Method for Frequency Correction of an Oscillator of a Sensor Node of a Wireless Sensor Network

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This invention describes a method for automatically correcting the frequency of a sensor node's oscillator within a wireless sensor network. The method works by using broadcast radio signals (such as TV, radio, or cellular transmissions modulated with OFDM) as external frequency references. By analyzing these incoming signals, the sensor node can precisely measure how much its own oscillator frequency deviates and then adjust itself to compensate, ensuring high-precision synchronization across many sensor nodes, even in indoor environments where GPS does not function well.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Wireless sensor networks for industrial automation where precise timing is crucial.
• Remote meter reading (utilities such as gas/water/electricity meters) requiring synchronized operations without cables.
• Asset and personnel tracking systems inside buildings where GPS signals are unavailable.
• Wireless environmental monitoring networks in smart cities or smart buildings.
• Cooperative localization and navigation of sensor nodes in warehouses, factories, or logistics centers.
• Distributed data acquisition in research environments requiring time-synchronized measurements across multiple nodes.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides high-precision frequency synchronization for sensor nodes without requiring GPS or wired connections.
• Enables accurate time and frequency alignment even in challenging indoor environments.
• Utilizes existing broadcast signals (TV, radio, cellular) as frequency references, avoiding the need for dedicated infrastructure.
• Reduces installation and maintenance costs by eliminating cables for synchronization.
• Increases the reliability and robustness of wireless sensor networks, particularly for localization and time-sensitive applications.
• Can adapt dynamically to changes in signal quality or network topology, supporting self-organizing sensor systems.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for the frequency error correction of an oscillator of a sensor node in a sensor network, comprising the following steps: receiving a transmission signal of a transmitter, the signal being modulated by orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM); determining the frequency deviation of the oscillator using the received transmission signal; determining a correction signal for correcting the frequency deviation of the oscillator and correcting the frequency of the oscillator by means of the correction signal.