Adaptive network and method

Abstract

A plurality of modules interact to form an adaptive network in which each module transmits and receives data signals indicative of proximity of objects. A central computer accumulates the data produced or received and relayed by each module for analyzing proximity responses to transmit through the adaptive network control signals to a selectively-addressed module to respond to computer analyses of the data accumulated from modules forming the adaptive network. Interactions of local processors in modules that sense an intrusion determine the location and path of movements of the intruding object and control cameras in the modules to retrieve video images of the intruding object. Multiple operational frequencies in adaptive networks permit expansions by additional networks that each operate at separate radio frequencies to avoid overlapping interaction. Additional modules may be introduced into operating networks without knowing the operating frequency at the time of introduction. Remote modules operating as leaf nodes of the adaptive network actively adapt to changed network conditions upon awaking from power-conserving sleep mode. New programs are distributed to all or selected modules under control of the base station.

1 .- 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . In an adaptive network of a plurality of interactive modules, a method comprising:
 transmitting from at least one module of the plurality of modules an initial message requesting a response from others of the plurality of modules within a transmission vicinity of the at least one initial message transmitting module;   receiving, at the initial message transmitting module, one or more responsive messages from other modules within the transmission vicinity, each responsive message including a respective energy expenditure value representing energy needed to communicate with said initial message transmitting module;   analyzing responsive messages to identify a module with a lowest energy expenditure value; and   communicating with the identified module from which the responsive message contained the lowest energy expenditure value.   
     
     
         31 . The method according to  claim 30  in which each of the plurality of modules is identified by a unique address included in a respective responsive message, the method further comprising:
 communicating exclusively with the identified module by the unique address thereof. 
 
     
     
         32 . In each module in an adaptive network of interactive modules, a method comprising:
 receiving a request message from an other of the plurality of modules requesting a responsive transmission; and   transmitting, in response to a request message received thereby, a responsive message containing an indication of energy expenditure by said transmitting module to communicate within the adaptive network along communication channels containing other of the plurality of modules.   
     
     
         33 . The method according to  claim 32  in which each of the plurality of modules is identified by a unique address, wherein the responsive message comprises an indication of the unique address thereof. 
     
     
         34 .- 35 . (canceled) 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein transmitting the initial message comprises:
 sending the initial message to a broadcast address.   
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the initial message comprises a respective expenditure value set to zero. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the initial message comprises a neighborhood list of other modules from which the initial message transmitting module can receive messages,
 wherein the neighborhood list is empty.   
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38 , further comprising:
 adding a source identifier for each received one or more responsive message to the neighborhood list.   
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the responsive message comprises a respective expenditure value set to infinity. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein the initial message comprises a neighborhood list of other modules from which the initial message transmitting module can receive messages,
 wherein the neighborhood list is empty.   
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the neighborhood list is empty. 
     
     
         43 . In an adaptive network of interactive modules, each module configured to:
 receive a first broadcast initial message from another module requesting a responsive message in return, the first broadcast initial message comprising a first cost value and a first neighborhood list;   determine if the received first broadcast initial message comprises a first cost value set to zero and, if so, set a source module of the received first broadcast initial message as a parent node; and   send a first responsive message to the source of the first received broadcast initial message, the first responsive message comprising a second cost value and a second neighborhood list including an identifier of the source module.   
     
     
         44 . The adaptive network of  claim 43 , wherein each module is further configured to:
 send a second broadcast initial message requesting a responsive message, the second broadcast initial message comprising a second cost value and the second neighborhood list.