U.S. patent application number 15/052172 was filed with the patent office on 2017-02-16 for wake-up broadcast including network information in common designation ad hoc wireless networking.
The applicant listed for this patent is Google Inc.. Invention is credited to Khanh MAI, Robert W. TWITCHELL, JR..
Application Number | 20170048798 15/052172 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40641861 |
Filed Date | 2017-02-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170048798 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
TWITCHELL, JR.; Robert W. ;
et al. |
February 16, 2017 |
WAKE-UP BROADCAST INCLUDING NETWORK INFORMATION IN COMMON
DESIGNATION AD HOC WIRELESS NETWORKING
Abstract
A data communication device includes both a two-way
communications component having a first receiver and transmitter,
and a second receiver. The second receiver activates the two-way
communications component from a dormant state upon receipt by the
second receiver of a wake-up broadcast that includes a wake-up
identifier of the data communication device. A method of providing
information via the second receiver--which information is auxiliary
to the wake-up of the two-way communications component--includes
transmitting a wake-up broadcast capable of being received by the
second receiver. The wake-up broadcast includes a data construct
including a wake-up identifier and the auxiliary information. The
wake-up identifier may or may not be a wake-up identifier of the
data communication device. Nevertheless, the auxiliary information
is received and recorded by the data communication device via the
second receiver with the two-way communications component remaining
in the dormant state.
Inventors: |
TWITCHELL, JR.; Robert W.;
(Cummings, GA) ; MAI; Khanh; (Alpharetta,
GA) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Google Inc. |
Mountain View |
CA |
US |
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|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20160219523 A1 |
July 28, 2016 |
|
|
Family ID: |
40641861 |
Appl. No.: |
15/052172 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13555897 |
Jul 23, 2012 |
9295099 |
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15052172 |
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12353197 |
Jan 13, 2009 |
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13555897 |
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PCT/US2008/054630 |
Feb 21, 2008 |
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12353197 |
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11618931 |
Jan 1, 2007 |
7907941 |
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PCT/US2008/054630 |
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60891008 |
Feb 21, 2007 |
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60766223 |
Jan 1, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 67/145 20130101;
Y02D 70/144 20180101; Y02D 30/70 20200801; Y02D 70/23 20180101;
Y02D 70/22 20180101; H04W 12/04 20130101; H04W 12/0017 20190101;
H04W 84/18 20130101; Y02D 70/142 20180101; H04W 52/0235 20130101;
Y02D 70/146 20180101; Y02D 70/164 20180101; Y02D 70/162
20180101 |
International
Class: |
H04W 52/02 20060101
H04W052/02; H04W 12/04 20060101 H04W012/04 |
Claims
1. In the operation of an ad hoc wireless network utilizing a data
communication device as a node of the network, wherein the data
communication device includes a two-way communications component
and a wake-up transceiver that receives a wake-up broadcast while
the two-way communications component remains in a dormant state, a
method comprising: transmitting the wake-up broadcast comprising a
data construct to one or more additional nodes of the network,
wherein the data construct comprises: a wake-up identifier of the
data communication device; a node identification; and an encryption
key, wherein the encryption key is configured to encrypt at least
the wake-up identifier and the node identification.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the encryption key follows the
wake-up identifier and the node identification in the data
construct.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the data construct comprises 40
bits, wherein a first 32 bits of the data construct include the
wake-up identifier and the node identification, and wherein a last
8 bits of the data construct include the encryption key.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the encryption key is a symmetric
encryption key.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the encryption key is an
asymmetric encryption key.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the data construct further
comprises a transmission count regarding wake-up broadcasts
transmitted by a node.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the data construct further
comprises application specific data.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the data construct further
comprises an indication of the status of a sensor.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the data communication device is
a node in a common designation wireless ad hoc sensor network.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the data communication device is
a node in a class based wireless ad hoc network.
11. A data communication device as a node of an ad hoc wireless
network, the data communication device comprising: a two-way
communications component; a wake-up transceiver, wherein the
transceiver receives a wake-up broadcast while the two-way
communications component remains in a dormant state; a memory; and
a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is
configured to execute instructions to: transmit the wake-up
broadcast comprising a data construct to one or more additional
nodes of the network, wherein the data construct comprises: a
wake-up identifier of the data communication device; a node
identification; and an encryption key, wherein the encryption key
is configured to encrypt at least the wake-up identifier and the
node identification.
12. The device of claim 11, wherein the encryption key follows the
wake-up identifier and the node identification in the data
construct.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the data construct comprises 40
bits, wherein a first 32 bits of the data construct include the
wake-up identifier and the node identification, and wherein a last
8 bits of the data construct include the encryption key.
14. The device of claim 11, wherein the encryption key is a
symmetric encryption key.
15. The device of claim 11, wherein the encryption key is an
asymmetric encryption key.
16. The device of claim 11, wherein the data construct further
comprises a transmission count regarding wake-up broadcasts
transmitted by a node.
17. The device of claim 11, wherein the data construct further
comprises application specific data.
18. The device of claim 11, wherein the data construct further
comprises an indication of the status of a sensor.
19. The device of claim 11, wherein the data communication device
is a node in a common designation wireless ad hoc sensor
network.
