Wireless Sensor Network Relay Nodes for Asset Locationing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless sensor networks face challenges in efficient installation, deployment, maintenance, and operation, particularly in large environments, due to complexities in tracking assets and providing accurate locationing services.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for deploying and managing wireless tags in a network, which includes a computing device that receives user inputs to locate assets, wirelessly transmits requests to nearby relay network nodes, and receives location data from these nodes, enabling the network to locate assets and provide their locations to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If wireless tags are deployed in large environments to track assets, then locationing coverage is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large environment into multiple zones with relay network nodes that segment the network into manageable parts. Each relay node handles location requests for its specific zone, reducing the complexity any single node must manage while extending overall coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
Relay network nodes are introduced as intermediaries between wireless tags and the central computing device. These relay nodes receive location requests, query their local databases, and forward results, simplifying the communication architecture and reducing the burden on individual nodes.
2Measurement precision
If multiple relay network nodes are deployed to extend coverage, then locationing accuracy is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay network nodes automatically discover each other through wireless communication and self-configure their roles in the network. The system autonomously establishes communication paths between nodes without requiring manual configuration, significantly simplifying installation while maintaining locationing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts communication parameters such as transmission power and listening intervals based on the operational environment. This allows the network to adapt to varying conditions, maintaining locationing accuracy without requiring precise manual setup during installation.
3Speed
If relay network nodes continuously broadcast location data, then locationing response time is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous broadcasting, relay network nodes transmit location data periodically at optimized intervals. The system adjusts the frequency of these transmissions based on network conditions and request patterns, maintaining acceptable response times while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where relay nodes monitor their own energy consumption and the activity level of the network. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts transmission intervals and power levels, optimizing the balance between locationing response speed and energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments, a method includes receiving, by a computing device, a user input corresponding to an asset on a client application executing on the computing device. Responsive to receiving the user input, the computing device wirelessly transmits a request for information on a wireless tag associated with the asset directly to a nearby relay network node of a network of wireless tags. The computing device receives a location of the wireless tag associated with the asset directly from the relay network node. In response to receiving the request for information, the relay network node transmits advertising packets including an identifier of the wireless tag to nearby network nodes of the network of wireless tags.