WO2020114665A1

WO2020114665A1 - Radio nodes for operating in a radio network in the surroundings of a blocked region

Info

Publication number: WO2020114665A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/078711
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Steckenreiter; Nicola Kleppmann
Original assignee: KT-Elektronik GmbH
Priority date: 2018-12-05
Filing date: 2019-10-22
Publication date: 2020-06-11
Also published as: DE102018131030A1; EP3891900A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a radio node designed to be used in a meshed network that lies in the region of at least one blocked region into which only radio signals with an energy density less than a specified threshold are allowed to be transmitted. The radio node transmits radio signals to one or more other radio nodes in the meshed network and uses beam forming in order to transmit the radio signals in a directed manner, namely such that the energy density of the radio signal introduced into the at least one blocked region is less than a specified threshold. The threshold can be selected on the basis of different criteria.

Description

Radio node for operation in a radio network in the vicinity of a restricted area

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates, inter alia, to a radio node which is designed for use in a meshed network which is in the region of at least one restricted area, in which only the radio signals with an energy density less than a predetermined one

Threshold may be sent. Individual functions of the radio nodes can be implemented using software (e.g. computer program) that is stored on one or more computer-readable storage media. The meshed network can be, for example, a sensor network.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Sensor networks were originally used as a military early warning system

Monitoring of pipelines and fandes borders designed. Today, sensor networks can be used in a wide variety of areas (for example, in fogistics / goods management (e.g. in Fagerhäusem), for monitoring and / or controlling production facilities, power plants, etc., for monitoring nature reserves (e.g. for pollutants, forest fires and

Animal migrations), etc.) are used - their application is as diverse as the available sensors.

A distributed sensor network consists of a plurality of distributed sensor nodes that communicate with one another. Sensor networks usually refer to networks in which data is recorded by sensors and transmitted (wirelessly). The various data recorded by sensors, e.g. physical quantities, for

Data acquisition or for controlling the actuators, which are also part of the

Can form sensor network. The main difference between a sensor network and local area networks (FAN), WFANs and mobile radio networks is that the sensor and actuator data are typically relatively small amounts of data. This data can be transmitted wired or wireless. The transport and

Routing protocols are usually optimized for small amounts of data and / or energy-saving operation, since the sensor nodes are often operated with batteries and should be operated for as long (often several years) as possible without changing the batteries. Wireless

Sensor networks are also known as Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN). [0004] Sensor networks are often Seif Organized Networks (SON), maintenance-free, interference-resistant, battery-operated and are characterized by an extremely low level

Electricity consumption. In order to meet these requirements, classic techniques for setting up and operating ad hoc networks are often not sufficient. Therefore, specialized protocols are often used, which take into account the special properties of wireless sensor networks.

The individual sensor nodes of a sensor network usually consist of a processor and a data memory (e.g. a flash memory). There are also one or more sensors and a module for radio communication (transceiver). All components of the sensor node are usually powered by a battery. In principle, however, it is also conceivable to connect the sensor nodes to a power grid or to supply them with power via a bus system. The components of the sensor node can be accommodated on a single computer chip (System on Chip, SoC), which considerably reduces the size compared to assembled individual components.

[0006] As already mentioned, sensor networks generally form meshed ad hoc networks. Modern ad hoc networks configure themselves automatically and work autonomously (i.e. without a central authority for network management). The company uses special network protocols for the respective network type and uses gateways to other networks (e.g. Internet, (W) LAN, cellular network, etc.). Data can be forwarded from network nodes (sensor nodes) to network nodes via several stations until they have reached their recipient.

The use of sensor networks can be problematic, for example, in industrial and / or production plants (for example in petrochemical production plants), since there is a risk of explosion in certain areas of the industrial and / or production plant and therefore the introduction of radio signals into these areas for safety reasons is to be prevented as far as possible. In particular, pulsed radio signals with a high energy density are often problematic here, and industrial standards (e.g. ISO / IEC standard series 60079 and ISO / IEC standard series 80079) place general requirements on the design, testing and labeling of devices and components in potentially explosive or explosive environments firmly. Also, sensitive (measuring) electronics are often used in industrial and / or production plants, which must be protected against excessive entry of electromagnetic energy by radio waves. [0008] Radio antennas generally radiate their power omnidirectionally in all

Directions. Even in the case of directionally emitted radio signals, reflection can result in an undesired input of power into areas of an industrial and / or production system which is explosive or must be protected against excessive radio power input for other reasons. Such problems can be avoided by manual configuration of the radiation profiles of the antennas or the selection of appropriate antennas for the individual sensor nodes in the network, but require that the sensor network be configured manually. Accordingly, new network nodes are added manually.

The operation of an autonomous ad-hoc network (meshed network), however, is problematic in such a case, since new network nodes do not usually know in which areas no radio power may be introduced. In many protocols for the management of ad-hoc networks, the new network nodes automatically “report” after they are switched on (e.g. by sending signals) to make other network nodes aware of their presence. There is a risk that new network nodes will transmit radio signals with undesirably high performance even in areas to be protected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against this background, there is the technical problem of proposing a radio node that is suitable for operation in a meshed network without transmitting radio signals in a “blocked” area. This area is also referred to below as the "restricted area" or "restricted zone". Such a “blocked” area can be, for example, an area in which radio signals may only be transmitted with an energy density less than a predetermined threshold value. The maximum energy density that may be introduced into such an area can be specified, for example, by a norm or standard, or it can also be determined on an application-specific basis. Alternatively, such a "blocked" area can also be defined as such for other reasons.

According to one aspect of the invention, a new radio node that is part of a meshed network (also referred to as a “mesh network”, for example an autonomous ad hoc network) sends radio signals in such a way that the energy density of the radio signals which is brought into at least one restricted area, is smaller than the predetermined threshold value. The

Radio node uses beamforming (also: spatial filtering) to send the radio signals in the desired direction (s) ("permitted area"), while the area of the restricted area is left out. Beamforming allows the signal processing To direct the transmission power of a radio signal viewed from an antenna array in a certain direction. The “permitted range” into which the radio node is allowed to transmit its radio signals is also referred to as the radiation sector. Depending on the number and location of the restricted areas in the radio area of the radio node, this can be one radiation sector or several radiation sectors that define the “permitted range” for the radiation of the radio signals.

An embodiment of the invention relates to a radio node for use in a meshed network, which is in the area of at least one restricted area, in which only radio signals with an energy density less than a predetermined threshold may be sent. The radio node comprises a transceiver unit, um

Send radio signals to one or more other radio nodes in the meshed network. The transceiver unit is set up in such a way that it can generate a radio signal and can transmit it using beamforming in such a way that the energy density of the radio signal which is introduced into the at least one restricted area is less than the predetermined threshold value.

[0013] The radio node may further comprise a memory. The memory can, for example, store information on the one or more radiation sectors into which the transceiver unit may transmit radio signals. The one or more radiation sectors define an “allowed range” for the radiation of the radio signals.

[0014] Alternatively, the memory can also store map information that defines the position and extent of the at least one restricted area in a digital map. For example, a processor unit of the radio node can determine the one or more radiation sectors, based on the card information, into which the transceiver unit can transmit data in a directed manner by means of a radio signal. Optionally, the one or more radiation sectors determined in this way can also be used in the memory or another (volatile) memory of the radio node for further use in controlling the radiation direction (s) of the radio signals of the radio node. Accordingly, the transceiver unit of the radio node can also be set up to transmit a radio beacon signal by means of beamforming only within the one or more radiation sectors, so that the at least one restricted area is left out. The

Radio beacon signal, for example, indicates the availability of the meshed network and enables other radio nodes to determine the relative direction from which they are

Beacon signal received. A radio node that receives such a beacon signal can use the signal to determine the relative direction from which the signal received and use this information to direct its radio signals in this direction. In this way it can be ensured that even if the radio node has no information about the location of the one or more restricted areas during commissioning, a predetermined "blocked" area is left out when the radio signals are transmitted. Since the radio node previously received a beacon signal from the determined direction, it can assume that there can be no “blocked” area along this direction of transmission.

Alternatively or in addition to the map information that defines the position and extent of the at least one restricted area in a digital map, the memory of the radio node can also store map information that defines the position of one or more other radio nodes in a digital map. Based on this information, the transceiver can be caused to send a radio signal in the direction of the other radio node using beamforming.

For example, the transceiver unit or a processor unit of the

Radio node can be set up to receive the position of the other radio nodes in the digital map from a further radio node or to determine them based on a radio beacon signal that was received by another radio node. Furthermore, it is possible that the transceiver unit or the processor unit of the radio node is set up to determine the direction of the other radio node with respect to the radio node itself based on the position of the other radio node.

The radio signal that is sent from the radio node in the direction of the other radio node can be, for example, a registration message to integrate the radio node in the meshed network. Alternatively, the radio signal can be a radio signal that contains sensor data from a sensor. The sensor can be contained in or connected to the radio node.

In a further embodiment, the memory of the radio node can, alternatively or in addition to the aforementioned map information, also store map information of a topological map of the environment of the radio node. The map information of the topological map can be received, for example, by a further radio node in the meshed network and / or via an (additional) interface integrated in the radio node. This (additional) interface can be a wired one

Act interface, for example, the data transmission from one

Removable storage medium enables. The removable storage medium can Provide card information and this can be loaded from the storage medium into a preferably non-volatile memory of the radio node. It is also possible that the (additional) interface is a wireless interface for data transmission between devices over short distances using radio technology.

Card information can be sent to the radio node via this wireless interface

Will be provided.

The transceiver or a processor unit of the radio node can be set up according to a further embodiment, based on which the

Map information of the topological map to determine one or more radiation sectors into which the transceiver unit may transmit radio signals. The transceiver or the processor unit of the radio node can be set up in the one or more radiation sectors, taking into account a reflection / reflections of the radio signals emitted by the transceiver on topological obstacles, such as buildings, hills, etc., in to determine the topological map. As an alternative or in addition, the transceiver unit or the processor unit of the

Radio node can be set up to calculate the transmission power for the radio signal based on geographic information and / or geodesics of a topological map, so that the energy density introduced into the at least one restricted area is below the specified one

Threshold is maintained. It is also possible that the transceiver unit or the processor unit of the radio node is set up to calculate the transmission power for the radio signal based on geographic information and / or geodesics of a topological map, so that the radiated transmission power of the radio signal is directed towards an adjacent one

Radio node is maximized without exceeding the permissible energy density in at least one restricted area. The transceiver unit or the processor unit of the radio node can optionally also be set up to assist in the calculation of the

Transmit power for the radio signal to take into account the reflection (s) of the radio signal on one or more obstacles in the topological map.

In a further embodiment, the transceiver unit or a processor unit of the radio node is set up to determine the position of the radio node in the digital map by triangulation based on a plurality of radio beacon signals and / or other radio signals, the radio beacon signals or the other radio signals are received by other radio nodes in the meshed network. The radio node can comprise a processor unit which, after its activation, initially operates the radio node in a listening mode in which the transmission of

Radio signals is prevented by the transceiver of the radio node. In listening mode, the radio node tries to receive beacon signals from other radio nodes integrated in the meshed network. For example, the processor unit can select one of the other radio nodes after a predetermined period of time has elapsed and cause the transceiver to send a registration message to the selected radio node in order to integrate the radio node in the meshed network. The radio signal containing the registration message can, for example, be sent by the transceiver by means of beamforming in the direction of the selected radio node, so that the at least one restricted area is left out.

In a further embodiment, the transceiver is the

Radio node set up to send out the radio signal by means of beamforming in such a way that the energy density of the radio signal which is introduced into the at least one restricted area is less than a (lower) second predetermined threshold value. The second predetermined threshold value considers an energy density for the at least one restricted area such that it is not possible to receive radio signals transmitted by the radio node in the at least one restricted area. This can make it possible, for example,

Exclude data reception in the restricted area safely. This can be advantageous, for example, if the network is to be operated in the vicinity of prisons, high-security areas, media-free areas in public spaces, etc. In principle, it is also possible to define / configure different threshold values for different restricted areas (or restricted area types).

The radio node can also be set up externally calculated

Receive radio directions for its radio signals and correspondingly assigned transmission powers from an external unit. This external unit can be another radio node, a central processing unit, a storage medium, etc. The transceiver can correspondingly send the radio signal in one of the calculated radio directions with the assigned transmission power.

Extensive calculations, e.g. the reflection and attenuation of

Radio signals, taking into account map material (e.g. with a high level of detail) may require computing power that cannot be provided by a radio node. Therefore, according to this aspect of the invention, it is proposed perform at least part of such computationally intensive tasks / functions externally in a central processing unit (which is not part of the radio node, for example a server). The data obtained in this way from the central processing unit can in turn be transmitted to the radio node for use (for example by means of radio signals or via another one)

Interface) and the radio node can store this data internally, if possible in a non-volatile manner. For example, certain parameters, such as the calculation of

Radio directions and assigned transmission powers, and / or the calculations of

Signal reflection and / or attenuation and / or determination of the radiation sector (s) of the radio node can be determined as part of a simulation of the mesh radio network, which is carried out by a central processing unit. These parameters can then be transmitted to the radio node. For example, the parameters (e.g. optimal radio directions and / or transmission powers and / or radiation sector (s) of the radio node) could be calculated externally and sent to the radio network node for further use.

For example, the cyclical external calculation and optimization of

Transmission directions and transmission powers and / or the calculations of signal reflection and / or attenuation and / or determination of the radiation sector (s) of the radio node are carried out for all meshed nodes of the radio network.

Against this background, a further aspect of the invention relates to a method for calculating radio directions and assigned transmission powers for such a radio node by a central processing unit. The central processing unit can

for example a server. The method includes receiving data indicating the positions of the radio nodes in the meshed network at the central processing unit; determining radio directions and assigned transmission powers for at least one of the radio nodes using topological map information and optionally further map information; and transmitting the determined radio directions and assigned transmission powers to the at least one radio node. For each radio node of the meshed network, it is optionally also possible, in particular, to transmit characteristic data

Reliability of the transmission and / or data throughput and / or fatigue are collected, and this characteristic data is used for iteratively optimizing the radio directions returned to the nodes and assigned transmission powers. The optimization can preferably be carried out using self-learning algorithms.

Another embodiment relates to a method for calculating the transmission direction and / or the transmission power for a radio node. The method includes a calculation of reflections of the transmission power for horizontal and lateral transmission directions based on geographic information and / or geodesics of a topological map. Transmitting powers and directions that occur in one or more restricted areas

Leading energy densities above a predetermined threshold are excluded for the radio node.

A further exemplary embodiment relates to a further method for calculating the transmission direction and / or the transmission power for a radio node, which comprises a calculation of attenuations of the transmission power for horizontal and lateral transmission directions based on geographic information and / or geodesics of a topological map.

Transmission powers and directions to neighboring radio nodes will be chosen so that the transmission power is maximized without one in the at least one

Restricted area to exceed permissible energy density.

Another exemplary embodiment relates to a further method for calculating the transmission direction and / or the transmission power for a radio node. The method comprises optimizing the reliability of the transmission and / or the data throughput and / or the latency for the entire meshed network based on geographic information and / or geodesics of a topological map by specifying preferred transmission directions and associated transmission powers for the individual radio nodes. Transmission power and

Sending directions that lead to energy densities above the specified threshold value in the restricted area can also be excluded here for the radio nodes.

Another exemplary embodiment relates to a further method for calculating the transmission direction and / or the transmission power for a radio node. The method comprises calculating transmission directions that are not on a line of sight, in particular indirect transmission directions with at least one reflection, to an adjacent one

Radio nodes based on a topological map taking into account reflection and attenuation of radio signals to be transmitted. Transmitting powers and directions that lead to energy densities in the restricted area above the specified threshold can also be excluded here for the radio nodes.

According to a further method for calculating the transmission direction and / or the transmission power for a radio node (also in the aforementioned methods), based on a topological map, transmission directions blocked by obstacles for the

Radio nodes are excluded. Optionally, the methods also include

Determination of one or more radiation sectors for the radio node. The calculated Data can be transmitted to the radio node and stored by the latter, preferably in a non-volatile manner, for controlling the radio signal transmission.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0030] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the attached figures. Figure 1 shows an exemplary sensor network, which consists of four nodes A, B, C, and D already integrated in the network, and in which a new network node X is to be integrated, with a restricted area in the area of the sensor network,

FIG. 2 shows the sensor network from FIG. 1 after node X has been integrated in the sensor network,

Figure 3 shows the consideration of topological conditions for

Example buildings Gl, determination of the radiation sectors in which the network node X emits its radio signals in order to prevent radio signals from being emitted into the restricted area,

Figure 4 shows a flow diagram according to an embodiment of the invention that the individual operations of the new network node, for example network node X, and a node already integrated in the network, for example node A, which are carried out to integrate the new network node in the network ,

Figure 5 shows a flow chart according to another embodiment of the invention that the individual operations of the new network node, for example

Network node X, and a node already integrated in the network, for example node A, which are executed in order to integrate the new network node in the network

FIG. 6 shows an example of how the network node X can determine the position of the restricted area S 1 based on information about the radiation sectors of the other network nodes A, B, C and D integrated in the network,

FIG. 7 exemplifies the definition of a three-dimensional one

Restricted area,

Figure 8 shows a radio node according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 9 shows an example of routes between the individual radio nodes of the meshed network, as they are formed on the level of the routing protocol. In the following description of the embodiments of the invention, elements having the same effect are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures, so that their description is interchangeable in the different exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In general, the invention relates to the operation of a meshed network from a plurality of radio nodes, which can be operated autonomously and without a central authority for network management, starting from an initially existing network that can be configured manually. The meshed network can be, for example, a sensor network that contains sensors and optionally also actuators. However, the invention is not limited to sensor networks. According to one aspect of the invention, the protocols for integrating new radio nodes in the network itself are designed in such a way that it can be ensured that "blocked" areas are left out by the individual radio nodes when radio signals are transmitted. As a result, the power density of the radio signals introduced into a restricted area can be kept below a predetermined threshold value, so that devices can also be operated in the restricted area that could be disturbed, damaged or even caused to explode by an excessive input of power by the radio signals. The meshed network can, for example, be an ad hoc network that is operated in an industrial or production plant. However, the invention is not so limited. The invention can also be used in other sensor networks which, for example, record parameters in households (for example energy consumption, gas consumption, heat consumption, etc.) and transmit them to a central unit, the households being in an area which is also a restricted area in the sense of these Invention includes. Another example of a meshed network according to the invention is industrial and / or production plants or laboratories that use sensitive measurement technology that could be disturbed by the input of electromagnetic radio waves. The invention can also be used to address security-critical aspects: for example, inmates are not allowed in prisons

Have radio reception. Another example and also safety-critical systems in which signals may only be detectable within the system.

One aspect of the invention is a radio node which, for use in a meshed network which is in the region of at least one restricted area, into which only radio signals with an energy density of less than a predetermined threshold value are sent may be. The radio node sends radio signals to one or more others

Radio node in the meshed network and uses beamforming to send the radio signals in a directed manner. The radio signals are emitted by the radio node in such a way that the energy density of the radio signal, which is introduced into the at least one restricted area, is less than a predetermined threshold value. The threshold value can be selected based on different criteria. The threshold value can be chosen such that the power density of the radio signals introduced into a restricted area is one

Standard / a norm is met, so that the radio node can also be operated in the area of a restricted area, in which due to an excessive input of power by the

Radio signals elements / sensors / actuators in the restricted area could be disturbed, damaged or even caused to explode. The threshold value can also be selected so that the reception (in particular the decoding of the data) of the radio signal is not possible in a restricted area (e.g. correctional facility). Different threshold values can be assigned to the different restricted areas.

A further aspect of the invention is the determination of the “permitted range” in which a respective radio node may transmit. This “permitted area” can be designed two-dimensionally (e.g. in the sense of one or more sectors in a (reference) level), or also three-dimensionally (e.g. in different (reference) levels). The radio node can, for example, store information about the radiation sectors into which the radio node can transmit its radio signals in a directed manner. The one or more radiation sectors define an “allowed range” for the radiation of the radio signals.

[0044] Alternatively, the map information, the position and extent of the at least one restricted area could be defined in a digital map. The radio node could use the card information to determine one or more radiation sectors into which data can be sent in a directed manner using a radio signal. Optionally, the one or more radiation sectors determined in this way can be stored in a (volatile or non-volatile) memory of the radio node for further use / reuse in controlling the radiation direction (s) of the radio signals of the radio node.

An example of the signals which are transmitted by a radio node are radio beacon signals which are directed by means of beamforming only transmitted within the one or more radiation sectors, so that the / the restricted area (s) in the area of Radio node is / will be left out. As will be explained in more detail below, indicates the availability of the meshed network using the radio beacon signals. The beacon signals enable other radio nodes to determine the relative direction from which they received the beacon signal, so that even new nodes that want to integrate into the network know in which direction they can send without losing theirs Send radio signals to a restricted area. This ensures that even in the event that a radio node (eg when it is started up) has no information about the location of the one or more restricted areas, a predetermined "blocked" area is left out when the radio signals are transmitted. Since the radio node has previously received a beacon signal from the determined direction, it can assume that along this

Beam direction no "blocked" area can be.

As an alternative or in addition to the map information that defines the position and extent of the at least one restricted area in a digital map, the map information can also contain information that defines the position of at least one other radio node in a digital map. The position of the at least one other radio node in the digital card (and optionally its identifier) can be received by a further radio node, or alternatively the card information can also be transmitted to the radio node via another interface. For example, the radio node can determine its own position by triangulation based on several radio beacon signals. If the beacon signals also contain the identifier of the respective transmitting radio node, the radio node can determine its absolute position on the card based on the card information and the position of the other radio nodes on the card. Furthermore, it is possible for the radio node to determine the direction of the other radio nodes with respect to the radio node itself based on the positions of the other radio nodes defined in the map.

The radio signals used for triangulation, but could also be signals from other radio nodes that contain a registration message, or the sensor data of a sensor that is contained in the transmitting radio node or is connected to it.

In a further embodiment, the radio node can, alternatively or in addition to the aforementioned map information, also store map information of a topological map of the environment of the radio node. The information about the area surrounding the radio node (eg geographic information and / or geodesics) can be, for example, information about buildings or other radio obstacles in the area act of the radio node. This building information could be very detailed:

For example, this is a model or blueprint of the building in which the radio node is located. This could be optional with information about

Texture / material of walls and / or ceilings must be supplemented. The

Building information could also contain corresponding information about neighboring buildings that are in the vicinity or radio area of the radio node. Such information could be used by the radio node to take into account reflections of the radio signal by the building in which the radio node is located and / or by surrounding buildings or other obstacles in the area of the radio node when determining its one or more radiation sectors . Additionally or alternatively, this information could also be used by the radio node to determine the transmission power for the individual radio signals and / or their attenuation. Based on the data relating to reflection and / or attenuation, and optionally also the transmission power, the radio node could also determine the transmission direction of the radio signals, in particular the “permitted range” (radiation sector (s)) into which it is allowed to transmit the radio signals.

Since in the calculation of signal reflections and signal attenuation, taking into account map material (for example with a high level of detail), computing power that may not be available from a radio node may be required, according to a further aspect of the invention, at least one Part of these computation-intensive calculations / operations, carried out externally in a central processing unit. The decentrally calculated data can then be stored in the radio node. For example, the calculation of certain parameters, such as the calculation of radio directions and assigned transmission powers, can be carried out as part of a simulation of the mesh radio network, which is carried out by a central processing unit. The parameters determined in this way could then be transmitted to the radio node.

For example, the cyclical external calculation and optimization of

Transmission directions and transmission powers are carried out for all meshed nodes of the radio network.

According to further embodiments of the invention, a method for calculating radio directions and assigned transmission powers for such a radio node is proposed by a central processing unit. An example of such a method includes, for example, receiving data representing the positions of the

Specify radio nodes in the meshed network by a central processing unit. The position of the radio node can be, for example, the absolute position of a

Act radio node in a reference coordinate system. This reference coordinate system can be based on a digital / topological map, which the central processing unit takes into account in its calculations. The central processing unit can radio directions and assigned transmission powers for at least one of the

Determine radio nodes using topological map information and optionally further map information (e.g. building information that is relevant to or influences the propagation of radio waves). Then the determined

Radio directions and assigned transmission powers are transmitted to the at least one radio node and stored there in a memory. For each radio node of the meshed network, it is optionally also possible, in particular, to transmit characteristic data

Reliability of transmission and / or data throughput and / or latency are collected. This characteristic data can be used for iterative optimization of the nodes

returned radio directions and assigned transmission powers used. The

Optimization can preferably be implemented using self-learning algorithms.