20. The device of claim 11, wherein the data communication device
is a node in a class based wireless ad hoc network.
21. A data communication device as a node of an ad hoc wireless
network, the data communication device comprising: a two-way
communications component; a wake-up transceiver, wherein the
wake-up transceiver receives a wake-up broadcast while the two-way
communications component remains in a dormant state; a processor;
and a non-transitory processor readable medium, coupled to the
processor, including instructions to: transmit the wake-up
broadcast comprising a data construct to one or more additional
nodes of the network, wherein the data construct comprises: a
wake-up identifier of the data communication device; a node
identification; and an encryption key, wherein the encryption key
is configured to encrypt at least the wake-up identifier and the
node identification.
22. The device of claim 21, wherein the encryption key follows the
wake-up identifier and the node identification in the data
construct.
23. The device of claim 22, wherein the data construct comprises 40
bits, wherein a first 32 bits of the data construct include the
wake-up identifier and the node identification, and wherein a last
8 bits of the data construct include the encryption key.
24. The device of claim 21, wherein the encryption key is a
symmetric encryption key.
25. The device of claim 21, wherein the encryption key is an
asymmetric encryption key.
26. The device of claim 21, wherein the data construct further
comprises a transmission count regarding wake-up broadcasts
transmitted by a node.
27. The device of claim 21, wherein the data construct further
comprises application specific data.
28. The device of claim 21, wherein the data construct further
comprises an indication of the status of a sensor.
29. The device of claim 21, wherein the data communication device
is a node in a common designation wireless ad hoc sensor
network.
30. The device of claim 21, wherein the data communication device
is a node in a class based wireless ad hoc network.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a U.S. continuation patent
application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 to,
U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 13/555,897, filed
Jul. 23, 2012, which published as USPA Pub. No. 2013/0223420, which
is a U.S. continuation patent application of, and claims priority
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 to, Ser. No. 12/353,197, filed Jan. 13,
2009, which published as USPA Pub. No. 2009/0129306, which is a
U.S. continuation patent application of, and claims priority under
35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 to, international patent application serial
number PCT/US2008/054630 filed on Feb. 21, 2008, and designating
the United States, which published as WO2008/103861 on Aug. 28,
2008, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to, U.S.
provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/891,008, filed Feb. 21,
2007. Each of these patent applications and patent application
publications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] The present application incorporates herein by reference
each of: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,745,027; 6,934,540; 7,209,771; and
7,221,668 as well as U.S. Patent Appl. Publication Nos.
2006/0276161; 2006/0287008; 2007/0002792; and 2007/0155327.
[0003] COPYRIGHT STATEMENT
[0004] All of the material in this patent document is subject to
copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States
and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the
facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the
patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records
but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are
reserved.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Wireless ad hoc networks comprise nodes that communicate
without central control or wired infrastructure. Such networks may
have dynamic, randomly-changing, multihop topologies composed of
wireless data communication links between the nodes. Ad hoc
networks are advantageous because they are inexpensive,
fault-tolerant, and flexible.
[0006] The present invention relates to improvements in wireless ad
hoc networks and, m particular, improvements in such networks that
utilize common designation networking.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention broadly relates to improved common
designation networking and common designation networks and, in
particular, to wireless communications utilizing improved common
designation networking and common designation networks within
wireless ad hoc networking environments.
[0008] Broadly described, the present invention includes many
aspects and features.
[0009] The invention relates to ad hoc wireless networking
utilizing a data communication device as a node of the network,
wherein the data communication device includes both a two-way
communications component comprising a first receiver and
transmitter, and a second receiver, and wherein the second receiver
activates the two-way communications component from a dormant state
upon receipt by the second receiver of a wake-up broadcast that
includes a wake-up identifier of the data communication device.
[0010] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a method of
providing information via the second receiver--which information is
auxiliary to the wake-up of the two-way data communications
component--includes transmitting a wake-up broadcast. The wake-up
broadcast is capable of being received by the second receiver if in
broadcast range, and the wake-up broadcast includes a data
construct comprising a wake-up identifier and the auxiliary
information. The wake-up identifier may or may not be the wake-up
identifier of the data communication device. Nevertheless, the
auxiliary information is received and recorded by the data
communication device via the second receiver with the two-way
communications component remaining in the dormant state.
[0011] In another aspect of the invention, a method of receiving
information by the data communication device via the second
receiver--which information is auxiliary to the wake-up of two-way
communications component--includes the steps of: receiving a
wake-up broadcast, the wake-up broadcast including a data construct
comprising a wake-up identifier and the auxiliary information;
storing the auxiliary information in memory of the data
communication device; and activating the two-way communications
component from a dormant state, in response to receipt of the
wake-up broadcast, if a wake-up identifier of the data
communications device is found in the wake-up broadcast, and not
activating the two-way communications component from a dormant
state, in response to receipt of the wake-up broadcast, if a
wake-up identifier of the data communications device is not found
in the wake-up broadcast.
