Patent ID: 7505734
Filing Date: 2009-03-17
Classification: H04W,Y02D

Abstract:
1. A method for a gateway node to wirelessly communicate with a plurality of satellite nodes, each satellite node coupled to a sensing device or an actuator and the gateway node coupled to a computer, comprising the steps of: generating a first broadcast message for communication to the plurality of satellite nodes; determining, at the gateway device, whether the first broadcast message and a second broadcast message include a common route; in response to determining that the first broadcast message and the second broadcast message include a common route, consolidating the first broadcast message and the second broadcast message; transmitting during a gateway node transmit communication time the consolidated broadcast message from the gateway node to one or more satellite nodes on a first logical layer of satellite nodes that are within a broadcast range of the gateway node, wherein transmitting includes transmitting the consolidated message to the one or more other satellite nodes based on a determined power number, wherein the power number is determined from a battery coefficient and an available memory coefficient; receiving the consolidated broadcast message from the gateway node at one or more satellite nodes on the first logical layer of satellite nodes; executing instructions contained in the consolidated broadcast message at the one or more satellite nodes; repeating the consolidated broadcast message to one or more additional satellite nodes on a logical layer beyond the broadcast range of the gateway node along the common route; and communicating an acknowledgement message back to the gateway node indicating receipt and execution of the consolidated broadcast message; wherein the power number is determined by multiplying the battery coefficient and the available memory coefficient.