Method and apparatus for a communication network with nodes capable of selective cluster head operation
First Claim
1. A method for selecting a cluster head from among a plurality of communication nodes, the method comprising the steps of, at each of the plurality of communication nodes:
- self-initiating a self-assessment of an ability level to operate as a cluster head;
obtaining at least two factors representative of a characteristic of at least one of the plurality communication nodes; and
operating as a cluster head based on an assessment of ability level derived using a formula that assigns weights to each of the at least two factors, and based on use of a random value component.
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Abstract
A communication device (111) determines whether to operate as a cluster head in a network of communication devices (100). The device performs a self-assessment regarding its ability to operate as a cluster head based on a formula that assigns weights to factors related to its capabilities and preferably its environment (410, 420, 430). The ability of the device is combined with a random value component in determining whether to operate as a cluster head (440). In the preferred embodiment, upon assumption of cluster head status, the device communicates with neighboring devices to signal its cluster head status, and to invite others to participate in the formation of a cluster.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method for selecting a cluster head from among a plurality of communication nodes, the method comprising the steps of, at each of the plurality of communication nodes:
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self-initiating a self-assessment of an ability level to operate as a cluster head;
obtaining at least two factors representative of a characteristic of at least one of the plurality communication nodes; andoperating as a cluster head based on an assessment of ability level derived using a formula that assigns weights to each of the at least two factors, and based on use of a random value component. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A communication device for selective operation as a cluster head in a communication network, comprising:
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a transmitter; a memory, comprising; at least two factors representative of operational characteristics of the communication device; operating instructions for self-initiating a self-assessment of ability level based on a formula that assigns different weights to each of the at least two factors in the communication device, and for determining cluster head status based on the ability level assessed; and a controller operable to execute the operating instructions in the memory and to cause the transmitter to transmit a signal identifying the communication device as a cluster head in response to a determination of cluster head status. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
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11. A method for selecting cluster heads from among a plurality of communication devices operating as potential nodes in an asynchronous network, the method comprising the steps of:
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at each potential node of a plurality of potential nodes;
self-obtaining a set of capability values representing capabilities of the potential node;obtaining a set of weight assignments corresponding to the set of capability values; obtaining an ability level cite potential node by combining the set of capability values according to the set weight assignments; determining cluster head status of the potential node based at least in part on a formula having inputs related to the ability level, a total number of potential nodes, and a total number of desired cluster heads; and operating as a cluster head according to the cluster head status. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification