Method of measuring signal strength in a wireless 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 routing communication traffic in a wireless sensor system, comprising:
measuring the signal strength of wireless signals received by one or more wireless sensor units from a base unit and from one or more wireless repeater units;
measuring the signal strength of wireless signals received by one or more wireless repeater units from said base unit and from said one or more wireless sensor units;
transmitting the signal strength measurements from said one or more wireless sensor units and said one or more wireless repeater units to a computer; and
selecting routing paths for communications based on an evaluation by said computer of said signal strength measurements.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of selecting further includes the step of sending instructions to one of the wireless repeater units to add an ID of one of the wireless sensor units to a database of the wireless repeater unit so as to route communication traffic for the wireless sensor unit through the wireless repeater unit.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of selecting further includes the step of sending instructions to one of the wireless repeater units to remove an ID of one of the sensor units to a database of the wireless repeater unit so that communication traffic for the wireless sensor unit is not routed through the wireless repeater unit.