[0012] In features of these aspects, the auxiliary information
comprises a node identification from which the wake-up broadcast is
transmitted; the auxiliary information comprises a transmission
count regarding wake-up broadcasts transmitted by a node; the
auxiliary information comprises an encryption key; the auxiliary
information comprises application specific data; and/or the
auxiliary information comprises an indication of the status of a
sensor.
[0013] In additional features, the second receiver draws
substantially less current while listening for a wake-up broadcast
than the two-way communications component would draw while
listening for a wake-up broadcast; the second receiver draws less
current while listening for a wake-up broadcast than the two-way
communications component would draw while listening for a wake-up
broadcast, the difference in current draw being at least an order
of magnitude (such as milliamps versus microamps); and/or the
second receiver utilizes a stepped wake-up sequence based on at
least two criteria, and wherein the last criteria before awakening
the two-way communications component comprises identifying a
wake-up identifier of the data communication device in the wake-up
broadcast.
[0014] In another feature, of these aspects, the second receiver is
part of a wake-up transceiver, and the wake-up transceiver further
comprises a second transmitter of the data communication device
that is configured to transmit a wake-up broadcast for receipt by
another wake-up receiver of another data communication device.
[0015] In various implementations of these aspects, the data
communication device is a node in a common designation wireless ad
hoc sensor network; and/or the data communication device is a node
in a class based wireless ad hoc network.
[0016] In yet additional features of these aspects, the auxiliary
information is used by the data communication device for
facilitating network communications by the two-way communications
component. In this regard, the auxiliary information may include
network information that is reviewed by the data communication
device when determining network paths for communicating with a
desired node, whereby network communications are facilitated. The
network information may include: the identification of one or more
nodes that are within direct communication range of the data
communication device; the identification of a gateway node that is
within direct communication range of the data communication device;
the identification of one or more nodes from which wake-up
broadcasts have been received, either directly or indirectly, by
the second wake-up receiver; and/or the identification of one or
more common designations from which wake-up broadcasts have been
received, either directly or indirectly, by the second wake-up
receiver.
[0017] Another aspect of the invention includes computer executable
instructions stored in a computer readable medium for performing
any of the foregoing aspects and features, including any
combinations thereof.
[0018] In yet another aspect of the invention, an ad hoc wireless
network system includes an ad hoc wireless network utilizing a
plurality of data communication devices as nodes of the network;
wherein each data communication device includes both a two-way
communications component, comprising a first receiver and
transmitter, and a second receiver, wherein the second receiver
activates the two-way communications component from a dormant state
upon receipt by the second receiver of a wake-up broadcast that
includes a wake-up identifier of the data communication device; and
wherein information is provided via each second receiver, which
information is auxiliary to the wake-up of the two-way
communications component, by transmitting a wake-up broadcast,
which the second receiver is capable of receiving, that includes a
data construct comprising a wake-up identifier and the auxiliary
information.
[0019] In still another aspect of the invention, a data
communication device for utilization as a node in an ad hoc
wireless network includes a two-way communications component
comprising a first receiver and transmitter; and a second receiver,
wherein the second receiver activates the two-way communications
component from a dormant state upon receipt by the second receiver
of a wake-up broadcast that includes a wake-up identifier of the
data communication device; wherein information is provided via the
second receiver, which information is auxiliary to the wake-up of
the two-way communications component, by transmitting a wake-up
broadcast, which the second receiver is capable of receiving, that
includes a data construct comprising a wake-up identifier and the
auxiliary information.
[0020] In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of
the invention, it should be noted that the invention further
includes the various possible combinations of such aspects and
features, including the combinations of such aspects and features
with those aspects and features of the incorporated references from
which priority is claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Particular embodiments of the invention are to be understood
according to the detailed descriptions that follow in conjunction
with the attached figures, wherein:
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a plurality of nodes that form wireless
ad hoc networks in accordance with common designation networking,
wherein node N5 is sending out a wake-up broadcast to nodes having
the "circle" common designation.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates the nodes of FIG. 1, wherein each of
nodes N1 and N3 propagates the wake-up broadcast from node N5 and
wherein each of nodes N1 and N3 engages in Bluetooth communications
with node N5.
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates the nodes of FIG. 1, wherein node N4
propagates the wake-up broadcast from node N5 and engages in
Bluetooth communications with node N3, and wherein node N1 engages
in Bluetooth communications with gateway G1.
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates the nodes of FIG. 1 during a period of
inactivity of transmissions between the nodes.
[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates the nodes of FIG. 1, wherein gateway G1
sends out a wake-up broadcast targeting node N1 and engages in
Bluetooth communications with node N1.
[0027] FIG. 6 illustrates the nodes of FIG. 1, wherein node N1
sends out a wake-up broadcast targeting node N5 and engages in
Bluetooth communications with node N5.
[0028] FIG. 7 illustrates a first exemplary data construct that is
included m the wake-up broadcast in accordance with the present
invention.
[0029] FIG. 8 illustrates a second exemplary data construct that is
included in the wake-up broadcast in accordance with the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 9 illustrates a third exemplary data construct that is
included m the wake-up broadcast in accordance with the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary table of wake-up
identifiers that may be maintained by node N2 in accordance with
the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary table of wake-up
identifiers that may be maintained by gateway G1 in accordance with
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by
one having ordinary skill in the relevant art ("Ordinary Artisan")
that the present invention has broad utility and application.