A further exemplary embodiment calculates reflections of the transmission power for horizontal and vertical transmission directions of the radio signals of the radio node based on geographic information and / or geodesics of a topological map. Transmitting powers and directions that lead to energy densities above a predetermined threshold in one or more restricted areas are excluded for the radio node.

A further exemplary embodiment relates to a further method which calculates attenuations of the transmission power for horizontal and vertical

Sending directions based on geographic information and / or geodesics of a topological map includes. Transmission powers and directions to neighboring radio nodes will also be selected here in such a way that the transmission power is maximized without exceeding an energy density permissible in the at least one restricted area.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the transmission direction and / or the transmission power for the radio signals of a radio node is also calculated in the central processing unit. The reliability of the transmission and / or the data throughput and / or the latency for the entire meshed network can also be optimized based on geospatial information and / or geodata of a topological map by specifying preferred transmission directions and associated transmission powers for the individual radio nodes. Transmitting powers and directions that lead to energy densities in the restricted area above the specified threshold can also be excluded here for the radio nodes. A further method calculates the transmission direction and / or the transmission power for a radio node, for example in a central processing unit, with calculation of transmission directions that are not on a line of sight, in particular indirect transmission directions with at least one reflection, to an adjacent radio node. that is based on a topological map, taking into account reflection and attenuation of the radio signals to be transmitted. Transmitting powers and directions that lead to energy densities in the restricted area above the specified threshold can also be excluded here for the radio nodes.

Radio nodes are excluded.

Since the amount of map information of the topological map can be very extensive, the map information can be received by the radio node, for example, via an (additional) interface integrated in the radio node. Decentralized calculated parameters could also be imported to the radio node via this interface. This (additional) interface can be a wired interface, for example for the connection of a removable storage medium that the

Act on card information and / or parameters. It is also possible to design the (additional) interface as a wireless interface for data transmission between devices over short distances by radio technology and to provide the card information and / or locally determined parameters via this wireless interface.

The basic functioning of the registration method for integrating a new radio node into the meshed network is explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows an example of a meshed network which consists of four nodes A, B, C and D which are already integrated in the network and into which a new network node X is to be integrated. The nodes A, B, C and D integrated in the network span a meshed network, in the area of which the restricted area S1 is also located. In FIG. 1 it is assumed as an example that the individual nodes A, B, C and D form the initial or minimum network, from which further nodes can be integrated into the meshed network. In this case the nodes A, B, C and D can be configured manually, ie they have a precise knowledge of their absolute position (optionally also the absolute position of the other three radio nodes) in a reference coordinate system, and optionally via topological information about the environment in the area of the meshed network and the location of one or more restricted areas, such as restricted area S1, which are in the area of the meshed network, and into which, if possible, no radio signals (and if only to be introduced with a power density below a predetermined threshold).

The individual radio nodes A, B, C and D, which are already integrated in the network, therefore know which sector they have to omit in order to ensure that no radio signals are introduced in the restricted area S 1 with too high a power density. FIG. 1 shows the “permissible” radiation sectors Al, Bl, CI and Dl into which the respective radio nodes can send their radio signals. The data for this initial configuration can

for example via an interface of radio nodes A, B, C and D can be read.

As can be seen in Figure 1, the radio node B can not communicate directly with the new radio node X, since the restricted area S 1 lies between the two nodes on their line of sight. Accordingly, the new radio node X can only receive the beacon signals B _AI , Bei and B _{DI of} the radio nodes A, C and D, as is shown by way of example in FIG. 1. The radio beacon signals B _AI , B _BI , B _CI and B _DI are sent by the network nodes A, B, C and D using beamforming in such a way that the power emitted by the respective antenna of the radio nodes A, B, C and D in the the respective radiation sector Al, Bl, CI and Dl of the respective radio node is transmitted. The radio nodes thereby ensure that the power request in the restricted area S1 is below a threshold value. The threshold value can, for example, be determined in an application-specific manner and / or be prescribed by a standard. In one exemplary embodiment, the threshold value is selected such that the reception (in particular the decoding of the data) of the radio signal in a restricted area (for example a correctional facility) is not possible.

The new radio node X, which would like to be integrated into the meshed network, does not itself send out any radio signals at first, in order to ensure that it is not switched off

Accidentally sends a radio signal to a restricted area. Instead, the radio node X monitors the radio channel on which the radio nodes communicate with one another and determines whether it receives one or more radio beacon signals from other radio nodes, here radio nodes A, C and D. Based on these beacon signals B _AI , B _Ci and B _{DI from} the others

Radio node A, C, D in the meshed network, the radio node X can determine the relative direction of the radio nodes A, C, D, from which it has received a respective radio beacon signal B _AI , B _Ci and B _DI . Based on the assumption that the other radio nodes A, C and D themselves are not allowed to transmit into the restricted area S 1, the radio node X knows that from the respective relative direction from which radio beacon signals B _AI , B _Ci and B _{DI are} received cannot pass through the restricted area and thus the radio node X can transmit itself in this direction.

The radio node X can thus send a radio signal in one of the relative directions from which it has received a radio beacon signal, which contains a registration for the meshed network (and thus select an already integrated radio node and a registration Send message to this). After receiving the

Registration message by one of the radio nodes A, C or D already integrated in the network, this radio node can integrate the new radio node X in the network. This happens, for example, in that the respective radio node, which is already integrated in the network, adds radio node X to its routing table, optionally also informing the other radio nodes of the new radio node X. For this purpose, the radio node can also determine the relative direction of the radio node X on the basis of the radio signal that transmits the registration message and store it accordingly. This enables the radio node to also transmit the radio signal in the correct relative direction for communication with radio node X, without increasing the power input by the radio signal into the restricted area S1.

Lemer can confirm the registration of the node, which received the registration message from node X, with a corresponding confirmation message. This confirmation message is also sent via a radio signal in the determined relative direction of the node X, so that the restricted area S 1 can again be left out. By means of the confirmation message, the respective node which is already integrated in the network can also send the node X further configuration information. The configuration information includes, for example, the absolute position of the other nodes in the meshed network (as far as it is known), the absolute location and extent of the restricted area S1 in the reference coordinate system, etc. With the help of these additional ones

Configuration information, the node X can determine a radiation sector XI, as shown in Ligur 2, and / or based on the configuration information and its known relative position determine its absolute position relative to the other nodes A, B, C and D.

The configuration information that the node X receives from one of the other nodes already integrated in the network can also contain information relating to the topology in the vicinity of the node X (for example 2D, 2.5D or 3D). Maps). Based on this topological information (e.g. geographic information and / or geodesics) obtained from one or more other radio nodes, the radio node X together with its absolute position in the reference coordinate system can not only determine the exact relative position of the restricted area S 1 with respect to the position of the

Determine radio node X, but also determine topological peculiarities of the environment, for example a reflection / attenuation of those emitted by radio node X.

Could cause radio signals in the direction of the restricted area S 1. The radio node X can use this additional topological information to determine one or more radiation sectors in such a way that it can be ensured that radio signals which are directed by the radio node X within these radiation sectors are transmitted by means of beamforming, a power request in the restricted area below one have a predetermined threshold.

The topological information can be geographic information and / or geodesics (2D, 3D or 2.5D) of a topological map that describes at least the area surrounding the radio node. The geospatial information can, for example, be defined to be compatible with ISO 19107 Geography Information - Spatial Scheme (spatial reference scheme) (see DIN EN ISO 19107: 2017), the successor standard ISO FDIS 19107 that has yet to be formally confirmed. Even if reference is made below to geographic information and / or geodesics of the topological map material, it is in principle also conceivable to use topographic, geographical or thematic maps,

Geographic information and / or geodesics (2D, 3D or 2.5D) included or supplemented by this.

