Intermediate functional device and method

• US 8,547,876 B1
• Filed: 04/13/2011
• Issued: 10/01/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 04/13/2011
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: the united states of america as represented by the secretary of the navy
• Original Assignee: The United States of America As Represented By The Secretary of Agriculture
• Inventors: Clement, Russel E., Ramirez, Ayax D.
• Primary Examiner(s): PHAN, MAN U
• Application Number:
  US13/086,265
• Time in Patent Office: 902 Days
• Field of Search: 370235-338, 455418-457, 709219-229
• US Class Current: 370/255
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/005 Discovery of network devices, e.g. terminals

Abstract

A wireless intermediate functional device (IFD) for wireless communication between reduced functional devices in a star topology network having a central coordinator capable of operating as a network access device (NAD), and with fully functional devices in a mesh topology network also capable of operating as a NAD is described. The IFD is a wireless system that executes IEEE 802.15.4 standard compliant operations and operates as an intermediary between non-compatible devices. Various communication and protocol handshaking and management is facilitated by the IFD, allowing end devices in heterogeneous networks to communicate.

Claims

1. A wireless intermediate functional device for wireless communication in a cargo conveyance security system comprising:

a processor with memory;

a radio frequency transceiver front end communicating with the processor;

an antenna coupled to the front end; and

a power source providing power to the processor and front end;

wherein the processor executes computer instructions stored in the memory for;

selectively scanning a predetermined set of radio frequency channels for network discovery;

selecting a channel with best signal characteristics;

discovering a first network access device configured for a first network topology;

discovering a second network access device configured for a network topology different from the first network topology;

establishing communication with the first and second network access devices; and

sending data to at least one of the network access devices.

2. A method for wireless communication in a cargo conveyance security system between reduced functional devices in a star topology network having a central coordinator capable of operating as a network access device, and with fully functional devices in a mesh topology network, comprising:

providing an intermediary functional device comprising;

a processor with memory;

a radio frequency transceiver front end communicating with the processor;

an antenna coupled to the front end; and

a power source providing power to the processor and front end;

into the star topology and mesh topology networks;

selectively scanning a predetermined set of radio frequency channels for network discovery;

selecting a channel with best signal characteristics;

discovering a network access device announcement from a network access device via the intermediary functional device;

determining whether the network access device is from a star or mesh network via the intermediary functional device;

establishing communication with a designated reduced functional device via the intermediary functional device;

forwarding the network access device announcement to the designated reduced functional device; and

sending data to the reduced functional device.