BACnet MS/TP Token Holding Time Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

In BACnet MS/TP bus systems, determining the optimal maximum token holding time is challenging due to the need for detailed knowledge of expected data traffic, which can lead to inefficient data transmission and potential timeouts from untimely arrival of status or control messages.

Innovation Solution

A method for automatically adjusting the maximum token holding time based on real-time data traffic analysis, considering the data transmission patterns and buffer usage of bus participants, to optimize token rotation times and prevent buffer overflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the maximum token holding time is set to a fixed value at startup, then the system configuration is simple, but the data transmission efficiency deteriorates when data traffic patterns differ from expectations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem configuration complexityVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the maximum token holding time parameter. The system continuously monitors data traffic patterns and automatically adjusts the token holding time during runtime based on actual transmission needs, transforming a static configuration into a dynamic adaptive parameter that optimizes data transmission efficiency without increasing initial system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-configuration by automatically analyzing its own data traffic patterns and adjusting the token holding time without external intervention. The bus participant autonomously monitors transmission volumes, identifies patterns, and modifies its token holding behavior to match actual operational requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the maximum token holding time is increased to accommodate high data transmission volumes, then data buffer overflow is prevented, but token rotation time increases causing delays in status message delivery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata buffer overflow preventionVSAvoidtoken rotation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the token holding time based on real-time traffic analysis. When high transmission volumes are detected, the holding time is extended to prevent buffer overflow. When traffic subsides, the holding time is reduced to maintain fast token rotation, thus balancing reliability and time response adaptively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the token holding time parameter based on observed data transmission patterns. By analyzing transmission volumes and timing patterns, the system modifies this critical parameter to prevent buffer overflow during high-traffic periods while maintaining quick response during low-traffic periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If the maximum token holding time is set to a short duration to ensure fast token rotation, then status message delivery is timely, but data transmission completeness deteriorates during high traffic periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestatus message delivery timeVSAvoiddata transmission completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic token holding time adjustment that responds to actual traffic conditions. During low-traffic periods, short holding times ensure fast token rotation and timely status message delivery. During high-traffic periods, the holding time is automatically extended to ensure complete data transmission, thus adapting to maintain both timeliness and completeness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of manufacture

If manual configuration of maximum token holding time is performed, then initial setup is straightforward, but adaptability to changing data traffic patterns deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial setup easeVSAvoidadaptability to data traffic patterns

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains simple initial setup with default token holding time configuration, then automatically performs self-configuration by monitoring data traffic patterns and adjusting the parameter during runtime. This eliminates the need for complex manual configuration while providing full adaptability to changing traffic conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10397020B2Automatic adjustment of the maximum token holding time in BACnet MS/TP bus systems at runtime

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 WAGO VERW GMBH

AI summary

A method for the automatic adjustment of a maximum token holding time of a first bus participant in a BACnet MS/TP bus system. The method includes analyzing the data traffic in the bus system during a first time interval and adjusting a maximum token holding time of the first bus participant based on the analysis of the data traffic during the first time interval, whereby the analysis of the data traffic during the first time interval includes determining a data transmission pattern of a second bus participant, whereby the data transmission pattern of the second bus participant is defined by a measured data volume of the second bus participant and its distribution over time.