Alternatively, it is also possible for the radio node to receive at least some of the configuration data, for example the topological map and / or its absolute position in the map, via another interface. The radio node can do this

Identify wired or (further) wireless interfaces, such as a USB interface or a Bluetooth interface. This makes it possible to make even larger ones

To transfer amounts of data to the radio node. This can happen, for example, before or during the initial start-up of the radio node or also during its operation (also as an update), for example in the maintenance operation of the radio node. Optionally, updates to the firmware or others can also be made via the interface

Settings / five-relevant parameters are made on the radio node. FIG. 3 shows an example of how topological conditions in the vicinity of radio node X could be taken into account. In FIG. 3 it is assumed as an example that a high-rise building Gl exists in the immediate vicinity of the radio node X, it being feared due to the orientation of the building relative to the restricted area S1 that a radio signal emitted in the direction of the building Gl is reflected by the building so that a correspondingly increased service entry in the restricted area S 1 comes about. The radio node X can therefore adjust the radiation sectors XI -1 and XI -2 appropriately, so that the radio node X is transmitted neither directly in the direction of the restricted area S 1, nor in the direction of the building Gl.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart according to an embodiment of the invention, which shows the individual functions of the new network node, for example network node X, and of a node already integrated in the network, for example node A, in order to connect the new network node X to the network integrate. The new network node X does not begin to transmit on its own, but is, after its activation (or the activation of the transceiver), for example in a listening mode in which the radio node X uses the radio channel to receive radio beacon signals by others already integrated in the network

Radio node, like radio node A, waits 401. As soon as one of one of the registered

Radio node A, B, C or D transmitted 410 beacon signal is received 402, the radio node X tries the relative direction of the radio node sending the received beacon signal, i. H. of radio node A, to be determined 403. In the implementation shown in FIG. 4, radio node X immediately responds to receiving 402 the first radio beacon signal and immediately tries radio node A from which it received the radio beacon signal in step 402 to register by sending a registration message in the determined relative direction, from which he received the beacon signal in step 402, 404. The radio node X can influence the radiation direction of his antenna, for example by beamforming, so that if possible the total energy of the radio signal, which contains the registration message, is sent in the determined relative direction of the radio node A.

Radio node A receives the registration message in step 411. Based on the radio signal that transports the registration message, radio node A determines 412 the relative direction of radio node X. Radio node A registers 413 the new radio node X in the meshed network . This can happen, for example, in that the radio node A includes the radio node X in the routing table, and optionally the other radio nodes B, C and D via the accessibility of the radio node X via the Radio node A informs. Alternatively, the radio nodes B, C and D could also learn the accessibility of the radio node X via the exchanged messages in the meshed network and update their routing tables accordingly.

After registration 413, radio node A can confirm the successful registration of radio node X. For this purpose, it sends 414 a confirmation message in the direction of radio node X. The confirmation message is received 405 by radio node X and completes the registration process of radio node X. After receiving the registration confirmation, the radio node X can send its data in the direction of the

Send radio node A, which then, depending on the addressee, forwards it to another radio node (optionally via other radio nodes) until the addressee of the data is reached. The addressee of the data can also be connected in another network outside the meshed network, for example via the Internet, a company network, etc.

Optionally, the confirmation message in addition to the confirmation that the

Registration in the meshed network was successful, also contain further information. This additional information can relate, for example, to the accessibility and / or position of other nodes B, C and D in the meshed network (position information), and / or information relating to those in the area of the meshed network

Restricted areas (restricted area information) and / or additional topological

Contain map information based on which the new radio node X can determine the direction in which it may send radio signals (i.e., which are used to determine the one or more radiation sectors of the radio node X). The optional further steps of the radio node X with the aid of the additional information from the confirmation message are explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 5.

After the new radio node X has been registered in the network, it can be reached by the other radio nodes in the meshed network, or can itself communicate with other radio nodes or via one or more of the other radio nodes to an external network (for example the Internet, access a company network, etc.) and communicate with it. Depending on the implementation of the meshed network, the radio node X newly integrated in the meshed network can thus transmit its data to a central unit or, for example, to a control unit based on the detected ones

Sensor data intervenes in a production process or other industrial process.

In principle, it is possible that the new radio node X not only reacts from a first radio beacon signal, but in response to the reception of several radio beacon signals. Sends signals one or more registration messages to one or more radio nodes already integrated in the meshed network, and correspondingly also one

Confirmation message and the optional additional information as described. As will be explained in more detail below, the radio node X can itself determine its relative position by means of triangulation when receiving a plurality of radio beacon signals and determine its absolute position in the reference coordinate system after the

Radio node X the absolute position that the multiple radio beacon signals emitted

Has received radio nodes in the reference coordinate system. As a result, the radio node X can determine the exact position of the restricted area or a plurality of restricted areas and, optionally with the aid of the topological additional information, determine in which directions it is allowed to send its radio signals for communication and in which direction it is not

ensure that the introduced into the one or more restricted areas

Power density is kept below a predetermined threshold.

An alternative registration process for a radio node is described below with reference to FIG. 5. Similar to Figure 4, the new radio node X, which wants to integrate into the meshed network, is initially in a listening mode and does not emit any radio signals. Correspondingly, the new radio node X waits 401 for the reception of radio beacon signals from other radio nodes already registered in the network, such as radio nodes A, C and D. In the embodiment in FIG. 5, radio node X first tries several radio beacon signals from different radio nodes received in the meshed network before sending a registration message. Accordingly, a timer is first started 501, which is used for a predetermined period of time

monitor in which the radio node X initially receives and evaluates radio beacon signals. It is assumed that the radio nodes A, B, C and D already registered in the network at regular intervals (periodically), optionally synchronized with each other,

Send out beacon signals, whereby, as described in relation to FIG. 1, they omit existing restricted areas. As shown in Figure 1, is as follows

As an example, assume that the radio node X can only receive the beacon signals from the radio nodes A, C and B, since the radio node X is not in the radiation sector B1 of the radio node B and therefore does not receive any signals from this radio node.

As soon as the radio node X is monitored within the by means of the timer

If a radio beacon signal receives 402, the radio node X determines, based on the radio beacon signal, the relative direction from which it received the respective radio beacon signal that was sent 410 by one of the registered radio nodes A, C or D. For example, the radio beacon signal can contain an identifier of the transmitting radio node and the radio node X can temporarily store the determined relative direction and the identifier of the radio node that has transmitted the respective radio beacon signal. The beacon signal can optionally also contain further information / parameters that a new radio node needs in order to be able to register itself in the network. However, this information / parameters are specific to the radio technology used and are not considered in more detail here.

As long as the timer has not expired 502, the radio node X evaluates the radio beacon signals received in accordance with steps 402 and 403 and stores the relative direction from which it received the associated radio beacon signal for each new identifier of a radio node. Optionally, the radio node X, if it receives a beacon signal several times from one and the same radio node, can recalculate the relative direction of the radio node determined in each case and combine different results with one another in order to determine the relative direction of the respective radio node more precisely.

After the timer has expired 502, the radio node X, provided that it has received at least two, preferably at least three (radio beacon) signals from different radio nodes, a relative position relative to the radio nodes A, C and D, of which it Received (beacon) signals determine 503. Triangulation in three-dimensional space requires at least three (beacon) signals, while two (beacon) signals from different radio nodes are sufficient for a two-dimensional position determination. The accuracy of the position determination depends, among other things, on the number of (radio beacon) signals for triangulation that are received from different radio nodes. The more (radio beacon) signals from

different radio nodes are obtained, the more precisely the position can be determined by triangulation. Another factor that determines the accuracy of the triangulation is the quality of the beamforming. The "narrower" the transmitted radio signals are emitted in a certain direction, the more precisely the direction of the transmitting radio node can be determined, so that the stated minimum number of different (radio beacon) signals can be sufficient for a sufficiently precise triangulation.

After the timer has expired, radio node X selects 504 one of the radio nodes, for example radio node A, from which it has received a radio beacon signal, and sends 404 a registration message to this radio node. The radio node X can For example, by beamforming, influence the radiation direction of its antenna in such a way that the entire energy of the radio signals, which contains the registration message, is sent in the determined relative direction of the radio node A. As mentioned, the radio node X has already determined and buffered the necessary relative direction. In addition to the detection of the radio node X, the registration message can also contain further information about the radio node X, for example. For example, the

Registration message also the identifiers of those radio nodes, i. H. of the other radio nodes C and D, from which the radio node X has also received radio beacon signals.

