Bi-directional hand-shaking sensor system
View Patent ↗A low cost, robust, wireless sensor that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The wireless sensors are configured to communicate with a base unit or repeater. When the sensor unit detects an anomalous ambient condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The sensor unit receives instructions to change operating parameters and/or control external devices.
1. A method of robust, bi-directional handshaking with a wireless sensor unit, comprising:
transmitting a communication containing data by said wireless sensor unit;
waiting for an acknowledgment of said communication by said wireless sensor unit if the data transmitted has an elevated priority but not if the data transmitted has a normal priority; and
re-transmitting said communication by said wireless sensor unit until said acknowledgment communication is received by said wireless sensor unit.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of testing a transmission channel by said wireless sensor unit before the step of transmitting so that said wireless sensor unit can avoid a channel that is unavailable for the step of transmitting.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said normal priority includes status information.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein said elevated priority includes excess smoke information.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein said elevated priority includes excess temperature.