Various embodiments are discussed for illustrative purposes in
providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention.
Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations,
modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly
disclosed by the descriptions of embodiments herein and fall within
the scope of the present invention.
[0034] Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein
in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be
understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of
the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of
providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention.
The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not
intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent
protection afforded the present invention. It is not intended that
the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be
defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that
does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.
[0035] Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of
steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are
illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be
understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may
be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order,
the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being
carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an
indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or
methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences
and orders while still falling within the scope of the present
invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent
protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the
appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.
[0036] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used
herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand
such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein.
To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein--as understood
by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such
term--differs m any way from any particular dictionary definition
of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as
understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.
[0037] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein,
"a" and "an" each generally denotes "at least one," but does not
exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise.
Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having an apple" describes "a
picnic basket having at least one apple" as well as "a picnic
basket having apples." In contrast, reference to "a picnic basket
having a single apple" describes "a picnic basket having only one
apple."
[0038] When used herein to join a list of items, "or" denotes "at
least one of the items," but does not exclude a plurality of items
of the list. Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese or
crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese without
crackers", "a picnic basket having crackers without cheese", and "a
picnic basket having both cheese and crackers." Finally, when used
herein to join a list of items, "and" denotes "all of the items of
the list." Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese and
crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the
picnic basket further has crackers," as well as describes "a picnic
basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has
cheese."
[0039] Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-6 each illustrate a
plurality of nodes that form wireless ad hoc networks in accordance
with common designation networking. The nodes in FIGS. 1-6 comprise
nodes N1, N2, N3, N4, N5 and a gateway node G1. In each
illustration, each node N1, N2, N3, N4 and N5 has a particular
shape (a circle or a triangle), indicating a particular common
designation that applies to that node, and the gateway node G1 has
a square shape. In FIGS. 1-6, some of the shapes are shown with
visual emphasis (i.e., with thicker lines, sometimes referred to
herein as being shown in bold), indicating generally that the nodes
represented by those shapes are active as set forth herein.
[0040] In accordance with the invention, a "node" generally refers
to a wireless radio frequency data communication device that
comprises a two-way communications component in the form of a
transceiver that receives and transmits information wirelessly with
one or more other nodes. The data communication device preferably
includes a low-power radio frequency ("LPRF") data communication
device that communicates via data packets. The transmission of the
data packets may utilize, for example, transmission control
protocol ("TCP"). The two-way communications component of the data
communication device also preferably is a standards-based radio
("SBR") and comprises, for example, a Wi-Fi, WiMAX, CDMA, WCDMA,
GSM, ZigBee, Ultra-Wideband, or Bluetooth radio. Indeed, in
connection with the one or more preferred embodiments described
below, the SBR preferably comprises a Bluetooth radio.
[0041] Generally, in receiving or transmitting information
wirelessly between two nodes, a communications link is established
between the SBRs of the two nodes and an electronic message then is
transmitted via the communications link. Following transmission of
the electronic message, the communications link is disconnected and
the SBRs return to an inactive state for power conservation.
Alternatively, the communications link established between the data
communication devices of the two nodes may be maintained, if
desired, in order to provide continuous communications between the
two nodes without having to reestablish a communications link
therebetween. Establishing a continuous communications link between
two nodes without having to reestablish the communications link
therebetween is particularly desirable, for instance, in
transmitting real time audiovisual content, or in providing real
time audiovisual communications between persons. Such
person-to-person communications further may be "two-way" when each
data communication device at each node includes dual radios. This
is particularly true when Bluetooth radios are utilized, which do
not include duplex capabilities. Thus, for example, maintaining
continuous communications between two nodes each employing dual
radios is particularly desirable if data packets for Voice-over-IP
("VoIP") services are to be wirelessly transmitted between the two
nodes. Once the continuous communications are no longer needed, the
communications link is disconnected and the SBRs return to an
inactive state for power conservation.
[0042] The data communication device of a node of the wireless
network may be mobile or fixed at a particular location, and the
data communication device may include an internal power supply
source or utilize an external power supply source. The data
communication device also may include an interface for
communicating with an associated sensor or other data acquisition
device, which sensor may or may not form part of the node. The data
communication device constituting the node also or alternatively
may be attached to an asset that is to be monitored and/or tracked;
alternatively, the data communication device constituting the node
may be permanently affixed to a structure for monitoring and/or
tracking assets that come within proximity thereto.