Radio node A receives the registration message in step 411. Based on the radio signals that the registration message transports, radio node A determines 412 the relative direction of radio node X. Registered radio node A registers new radio node X in the meshed network by including the radio node X in the routing table. The radio node A optionally informs the other radio nodes B, C and D of the accessibility of the radio node X via the

Radio node A informs. Alternatively, the radio nodes B, C and D could also learn the accessibility of the radio node X via the exchanged messages in the meshed network and update their routing tables accordingly. The exact implementation and acquisition of routes for routing network messages in mesh

Network is a question of implementation of the routing protocol and is not considered here. As already mentioned, the control / monitoring of the direction of radiation of the radio signals by beamforming indirectly affects the neighborhood algorithm of the

Network management so that actually potential neighbors of radio node X, such as radio node B, remain hidden from radio node X and a possible direct route in the meshed network is not formed at all or is recognized as such. This is explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 9.

After registration 413, radio node A can confirm the successful registration of radio node X. For this purpose, it sends 414 a confirmation message to the radio node X, which is received 405 received by the radio node X and completes the registration process of the radio node X. After receiving the

Confirmation of registration, the radio node X can send its data in the direction of the radio node A, which then, depending on the addressee, forwards it to another radio node and optionally via other radio nodes until the addressee of the data is reached. This can also be in another network lying outside the meshed network, for example via the Internet, company network, etc., to be connected to the meshed network.

In some of the aforementioned embodiments, additional information is sent in the new radio node X integrated in the network together with the confirmation of its registration in the network, which allow the radio node X to position and extend the restricted area S 1 at least in the two-dimensional, alternatively in

to determine three-dimensional space in relation to a reference coordinate system. As an alternative to defining the restricted area in absolute coordinates relative to that

Reference coordinate system, the radio node X could also determine the position of the restricted area S1 based on information about the absolute positions of the surrounding radio nodes A, B, C and D as well as their radiation sectors Al, B1, CI and D1, as is shown by way of example in FIG. 6 becomes. Due to the recessed sectors in which the individual radio nodes A, B, C and D send radio signals, the radio node X can determine the position of the restricted area S 1 approx by forming the boundary lines of the sectors of the individual radio nodes. In order to determine the location of the restricted area S l _ap prox

Radio node X at least the absolute position of two radio nodes in the

Reference coordinate system and the radiation sectors of these two radio nodes. The overlap area of the respective sectors into which the respective radio nodes do not send any radio signals (these can be determined from the respective radiation sectors) defines an area that can be defined as a restricted area. Depending on the location of these sectors, no radio signals are sent to the respective radio nodes

Reference coordinate system, this estimate of the location of the restricted area is more or less accurate based on the overlap area of the sectors. Obviously, the location of the restricted area can be determined more precisely the more information about the surrounding radio nodes and their radiation sectors is available to the radio node X.

In principle, both the restricted area and the radiation sectors can be defined two-dimensionally, these two-dimensional areas being defined by a

(Geometric) extrusion the three-dimensional space of the reference coordinate system can be mapped. However, it is also possible to define restricted areas and the radiation sectors of the individual radio nodes in three-dimensional space. This can be achieved, for example, by defining two radiation sectors for a radio node, ie defining two radiation sectors with respect to different levels in the reference coordinate system. The restricted area in three-dimensional space can be defined, for example, using common data formats of three-dimensional structures in topological data. The

Card information that is sent to the new radio node X, for example, together with the confirmation of its registration in the network, can alternatively or additionally also be available in a raster data format.

Figure 7 shows an example of the definition of a restricted area S1 below

Use of Cartesian coordinates in three-dimensional space (i.e.

Geoinformation or geodesics), whereby individual corner points of the three-dimensional restricted area, which are connected with lines by corresponding coordinate pairs (xsl_l, ysl_l, zsl_l), (xsl_2, ysl_2, zsl_2), (xs2_l, ys2_l, zs2_l), (xs2_2), (xs2_l) zs2_2), (xs3_l, ys3_l, zs3_l), (xs3_2, ys3_2, zs3_2), (xs4_l, ys4_l, zs4_l), (xs4_2, ys4_2, zs4_2), (xs5_l, (ys5_2) To be defined. The three-dimensional restricted area S1 is obtained by linearly connecting the coordinates (xsi l, ysi l, zsi_l) and (xsi_2, ysi_2, zsi_2), (xsi_l, ysi_l, zsi_l) and (xs (i + l) _l, ys (i + l) _l, zs (i + l) _l) and), (xsi_2, ysi_2, zsi_2) and (xs (i + l) _2, ys (i + l) _2, zs (i + l) _2), where the index i denotes the individual coordinate pairs.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the structure of a radio node, such as radio nodes A, B, C, D or X in FIG. 1. A radio node 800 comprises a sensor unit 801, a

Computing unit 802, a transceiver 803 (also referred to as a transceiver or transceiver) and optionally other application-specific components. Furthermore, the radio node 800 can also comprise an energy source 804, for example in the form of a battery. The battery can either be the sole energy source of the

Represent radio nodes (pure battery operation) or be used as a backup against power failure. Alternatively, instead of a battery, the radio node could also be connected to a power network, supplied with power via a bus system or via the 806 interface. The sensor unit 801 to measure one or more different parameters in the vicinity of the radio node 800. The measured parameters can be sent, for example, at regular intervals from the radio node 800 to a central unit inside or outside the meshed network. Alternatively, the measured parameters can also be sent for control to actuators of the system, which can also be part of the meshed network or are located outside of it.

The computing unit 802 is used to control the radio node 800 and can be implemented, for example, by means of a microcontroller. Typically, the computing unit 802 combines a processor / microprocessor and the associated memory (also Cache) on a chip. Alternatively, the computing unit 802 can also be implemented as SoC from several chips. To use as little power as possible, the

Computing unit 802 can be severely restricted in its functionality compared to conventional processors, which are used, for example, in commercially available computers or mobile telephones. It is also advantageous if the computing unit 802 supports energy-saving modes, as is the case in modern processor architectures. The main task of the computing unit 802 is the control of the radio node 800, the acquisition and, if necessary, buffering of sensor data from the sensor unit 801, as well as the implementation of the protocol stack for the organization of the meshed network and the data transmission via the transceiver 803, unless a separate chip is used for this is provided.

Optionally, the computing unit 802, e.g. also in cooperation with the transceiver 803, which determine the one or more radiation sectors of the radio node 800. In addition, the computing unit 802 can also determine the transmission power of the radio signals. In both cases, the computing unit 802 can take map information from a topological map into account. This can also include the consideration of reflections / attenuation of radio signals due to obstacles in the vicinity of the radio node.

The transceiver 803 provides the radio communication between the

Radio node 800 and other nodes of the network are secure. The transceiver 803 also advantageously supports an energy-saving operating mode in order to keep the energy consumption as low as possible when no data has to be transmitted or received.

In one embodiment, the transceiver 803 can be based on the LoRa PHY standard, which is extended by a beamforming function. However, there are also other so-called Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) standards that support beamforming or have been expanded by a corresponding functionality

Communication via the radio interface in question. In principle, the transceiver 803 could also support mobile radio standards that support beamforming, such as 3GPP LTE, LTE Advanced, or a 5G standard of 3GPP.

The transceiver 803 is connected to one or more antennas / antenna arrays of the radio node 800, via which the transceiver 803 receives and transmits radio signals. The transceiver 803 can implement what is known as beamforming in order to control the radiation characteristic of the respective antennas / antenna arrays in such a way that a large part of the transmission power is in a specific direction, ie in the direction of another radio node of the meshed network is transmitted, so that the power density introduced into a restricted area can be minimized and / or kept below a certain threshold value. The transceiver 803 can comprise, for example, a so-called beamforming network (BFN), that is, a circuit that includes a

Radiation profile adapts an antenna (narrays) to a desired geometric contour. The BFN feeds the transmission signal weighted (in relation to phase position and / or gain) to the different antenna elements and thus influences the

Radiation characteristics of the antenna. This allows the radiation profile of the

Antenna (narrays) can be adjusted so that the radio signal is emitted in a certain direction.

