Adaptive Super-Frame Communication for Seismic Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data acquisition systems in seismic and oil exploration networks face significant delays and operational challenges due to network topology changes, cable cuts, and equipment failures, which hinder efficient data transmission and initialization processes.
Innovation Solution
A communication method that dynamically manages flexible channels and adapts to network topology changes by using a super-frame propagation mechanism with WAIT symbols and redundant communication links to quickly detect and bypass link cuts, ensuring continuous data transmission across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the network uses a fixed super-frame size based on maximum node count, then all nodes can be addressed, but the initialization time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the super-frame structure adaptive rather than fixed. The super-frame size and node addresses are dynamically determined based on the actual number of nodes detected in the segment, rather than being predetermined for the maximum possible nodes. This dynamic adjustment significantly reduces initialization time while maintaining the ability to address all nodes in the segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of super-frame size from a fixed maximum value to a variable value that adapts to the actual network configuration. By detecting the actual number of nodes and adjusting the super-frame parameters accordingly, the system achieves faster initialization without sacrificing adaptability to different network topologies.
2Reliability
If secondary transverse lines are installed to create redundant paths, then network reliability improves, but operational constraints and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses concentrators as intermediary devices that manage communication and detect line cuts. The concentrator receives signals from nodes, detects interruptions in the communication chain, and manages the reconfiguration of the network. This intermediary approach enables reliable operation with simpler topology by centralizing the intelligence for handling redundancy and failure detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The network employs self-service mechanisms where nodes automatically detect line cuts by monitoring the absence of expected signals from adjacent nodes. Each node actively monitors its communication links and can identify failures without external intervention, enabling automatic adaptation to topology changes and maintaining reliability without complex manual management.
3Loss of time
If the network actively monitors for line cuts using signal propagation, then detection speed improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring of communication links as an integral part of normal network operation. Nodes continuously exchange signals during data transmission, and the absence of expected signals is detected as a line cut. This continuous useful action enables fast detection without requiring separate dedicated monitoring signals that would increase energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication signals used for data transmission serve dual purposes: they carry data information and simultaneously monitor the health of communication links. This multi-functionality allows the network to detect line cuts using the same signals already being transmitted for operational purposes, avoiding additional energy-consuming monitoring mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a communication method in a communication network comprising a plurality of devices forming an ordered communication segment, at least one device of this segment being connected to at most two other devices called previous device and next device, at least one device receiving data from the previous device and emitting at least these data to the next device allowing the propagation of the data on the segment. A first concentrator of the segment initializes the transmission of a first frame of data through the segment to a terminal device ending the segment, said terminal device sends back a symbol initiating the transmission of a second frame of data to the first concentrator through the segment. The communication method comprises the following steps carried out by at least a determined device : receiving a first symbol (EOSF) from the previous device of the determined device, this receiving step triggering a step of emitting a WAIT symbol to the previous device and a step of emitting of at least first symbol (EOSF) to the next device of the determined device.