[0043] With respect to a "gateway" node, the gateway node
preferably is configured for direct electronic communication with a
network that is external to any ad hoc wireless network that may be
formed by the nodes themselves. Communications between the gateway
and the external network may be wireless or hard wired and
comprise, for example, a network interface card that accepts a CAT
5 cable for Ethernet communications; a cellular transceiver for
communications via a cellular telephone network; a satellite
transceiver for communications via a satellite network; or any
combination thereof. The wired network itself may be a wide area
network ("WAN") and include the Internet. Such a node is called a
"gateway" node because it serves as a gateway for other nodes in
communicating via the external network. A computer system further
may be disposed in electronic communication with the same wired
network, whereby the computer system and each node of the wireless
network may communicate with each other through the external
network, such as the WAN, and the one or more gateways. Moreover,
the computer system may include application software and a
database, and the computer system may record and maintains
information regarding the wireless network, nodes thereof, and/or
data received therefrom. Such a computer system is sometimes
referred to as a "server" and may be utilized to track and/or
monitor asset that may be associated with the nodes. If the nodes
are utilized simply for monitoring purposes irrespective of assets,
such a server may be utilized for responding to conditions that are
sensed by one or more of then nodes, including alerting appropriate
third parties to a sensed condition.
[0044] In alternative embodiments, the server may be combined with
a gateway node itself, which combination sometimes may be referred
to as a "gateway controller" or "GC". In such embodiments the
gateway controller performs the aforementioned functions of the
server. Also, the gateway controller preferably is still configured
to communicate with an external network WAN, thereby providing an
avenue for communicating from remote locations via the WAN with the
gateway controller in order to access information that is recorded
and maintained by the gateway controller.
[0045] In accordance with the invention, the nodes utilize common
designation networking in combination with wake-up technologies.
Common designation networking is perhaps best disclosed in the
incorporated U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,745,027 and 7,221,668. When the nodes
are associated with assets, common designation identifiers
representing attributes or characteristics of the assets are
typically used, which common designations often are referred to as
"class" designations. Similarly, ad hoc networks formed based
thereon are often referred to as "class-based" networks and
communications in such networks are often referred to as
"class-based" communications. In accordance with common designation
networking, a node screens each transmission for a data identifier
that represents a common designation of that node. The node does
not process, route, or respond to an incoming transmission if the
data identifier is not found. As will be appreciated, common
designation networking greatly reduces RF noise when many nodes are
within broadcast range of each other and greatly increase operating
life of mobile nodes that dependent on battery sources, as the
nodes do not needlessly respond to all transmissions, filtering out
and processing, routing, and/or responding to only those
transmission bearing its common designation.
[0046] As further disclosed in the incorporated references, it will
be appreciated that a node may have more than one common
designation at any given time, and that a common designation may
represent a subset or a superset of another common designation
(sometimes referred to as class and subclass).
[0047] The wake-up technologies that are utilized in accordance
with the invention are perhaps best disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
7,209,771 and U.S. Patent Appl. Publication No. 2006/0287008. These
two incorporated references disclose alternative approaches for the
wake-up technologies that may be used.
[0048] Specifically, in incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 7,209,771, each
node of the wireless ad hoc network includes-in connection with the
SBR-a wake-up receiver that listens for a wake-up broadcast or
signal, referred to generally as a "wake-up broadcast," that
includes a common designation of that node. Upon receiving such a
wake-up broadcast, the wake-up receiver provides an electronic
signal that activates the SBR, which resides in a dormant state
(either off or in a reduced power standby mode) while the wake-up
receiver is listening for an applicable broadcast. The wake-up
receiver is a simplified receiver that draws much less current when
listening for an applicable broadcast compared to the current that
would be drawn by the SBR when listening for an applicable
broadcast. Hence, significant power conservation and long battery
life is achieved using such awake-up receiver.
[0049] Furthermore, this wake-up receiver may screen only for a
predetermined common designation, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Appl.
Publication No. 2006/0287008. Alternatively, a more complicated
stepped wake up of the SBR may be performed using the wake-up
receiver, wherein the wake-up receiver first screens for one or
more criteria before screening for the common designation in the
wake-up broadcast. Such a stepped wake-up methodology is disclosed,
for example, in the incorporated U.S. Patent Appl. Publication No.
US 2006/0276161. Screening for criteria that is indicative of an
actual wake-up broadcast being received can be beneficial when
significant RF noise is present, whereby false indications of the
receipt of a wake-up broadcast can be reduced.
[0050] In incorporated U.S. Patent Appl. Publication No.
2006/0287008, a wake-up transceiver is disclosed. The wake-up
transceiver is similar to the aforementioned wake-up receiver, but
further includes a transmitter by which a wake-up broadcast may be
transmitted without necessarily having to activate the SBR. In the
data communication devices of U.S. Pat. No. 7,209,771, the SBR
sends a wake-up broadcast whereas, in U.S. Patent Appl. Publication
No. 2006/0287008, the wake-up broadcast may be sent by the wake-up
transceiver without having to activate the SBR. Avoiding booting up
of the SBR has been found to result in significant power savings,
and while the SBR has additional features and functionality not
provided by the wake-up transceiver, such features and
functionality are not required in transmitting a wake-up
broadcast.
[0051] As used herein, "Wake-Up Component" is intended to mean
either a wake-up receiver or wake-up transceiver, as disclosed in
these incorporated references, the data communication device of
each node of FIG. 1 preferably includes such a Wake-Up
Component.