Beamforming is supported by a large number of radio technologies, in particular also by mobile radio standards. If the transceiver 803 has a

Chipset is realized that a certain radio or cellular standard

implemented, it should advantageously have an interface with which beamforming can be configured. In such a case, the processor unit 802 or the transceiver 803 can configure the beamforming via this interface in such a way that the radio signals of the radio node 800 are only emitted in the one or more radiation sectors of the radio node 800 or only in a specific direction will. For this purpose, the beamforming function of the transceiver 803 can be functionally coupled to the protocol stack of the computing unit 802, which the beamforming function has the necessary

Provides information on beam shaping for the directed transmission of the radio signals. Furthermore, the transceiver 803 can be set up in such a way that, as described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, it determines the relative direction of the respective beacon based on the beacon signals received by the transceiver 803. The radio node sending signal is determined. The transceiver 803 can forward this information together with other information extracted from the beacon signal (for example signal strength, identifier of the radio node, etc.) via an interface to the computing unit 802 in order to further process it there.

The protocol layers above the protocol stack implemented by transceiver 803 can be implemented, for example, by computing unit 802. The protocols, ie their functionality, can for example be part of the firmware / software of the radio node 800, which is stored in a non-volatile memory of the computing unit 802 or another memory module of the radio node 800 and which is executed by the processor of the computing unit 802. The firmware / software can for example implement those protocols that are necessary for the construction and the

Management of the meshed network and / or routing are necessary, for example the corresponding routing protocols and management protocols for the meshed network. As mentioned, these protocols can be functionally coupled to transceiver 803 via one or more interfaces in order to exchange information.

As a routing protocol, protocols can be used which are based, for example, on the distance vector algorithm (also known as distance vector routing), which are optionally optimized for use in low power wide area networks (LPWAN). An example is the Routing Protocol for Low power and Lossy Networks (RPL) (German:

Routing protocol for low-performance and lossy networks), which is specified in the IETF standard RFC 6550. This requires the use of non IPv6 protocol in the

Network layer (Layer 3). The RPL protocol can also be used, for example, in an IPv6 over Low power Wireless Personal Area Network (6L0WPAN - German: IPv6 for WPAN with low energy consumption). Alternatively, angle-based dynamic source routing (ADSR) -based routing protocols or the low-energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH) protocol could also be used. The network layer of the protocol stack can, for example, use the IPv4 or IPv6 protocol for addressing the network nodes and can also be implemented by the computing unit 802.

As already mentioned, the neighborhood detection of the individual radio nodes is influenced by the beamforming, so that certain routes, which would be possible without taking the restricted areas into account, due to the changed

Neighborhood detection is not included in the routing and is therefore left blank when the radio signals are transmitted. Formulated in the context of the RPL, this has the effect

Beamforming the radio signals so that all "children" can only see and address those "parents" who are not "behind" restricted zones. The use of Destination Oriented Directed Acyclic Graph (DODAG) Information Objects (DIOs) and Destination Advertisement Objects (DAOs) remains unaffected. The receipt of the Neighbor Advertisement (NA) and Neighbor Solicitations (NS) messages or routers

Advertisement (RA) and router solicitation (RS) messages and thus the network structure of the meshed network is influenced by the beamforming of the radio signals. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the radio node X only reach radio signals from the radio nodes A, C and D due to the radiation sectors A1, B1, CI and D1 of the other radio nodes A, B, C and D.

Because of this, the neighborhood algorithm may be at the

Network layer (network layer - layer 3 of the OSI model) only those Recognize radio nodes as neighbors, from whom it also received radio signals.

Accordingly, the radio node B is not recognized as a “neighbor”, even if a direct radio connection between radio nodes X and B would theoretically be possible. Accordingly, in the routing table of the radio node, as shown in FIG. 9, only the routes to radio node A (route RXA), TO radio node C (route Rxc) and to radio node D (RXD) are shown. The route R _XB would not be formed at all. Furthermore, the radio node X could learn that radio node B can in turn be reached via radio node A or radio node C. This could also be stored in the routing table so that the routing protocol sends the data for radio node B either via route R _XA or alternatively via route Rxc. Nodes A and C would then forward the data to node B accordingly via route RAB and route R _C B, respectively.

As management protocols, for example, protocols for

Self-configuration are used, such as the well-known Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) or IPv6 Stateless address autoconfiguration (SFAAC). The latter can advantageously be used together with the Neighbor Discovery Protocol (NDP) - see IETF RFC 4861. Alternatively, it could also be specifically for the

Use in mesh networks adapted protocols, such as Ad Hoc Configuration Protocol (AHCP), the Proactive Autoconfiguration Protocol, or the Dynamic WMN Configuration Protocol (DWCP) for network management.

The protocols implemented by the computing unit 802 can, for example, be set up to implement the individual steps of the flow diagrams according to FIG. 4 or FIG. 5, which are carried out by the radio node X and / or one of the other radio nodes A, B, C or D. Alternatively, these steps can also be implemented by combining functionality in the computing unit 802 and the transceiver 803. For example, the network management protocol that is implemented by the computing unit 802 can, from the transceiver 803 in response to the reception 402, 404 of a beacon signal or a registration message, identify the radio node which is the beacon signal or the registration message has sent, as well as information about its relative direction with respect to the radio node, which the

Network management protocol can be used to update the routing table accordingly.

[0094] Furthermore, the network management protocol can be set up to cause the transceiver 803 to transmit the beacon signals in accordance with the respective Send out radiation sector using beamforming, so that the restricted area S1 is left out. For this purpose, the transceiver 803 can transmit the beacon signal in

Radiate the radiation sector of the respective radio node as a whole, or alternatively send out several radio beacon signals, using beamforming in different directions within the radiation sector of the radio node, in order to “lock” the radiation sector. Optionally, it is also possible for the transceiver 803 to transmit a signal (for example a radio beacon signal) several times in succession in a transmission burst, so as to enable the radio node receiving the signal burst to determine the relative direction from which the signal is received or to be able to determine the relative position of the receiving radio node more precisely.

The computing unit 803 can also be further adapted to process additional information contained in a confirmation message and at least temporarily in the radio node 800, e.g. in memory 805. Furthermore, the computing unit 803 can also process this information further, for example in order to determine the absolute position of the respective radio node 800 in the reference coordinate system and / or the position of the one or more restricted areas S1 and to correspondingly assign the radiation sector (s) of the radio node 800 to control beamforming by transceiver 803.

The functionality of the radio nodes A, B, C, D, X and 800, as described in relation to FIGS. 4, 5 and 8, can be implemented both in software and in hardware or a combination of software and hardware. The individual components of the radio node 800, which was described with reference to FIG. 8, can, for example, be implemented as one on a SoC. Alternatively, it is also possible to implement individual functionalities and / or components using multiple chips. For example, the transceiver 803 could be implemented on its own chip or chipset, while the functionality of the processor unit 802 is implemented on a SoC, for example, or forms its own subsystem from several chips that is coupled to the transceiver 803. The same applies accordingly to the sensor unit 801, which could be implemented, for example, integrated in a subsystem with the processor unit 802, or can also be formed separately therefrom.

The interface 806 is optional and can be a further interface of the

Represent radio node 800. Interface 806 can be designed as a wired interface, for example as a USB interface. Alternatively, the interface 806 also be a wireless interface, and in particular (but not limited to) enable near-field communication (NFC) or the transmission of radio signals in the vicinity (for example in the range of less than several hundred meters, for example less than 100 m). In one embodiment, the interface 806 is designed as a Bluetooth interface or as a DECT interface. The interface can for example

Transmission of data from an external device or storage medium 807, such as a USB stick, to the radio node 800 can be used. This data can, for example

Receive configuration data for the radio node, such as the settings for using the meshed network, network settings (e.g. IP address, addresses of gateways and / or central server units, etc.), data of a topological map in which the meshed network is operated, the absolute position of the radio node in the

Reference coordinate system of the topological map and / or firmware.

[0098] The configuration data can be stored in a memory 805 of the radio node 800. This memory 805 can also be used by the processor unit 802, the sensor unit 801 and / or the transceiver 803 for storing data.

