Energy-efficient network protocol and node device for sensor networks
AssigneeITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
InventorChang-June Yoon
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An “on-demand” approach for a routing protocol for a wireless network that achieves balanced energy consumption among all participating nodes in the network. Synchronization messages transmitted by nodes associated with an upstream node include local node information (LNI) that a node can use to repair or bypass a lost upstream node in a real or virtual (temporary) manner depending upon the local node's battery level. Only if a repair process fails will a global re-organization (Re-Org) be initiated. The LNI also allows for nodes having lower power availability (battery level) not to transmit the LNI so that unaffiliated node(s) can select an upstream node having more power availability thereby extending network life.
Claims42
A method for forming a wireless network comprised of a plurality of nodes that transmit and receive information between each other and ultimately to a main node in a tree-like configuration, comprising:
- a. receiving at a second node information transmitted by a first node, wherein the information indicates data routing responsibility of the first node;
- and
- b. determining at the second node whether to join the network at the first node based on the information received from the first node.
A method for changing routing responsibilities for a node in a wireless network comprised of a plurality of nodes that transmit and receive information between each other and ultimately to a main node in a tree-like configuration, comprising:
- a. broadcasting a first message from the node when the node determines that communication between it and its upstream node is compromised, wherein the first message informs downstream nodes associated with the node that a repair process is underway;
- and
- b. initiating a link between the node and another node in the network in a manner dependent on the power availability of the node.
A method for controlling the status of a node in a wireless sensor network, comprising causing the node to enter a lower power consumption state when the node has no data to transmit for a time period since a previous data transmission is greater than or equal to an activity timer value that is based on a number of node hops between the node and a main node that serves as a sink for data from the nodes.
A method for controlling when a node in a wireless sensor network transmits routing update information to other nodes in the network, comprising causing the node to transmit route update information to other nodes after a routing change has occurred and a time period greater than or equal to refresh timer value subsequent the routing change, wherein the refresh timer value is based on a number of node hops between the node and a main node that serves as a sink for data from the nodes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.