Wireless Network Superframe Structure for Node Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication systems for short distance wireless networks, such as ZigBee, face challenges in reducing power consumption and dynamically changing network configurations, as nodes must constantly be powered on for broadcast communication and require preliminary node settings.
Innovation Solution
A communication system with a management node that uses a superframe structure to manage data transmission and reception, allowing nodes to enter a low power state during non-communication periods and dynamically adjust network configurations by updating broadcast information frames to include data communication periods for specific nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If broadcast communication is performed for node search and network establishment, then network establishment capability is improved, but power consumption increases because communication units must remain constantly powered on
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by dividing communication into structured superframes containing broadcast periods and data communication periods. Nodes wake up periodically to receive broadcast information frames during broadcast periods, then can sleep during data communication periods when they are not transmitting or receiving data. This periodic structure allows nodes to balance between being active for network establishment and sleeping to conserve energy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If asynchronous response frames are used for node communication, then network flexibility is improved, but power consumption increases as nodes cannot transition to low power states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the superframe structure configurable and adaptable. The broadcast information frame dynamically updates the superframe structure based on the number of nodes and communication requirements. This allows the system to transition from a static asynchronous response model to a dynamic structured model where timing and periods are adjusted based on actual network conditions, enabling nodes to predict when to wake and sleep.
3Device complexity
If the number of nodes is preliminarily set as a parameter, then network configuration simplicity is improved, but dynamic network change capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the superframe structure and broadcast information frame format, which simplifies initial configuration. However, it combines this with dynamic updates where the broadcast information frame carries updated superframe structure information that reflects the current number of nodes. This allows the system to start with a simple predefined structure but adapt dynamically as nodes are added or removed from the network.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system which can automatically construct a network, as well as reducing power consumption of each node in the network is provided.A child node calculates a timing of next receiving broadcast information based on timing information included in broadcast information. It then accepts input of broadcast information transmitted from a management node and transmits a registration request. It further accepts input of broadcast information transmitted from the management node and determines whether or not it is registered in the network based on slot assignment information included in the broadcast information. If the child node determines that it is registered in the network, it calculates a timing for receiving a reply request transmitted from the management node.