[0052] Turning now to FIG. 1, node N5 is illustrated in bold, which
represents that the SBR of node N5 is active. More particularly,
node N5 is transmitting a wake-up broadcast ("WU") to nodes in the
broadcast range that have a "circle" common designation. The nodes
within the broadcast range of node N5 are illustrated within the
dashed circle of which node N5 is located at the center. Those
nodes include nodes N1, N2, and N3, all of which include a dormant
SBR as indicated by the lack of bold emphasis, and the wake-up
broadcast is received by the Wake-Up Component of each of these
nodes.
[0053] In accordance with an exemplary implementation, the wake-up
broadcast includes the data construct with the hexadecimal value
"00010051" as illustrated in FIG. 1. The pieces of information
contained within the data construct in this exemplary
implementation of the wake-up broadcast is illustrated in FIG. 7.
As shown therein, the first sixteen bits (i.e., the first four
digits of the hexadecimal value shown in FIG. 1) represent the
wake-up identifier portion of the wake-up broadcast. The next
twelve bits (i.e., the next three digits of the hexadecimal value
shown in FIG. 1) represent an identification of the node initiating
the wake-up broadcast. Finally, the last four bits (i.e., the final
digit of the hexadecimal value shown in FIG. 1) represent a rolling
transmission or message count sent by the originating node.
Accordingly, in interpreting the data construct with the
hexadecimal value "00010051" illustrated in FIG. 1, the first four
digits "0001" identify the common designation (in this case,
defined as corresponding to the "circle" common designation); the
next three digits "005" identify the node (in this case, defined as
corresponding to NS) that is initiating the wake-up broadcast; and
the last digit identifies a transmission or message count of "1".
For reference, various common designations, node IDs, and gateway
IDs in an exemplary implementation are shown in the tables of FIGS.
10 and 11, and are exemplary in nature only.
[0054] As will now be apparent, the wake-up broadcast includes
information in addition to that which is required merely to effect
the wake-up of desired nodes. In particular, the wake-up broadcast
includes networking information that may assist any node listening
to the wake-up broadcast in facilitating networking communications
itself
[0055] Continuing with reference to FIG. 1, nodes N1 and N3 each
have the common designation of "circle," which is the common
designation identified in the wake-up broadcast transmitted by Node
N5. Thus, as shown in FIG. 2, the SBRs of these two nodes are
awakened by their respective Wake-Up Components and (1) each
propagates the wake-up broadcast received from node N5 by
transmitting a wake-broadcast with the same data construct value
00010051; and (2) each engages in Bluetooth communications with
Node N5 via the SBRs. The awakened state of the SBRs in nodes N1
and N3, as well as that of node N5, is represented by the bold
emphasis of nodes N1, N3 and N5 in FIG. 2.
[0056] It furthermore will be appreciated that, while node N2 was
within the range of the wake- broadcasts of nodes N5 and N1,
respectively, no common designation of node N2 was included in the
data construct of either broadcast. Thus, node N2 did not "wake up"
in response to either broadcast. On the other hand, node N2 has
"heard" the wake-up broadcasts and has made note of the following
networking information revealed by such wake-up broadcasts: (1) the
presence of node N5 having the "circle" common designation within
one hop from node N2; and (2) the presence of another node having
the "circle" common designation within the broadcast range of node
N2.
[0057] FIG. 3 represents the next sequence of events following
those of FIG. 2. In this regard, FIG. 3 illustrates that node N4,
which has the common designation of "circle", responds to the
wake-up broadcast propagated by node N3. As shown in FIG. 3, the
SBR of node N4 is awakened by its Wake-Up Component and (1) node N4
propagates the wake-up broadcast received from node N3 by
transmitting a wake-broadcast with the data construct 00010051; and
(2) node N4 engages in Bluetooth communications with Node N3 via
the SBRs. The awakened state of the SBR of node N4 is represented
by the bold emphasis of node N4 in FIG. 3.
[0058] In addition, FIG. 3 illustrates that node N1 engages in
Bluetooth communications with the gateway G1. In this regard, the
gateway G1 preferably includes many, if not all, of the common
designations that are shared by a plurality of nodes, including the
"circle" and "triangle" common designations. This is illustrated in
the table of FIG. 11, wherein the gateway has an "active" status
for common designations identified by identifiers 1001-1006,
including identifier 1001, assigned to the "circle" common
designation, and 1005, assigned to the "triangle" common
designation. The gateway G1 preferably does not include active
status for common designations relating to the node attributes
shown in FIG. 1, nor for the common designations representing the
unique IDs of the nodes.
[0059] Accordingly, upon receiving the wake-up broadcast from node
N1 shown in FIG. 2, the SBR of the gateway G1 was awakened by the
Wake-Up Component of the node for engaging in Bluetooth
communications with node N1 as shown in FIG. 3, and its awakened
state is represented by the bold emphasis of the gateway G1 in FIG.
3. Furthermore, as shown, the wake-up broadcast is not propagated
by the gateway.
[0060] It should further be appreciated that a node does not
propagate the wake-up broadcast more than once. Each wake-up
broadcast is screened based on the common designation, node ID, and
transmission count from that node ID as identified in the data
construct of the broadcast, and a wake-up broadcast having a
matching data construct is not transmitted if there is an
indication that such a wake-up broadcast has already been
transmitted. Preferably, a list having a predetermined number of
entries is maintained, with the oldest entries being discarded as
new entries are added once the list has been populated.