Other aspects of the radio node can also be implemented in software.

For example, it is customary to implement the protocol stack (or at least parts thereof) in software, which is then implemented by the computing unit 802 or a corresponding one

Processor component of the transceiver 803 is realized. The individual steps of

FIGS. 4 and 5 can, for example, use one or more computer programs that are / are executed by a computing unit 802 and on one or more

Computer-readable storage media are stored, can be realized. A radio node can be adapted to implement the functionality of the new radio node X described in relation to FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 and the radio nodes A, B, C and D already integrated in the network, because as soon as a new radio node X is integrated in the network, According to one embodiment, it is possible for the radio node itself to integrate other radio nodes into the network by executing the corresponding steps of the radio nodes already integrated into the network.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. radio node for use in a meshed network, which is in the area of at least one restricted area, into which only radio signals with an energy density less than a predetermined threshold value may be sent, the radio node comprising: a transceiver unit to transmit radio signals to one or send several other radio nodes in the meshed network,

the transceiver unit being set up to generate the radio signal and to transmit it by means of beamforming in such a way that the energy density of the radio signal which is introduced into the at least one restricted area is less than the predetermined threshold value.

2. The radio node according to claim 1, further comprising a memory which stores information on one or more radiation sectors into which the transceiver unit can transmit radio signals in a directed manner

3. Radio node according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the memory stores map information defining the position and extent of the at least one restricted area in a digital map.

4. The radio node according to claim 3, further comprising a processor unit which, based on the card information, determines one or more radiation sectors into which the transceiver unit can transmit data in a directed manner by means of a radio signal.

5. radio node according to claim 4, wherein the transceiver is further set up to transmit a radio beacon signal by means of beamforming only within the one or more radiation sectors, so that the at least one restricted area is omitted,

the beacon signal indicating the availability of the meshed network and allowing other radio nodes to determine the relative direction from which they received the beacon signal.

6. A radio node according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a memory storing map information defining the position of another radio node in a digital map; and wherein the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit a radio signal in the direction of the other radio node by means of beamforming.

7. Radio node according to claim 6, wherein the transceiver or a

The processor unit of the radio node is set up to receive the position of the other radio node in the digital map from a further radio node or to determine it based on a radio beacon signal that was received by the other radio node.

8. Radio node according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the transceiver or

Processor unit of the radio node is set up to determine the direction of the other radio node with respect to the radio node based on the position of the other radio node.

9. Radio node according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the radio signal that in the

Direction is sent to the other radio node, a registration message is to integrate the radio node in the meshed network.

10. Radio node according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the radio signal that in the

Direction of the other radio node is sent, contains sensor data of a sensor which is contained in or connected to the radio node.

11. Radio node according to one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a memory that stores map information of a topological map of the environment of the radio node.

12. Radio node according to claim 11, wherein the map information of the topological

Card can be received from another radio node in the meshed network or via an interface integrated in the radio node.

13. Radio node according to claim 12, wherein the interface is a wired

Interface to a removable storage medium, and the card information is made available via the removable storage medium.

14. Radio node according to claim 12, wherein the interface is a wireless interface for data transmission between devices over short distances by radio technology, and the card information is provided via this wireless interface.

15. radio node according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the transceiver unit or a processor unit of the radio node is set up, to determine one or more radiation sectors into which the transceiver can send radio signals, based on which the map information of the topological map is to be determined.

16. Radio node according to claim 15, wherein the transceiver or the

Processor unit of the radio node is set up to determine the one or more radiation sectors, taking into account a reflection of the radio signals emitted by the transceiver unit on topological obstacles in the topological map.

17. Radio node according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the transceiver or the processor unit of the radio node is set up based on

Geographic information and / or geodesics of a topological map

To calculate the transmission power for the radio signal so that the energy density introduced into the at least one restricted area is kept below the predetermined threshold value.

18. Radio node according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the transceiver unit or the processor unit of the radio node is set up based on

Geographic information and / or geodesics of a topological map

To calculate the transmission power for the radio signal, so that the radiated transmission power of the radio signal is maximized in the direction of an adjacent radio node, without exceeding the energy density permitted in the at least one restricted area.

19. Radio node according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the transceiver unit or the processor unit of the radio node is set up to take into account the reflection of the radio signal on one or more obstacles in the topological map when calculating the transmission power for the radio signal.

20. Radio node according to one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the transceiver or a processor unit of the radio node is set up to determine the position of the radio node in the digital card by triangulation based on a plurality of beacon signals and / or other radio signals, the Beacon signals or the other radio signals are received from other radio nodes in the meshed network.

21. Radio node according to one of claims 1 to 20, further comprising a

Processor unit that initially activates the radio node for a operates a predetermined period of time in a listening mode in which the transmission of radio signals is prevented by the transceiver and the radio node tries to receive beacon signals from other radio nodes integrated in the meshed network.

22. The radio node of claim 21, wherein the processor unit selects one of the other radio nodes after the predetermined period of time, and causes the transceiver to send a registration message to the selected radio node in order to integrate the radio node in the meshed network;

wherein the transceiver is set up to transmit the radio signal containing the registration message in the direction of the selected radio node by means of beamforming, so that the at least one restricted area is left out.

23. Radio node according to one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the transceiver is set up to transmit the radio signal by means of beamforming in such a way that the energy density of the radio signal which is introduced into the at least one restricted area is less than a lower second predetermined threshold value;

the lower second predetermined threshold value taking into account an energy density for the at least one restricted area such that it is not possible to receive radio signals transmitted by the radio node in the at least one restricted area.

24. Radio node according to one of claims 1 to 23, which is set up to receive externally calculated radio directions and assigned transmission powers, and wherein the transceiver is set up to transmit the radio signal in one of the calculated radio directions with the assigned transmission power.

25. Method of calculating radio directions and assigned

Transmitting power for a radio node according to claim 24 by a central processing unit, comprising:

Receiving data, which indicate the positions of the radio nodes in the meshed network, at the central processing unit Determining radio directions and assigned transmission powers for at least one of the radio nodes using topological map information and optionally further map information; and

Transmission of the determined radio directions and assigned transmission powers to the at least one radio node.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the meshed for each radio node

Network characteristic data of the transmission, in particular reliability of the transmission and / or data throughput and / or fatency are collected, and these characteristic data are used, preferably by means of self-learning algorithms, for iteratively optimizing the radio directions returned to the nodes and assigned transmission powers.

27. A method for calculating the transmission direction and / or the transmission power for a radio node according to one of claims 1 to 23, the method comprising:

Calculation of reflections of the transmission power for horizontal and lateral transmission directions based on geographic information and / or geodesics of a topological map, whereby transmission powers and transmission directions, which lead to energy densities above a predetermined threshold value in one or more restricted areas, are excluded for the radio node.

28. A method for calculating the transmission direction and / or the transmission power for a radio node according to one of claims 1 to 23, the method comprising:

Calculation of attenuation of the transmission power for horizontal and lateral transmission directions based on geographic information and / or geodesics of a topological map,

wherein transmission powers and transmission directions to neighboring radio nodes are selected so that the transmission power is maximized without exceeding an energy density permissible in the at least one restricted area.

29. A method for calculating the transmission direction and / or the transmission power for a radio node according to one of claims 1 to 23, the method comprising: Optimizing the reliability of the transmission and / or the data throughput and / or the latency for the entire meshed network based on geographic information and / or geodesic data of a topological map by defining preferred transmission directions and associated transmission powers for the individual radio nodes,

where transmit powers and directions that are in the restricted area too

Lead energy densities above the specified threshold for which radio nodes are excluded.

30. A method for calculating the transmission direction and / or the transmission power for a radio node according to one of claims 1 to 23, the method comprising:

Calculating transmission directions that are not on a line of sight, in particular indirect transmission directions with at least one reflection, to an adjacent radio node based on a topological map, taking into account reflection and attenuation of radio signals to be transmitted,

where transmit powers and directions that are in the restricted area too

Lead energy densities above the specified threshold for which nodes are excluded.

31. A method for calculating the transmission direction and / or the transmission power for a radio node according to one of claims 1 to 23, wherein transmission directions blocked by obstacles for the radio node are excluded based on a topological map.