Communication protocol for low-power network applications and a network of sensors using the same
US8223744B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 15, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jul 17, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 15, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2209/883
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A network sensor system is provided that is capable of extremely low-power operation. The network sensor system implements a communication protocol that allows the sensors to operate at most times in a sleep mode, where only a low-power time is active. In this way, each sensor's receiver, transmitter, and support circuitry are operated only when strictly necessary. The network has a defined network time frame, and each device maintains and adjusts its own clock and relationship with the network time. In this way, each sensor is aware about when it may be sent a message, and opens a short listen window only when such a message is expected. If no message is received, or if the message is addressed to another sensor, the sensor goes back to sleep. The sensor's transmitter is only activated in the case where the message 1) is received during the listen period, 2) is addressed to the sensor, and 3) requires a transmission action. Otherwise, the transmitter remains deactivated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.