entire network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless nodes are designed with universal communication capabilities that can interface with multiple types of sensor module units. This universal interface allows the same wireless network infrastructure to support various sensor types and application features without requiring specific customization for each sensor.
2Ease of manufacture
If wireless sensor networks require significant redesign for new sensors, then initial deployment is straightforward, but maintenance costs and downtime increase when updates are needed
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into independent wireless nodes and sensor module units, the patent enables simple initial deployment of the wireless infrastructure followed by independent addition of sensor modules. Maintenance becomes easier as individual sensor modules can be updated or replaced without affecting the core wireless network.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless network infrastructure is preliminarily deployed with universal communication protocols and interfaces before specific sensors are added. This preliminary setup creates a flexible foundation that simplifies subsequent sensor additions and maintenance operations.
3Device complexity
If sensors are integrated into wireless nodes, then the network structure is simplified, but scalability and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates wireless communication functionality (in wireless nodes) from sensing functionality (in sensor module units). This segmentation maintains relatively simple network structure while dramatically improving scalability and flexibility, as new sensors can be added as independent modules without complicating the core wireless infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless node acts as an intermediary between the wireless network infrastructure and various sensor module units. This intermediary layer maintains structural simplicity at the network level while enabling diverse sensor connections through standardized communication protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A configured mode of operation of a wireless sensor node unit can selectively activate a first subset of sensor channels of data and selectively deactivate a second subset of sensor channels of data. The configured mode of operation customizes the sensor functionality in the wireless sensor node unit in support of the delivery of data streams to customers.