[0061] FIG. 4 illustrates a period of inactivity of transmissions
between the nodes. During this period all of the SBRs of the nodes
are dormant, as represented by the lack of any bold emphasis of any
of the nodes. During this period, external communications may be
occurring, for example with an external server based on the
Bluetooth communications between node N1 and gateway G1 illustrated
in FIG. 3.
[0062] FIG. 5 illustrates the next sequence of events in the
present example. In FIG. 5, the SBR of the gateway G1 has been
activated in response to a communication received from the external
network for receipt by node N5. The message may be, for example, an
acknowledgement, intended for node N5, of receipt of a message by a
server.
[0063] In response, the gateway G1 transmits a wake-up broadcast
that is targeted specifically for node N1. In this regard, the
gateway G1 preferably knows the pathway to node N5 based at least
upon the receipt of the message communicated via Bluetooth from
node N5 to the gateway G1 by way of node N1. Such pathway
identification preferably is accomplished using the deterministic
and nondeterministic methodologies disclosed, for example, in the
incorporated U.S. Patent Appl. Publication No. US 2007/0002792.
[0064] It furthermore will be appreciated that, although node N2
was within the range of the wake-up broadcast of gateway G1, no
common designation of node N2 is included in the data construct of
the broadcast (indeed, it was specifically targeted for node N1).
Thus, node N2 did not "wake up" in response to the broadcast and,
specifically, the SBR of node N2 was not activated. Nevertheless,
node N2 "heard" the wake-up broadcast from gateway G1 and made note
of the following networking information revealed by such wake-up
broadcast: (1) the confirmed presence of gateway G1 (identified by
node ID 0801) within a single hop from node N2; and (2) the
presence of node N1 (identified by the wake-up identifier "0101")
presumed by gateway G1 to be within the broadcast range of node
G1.
[0065] FIG. 6 illustrates node N1 transmission by node N1 of a
wake-up broadcast targeting node N5 and the consequent Bluetooth
communications engaged between node N1 and node N5. In particular,
the node N1 transmits a wake-up broadcast that is intended
specifically for node N5. Preferably, node N1 knows the pathway to
node N5 based at least upon the prior communications with node N1
illustrated in connection with FIGS. 1-2. Again, such pathway
identification preferably is accomplished using the deterministic
and nondeterministic methodologies disclosed, for example, in the
incorporated U.S. Patent Appl. Publication No. US 2007/0002792.
Also shown in FIG. 6, once the SBR of node N5 is awaken, Bluetooth
communications commence between the SBRs of node N5 and node
N1.
[0066] Additionally, it should again be noted that although node N2
is within the range of the wake-up broadcast transmitted by node
N1, no common designation of node N2 is included in the data
construct of the broadcast (indeed, it was specifically targeted
for node N5). Thus, node N2 did not "wake up" in response to the
broadcast and, specifically, the SBR of node N2 was not activated.
Nevertheless, node N2 "heard" the wake-up broadcast from node N1
and made note of the following networking information revealed by
such wake-up broadcast: (1) the confirmed presence of node N1
(identified by node ID 0101) within a single hop from node N2; and
(2) the presence of node N5 (identified by the wake-up identifier
"0105") presumed by node N1 to be within the broadcast range of
node N1.
[0067] As referenced previously, FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary
data construct as found in the wake-up broadcasts (WU) of FIGS.
1-6. As described above, the eight digit number shown in brackets
by "WU" represents the hexadecimal equivalent of the 32 bit data
construct format shown in FIG. 7. Moreover, while the data
construct shown is 32 bits, it will be appreciated that any number
of bits may be selected depending upon the number of possible
wake-up identifiers, node IDs, and counts that are desired to be
accommodated in implementing the present invention, and depending
upon any other networking information that may be desired to be
included in the wake-up broadcast.
[0068] For example, FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary data
construct that may be included in the wake-up broadcast (WU) in
accordance with the present invention. In this example, the first
32 bits of the data construct represent the same pieces of
information represented by the first 32 bits of the data construct
of FIG. 7; however, the data construct includes an additional eight
bits (for a total of 40 bits) wherein the additional last eight
bits represent an encryption key. The encryption key may be
utilized in symmetric or asymmetric encryption. In some
contemplated embodiments, the encryption key is a public key.
Preferably, each authorized data communication device is configured
to use the encryption key to decrypt one or more pieces of the
information contained in the data construct. The encrypted portions
may include, for example, the wake-up identifier and/or the node
ID. Nodes or other devices that do not have the ability to decrypt
the information will not be able to contact the nodes or join the
network. Moreover, hacking the network will be more difficult.
[0069] Instead of, or in addition to, using the encryption key to
decrypt one or more portions of the wake-up broadcast, the
encryption key may be utilized by the SBR to decrypt communications
conducted via the SBR of the node. Provision of the encryption key
via wake- up broadcasts for use in decrypting communications via
SBRs represents an additional layer of network security, as SBRs
may not necessarily be able to communicate with Wake-Up Components,
especially when Wake-Up Transceivers are utilized. In such
scenarios, two different avenues of communications are enabled with
the encryption key being provided through one avenue for use in
decrypting communications received via the second avenue.
