초록 ▼

A plurality of modules interact to form an adaptive network in which each module transmits and receives data signals indicative of physical properties sensed at the modules. A new module is joined in the adaptive network in an expedient manner. The new module transmits a burst of beacon messages aft

A plurality of modules interact to form an adaptive network in which each module transmits and receives data signals indicative of physical properties sensed at the modules. A new module is joined in the adaptive network in an expedient manner. The new module transmits a burst of beacon messages after the interactive module is activated to discover neighboring interactive modules deployed and operating in the adaptive network. The neighboring interactive module stays in a sleep-mode of low-power expenditure. The beacon messages persist for a first interval longer than a second interval during which the neighboring interactive modules remain in the sleep mode. After receiving the beacon messages, one or more neighboring interactive modules transmit response messages to the new interactive module. The new interactive module receives the response messages and selects a neighboring interactive module for communication based on the received response messages. The new module can also include an indicator for indicating discovery of a neighboring interactive module with which a reliable wireless link can be established.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. An interactive module for forming an adaptive wireless network in conjunction with other interactive modules communicating intermittently to conserve power, the interactive module comprising:a transceiver unit for transmitting a burst of beacon messages after the interactive m

What is claimed is: 1. An interactive module for forming an adaptive wireless network in conjunction with other interactive modules communicating intermittently to conserve power, the interactive module comprising:a transceiver unit for transmitting a burst of beacon messages after the interactive module is activated to discover a neighboring interactive module via which the interactive module can communicate with a destination, the beacon messages persisting for a first interval longer than a second interval during which neighboring interactive modules remain in a sleep mode of low-power expenditure, the transceiver unit receiving response messages from the neighboring interactive modules responsive to receiving the beacon messages;a processor coupled to the transceiver unit for determining a selected neighboring interactive module via which to communicate with the destination based on the response messages from the neighboring interactive modules; anda transducer coupled to the transceiver unit for generating information representing a physical property sensed at the interactive module, the information transmitted via the transceiver unit,wherein each beacon message includes data having a plurality of data fields, the plurality of data fields including a first data field indicating that the beacon message is part of the transmitted burst of beacon messages, a second data field indicating a total number of beacon messages transmitted in the burst of beacon messages, and a third data field indicating a sequence of the beacon message within the burst of beacon messages.