Wireless Sensor Synchronization via Error-Corrected Start Messages

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional wired control and data acquisition systems face challenges in installation, reliability, and safety, particularly in environments where cables must be draped over complex or hazardous areas, and wireless systems struggle with interference and synchronization issues.

Innovation Solution

A wireless interface system with message prioritization, frequency hopping, and collision detection is used to synchronize devices, allowing for reliable start signal distribution and error correction, enabling flexible installation and maintaining synchronization across multiple devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired systems are used to connect sensors and control devices, then reliable signal transmission and synchronization are achieved, but installation complexity and safety hazards increase due to cable draping over complex or hazardous areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. Sensors and control devices communicate via wireless signals instead of physical cables, eliminating the need to drape cables over complex terrain or hazardous areas while maintaining signal transmission capability. This substitution resolves the contradiction by removing the installation complexity and safety hazards associated with wired systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If wired systems are used for sensor arrangements, then synchronization is maintained, but safety is compromised due to tripping hazards and interference with drainage paths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidsafety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates physical cables that create tripping hazards and interfere with drainage paths by implementing wireless communication between all system components. Sensors, control devices, and timing systems communicate through wireless signals, completely removing the safety hazards associated with cable deployment in areas where personnel move or where water drainage is critical.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If wireless systems are used to avoid installation issues, then ease of installation improves, but synchronization reliability deteriorates due to interference and collision detection issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidsynchronization reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms including collision detection and acknowledgment protocols to ensure reliable synchronization. When a control device transmits a start signal, it waits for acknowledgment from sensors. If no acknowledgment is received or if signal collision is detected, the system retransmits the signal. This feedback loop maintains synchronization reliability despite the wireless medium's susceptibility to interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary collision detection before transmitting signals and uses acknowledgment protocols to verify successful reception before proceeding. This preliminary action ensures that wireless transmissions are coordinated to avoid conflicts, maintaining synchronization reliability while preserving the installation ease of wireless systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If centralized timer systems are used with wired connections, then start synchronization is provided for all stopping sensors, but the system becomes difficult to install temporarily and requires expensive sealant and containment technologies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestart synchronizationVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the centralized wired timer system with a distributed wireless system where the control device transmits start signals wirelessly to multiple sensors. Each sensor receives the start signal independently through wireless communication, eliminating the need for physical cable routing around pool perimeters, diving platforms, and spectator seating. This substitution maintains start synchronization while dramatically simplifying installation for temporary events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8085623B2Synchronization of a plurality of devices in a wireless sensor arrangement

Publication Date: 2011.12.27 COOL RIVER SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

Two or more wirelessly networked devices for control or data acquisition functions for real-time application are provided with a error corrected synchronization and data collection process. A single start device transmits a start message, followed by each stop device acknowledging that start message. If one or more stop devices fails to acknowledge the initial start message, one or more start messages are transmitted including an elapsed time since the initial start message. Each stop device receives the initial start message and any subsequent start messages, using the elapsed time in the start message to synchronize a local timer. Upon stop event detection, each stop device records its local timer value and subsequently transmits that value to a collection device or console.