[0070] It also should be appreciated that the encryption key could
be used to encrypt communications by the node in addition to or
rather than decrypting communications.
[0071] Still yet, FIG. 9 illustrates an third exemplary data
construct that may be included in the wake-up broadcast (WU) in
accordance with the present invention. In this example, the first
32 bits of the data construct represent the same pieces of
information represented by the first 32 bits of the data construct
of FIG. 7; however, the data construct includes an additional eight
bits (for a total of 40 bits) wherein the additional last eight
bits represents a payload of the wake-up broadcast in which a
message or other data may be transmitted via the Wake-Up Components
of the nodes. The payload data may include network information or
may include information unrelated to the network itself. Such
payload information may include, for example, application-specific
data for an application executed by a destination node, an
indication of the status of a sensor associated with a node (such
as a seal or temperature sensor), and the like.
[0072] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary table of wake-up
identifiers that may be maintained, for example, by node N2 in
accordance with the present invention. As shown in FIG. 10, node N2
includes the following common designations: "0102" representing the
unique node ID 102 of the node N2; "1000" representing a general
wake-up identifier which all nodes preferably share; "1002"
representing a "polygon" common designation; "1005" representing a
"triangle" common designation; "1006" representing an "isosceles
triangle" common designation; "3001" representing an attribute of
the node, namely, that a gateway is available for communications
to/from the node; and "3002" representing another attribute of the
node, namely, that the node is located for communications directly
with a gateway.
[0073] It will be appreciated that information noted by a node may
be utilized to effect various functions. For example, as was
described previously, node N2 "heard" the wake-up broadcast from
gateway G1 and made note of certain networking information,
including the confirmed presence of gateway G1 (identified by node
ID 0801) within a single hop from node N2. If such information was
previously unknown to node N2 (i.e., if the status for the wake-up
identifier "3002" was previously set to inactive), then node N2
may, in response to the discovery of this information, change the
status from inactive to active.
[0074] It will be understood that the foregoing wake-up identifiers
are presented simply for illustration of the invention only. One of
countless alternative implementations is described in incorporated
U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/890,990. Indeed, it
is certainly contemplated that commercial implementations of the
invention will include different identifiers more commercially
meaningful and relevant than mere geometric shapes. For example,
commercial implementations of the present invention are
particularly suited for use in asset tracking networks, asset
monitoring networks, sensor data-acquisition networks, and
combinations thereof. Such networks are disclosed, for example, in
incorporated U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,934,540 and 6,745,027, both of which
relate to class-based networks for tracking and/or monitoring
assets.
[0075] For example, in asset tracking/monitoring applications, such
different wake-up identifiers could include classes corresponding
to televisions, appliances, and consumer electronics; with
supersets including Sony, Whirlpool, and Phillips; and with subsets
including plasma televisions, dishwashers, and electric razors. In
sensor network implementations, such different wake-up identifiers
could include common designations corresponding to each different
type of sensor; each different location or area of the sensors; and
each manufacturer of the sensors. If the sensor networks are
deployed for or on the behalf of third parties as part of
commercial services offered, then wake-up identifiers further could
include common designations corresponding to each different
customer or each different location of the customer where such
services are utilized. [076] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary table
of wake-up identifiers that may be maintained by gateway G1 in
accordance with the present invention. As shown in FIG. 11, gateway
G1 includes the following common designations: "0801" representing
the unique gateway ID 101 of the gateway G1; "1000" representing a
general wake-up identifier which all nodes (including gate way
nodes) preferably share; "1001" representing a "circle" common
designation; "1002" representing a "polygon" common designation;
"1003" representing a "rectangle" common designation; "1004"
representing a "square" common designation; "1005" representing a
"triangle" common designation; and "1006" representing an
"isosceles triangle" common designation.
[0076] As will now be appreciated from the foregoing description,
nodes in common designation networks that utilize Wake-Up
Components have great listening capacity. By simply listening with
its Wake-Up Component and recording networking information gleaned
from wake-up broadcasts, a node can greatly improve its performance
as well as the overall network performance. Indeed, many advantages
can be gained by simply facilitating network communications. By
providing network information in the wake-up broadcasts, nodes are
able to more efficiently make network connections and communicate
with desired nodes and/or an external network. For example, just by
listening and noting network information in a wake-up broadcast, a
node can determine that it is only a single hop to a gateway
without having to do initiate its own pathway query. The time
previously required in certain situations for a node or gateway to
communicate with a data communications device that is within range
thus can be reduced. The opportunities for RF collision, which
could delay network communications, also is reduced. Battery power
also is conserved by reducing the number of times that an SBR needs
to be activated from its dormant state. In contrast to these
benefits, the small amount of networking data provided in the
wake-up broadcasts does not overburden the simple Wake-Up
Components, and thus the invention provides important advantages
with little cost.
[0077] Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily
understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present
invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many
embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than
those specifically described herein, as well as many variations,
modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from
or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing
descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope
of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention
has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more
preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure
is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is
made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling
disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not
intended to be construed to limit the present invention or
otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations,
variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present
invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *