Broadcast Messaging Response Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In utility networks, broadcasting messages to multiple downstream devices can lead to response signal collisions due to simultaneous responses from thousands of devices, overwhelming the server and hub devices.
Innovation Solution
Downstream devices analyze received messages for targeting information and timing instructions, scheduling responses to minimize collisions by sending responses at specified times, and the system allows for customized broadcasts to target specific devices, reducing the likelihood of collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If broadcast messages are sent to all downstream devices simultaneously, then message delivery speed is improved, but response signal collisions occur causing server overload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by assigning different response time slots to different downstream devices. Instead of all devices responding simultaneously, each device is scheduled to respond at a specific time period after receiving the broadcast message, thereby distributing response signals over time and avoiding collisions at the server
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by including response timing information in the broadcast message itself. Downstream devices analyze this timing information before sending responses, allowing them to pre-schedule their response transmission times according to the timing instructions embedded in the message, thus preventing collisions before they occur
2Reliability
If individual messages are sent to each downstream device, then response signal collisions are avoided, but communication time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the response communication process into two phases: (1) a single broadcast message sent to all downstream devices simultaneously, and (2) segmented response transmissions where each device responds at a different scheduled time. This maintains the efficiency of broadcast while avoiding simultaneous response collisions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces timing information as an intermediary element in the broadcast message. This timing information mediates between the need for simultaneous message delivery and the need for staggered responses, allowing the server to efficiently broadcast to all devices while responses are automatically distributed over time through the timing mechanism
3Area of stationary object
If broadcast messages are sent to all devices, then network coverage is maximized, but unnecessary responses from non-targeted devices increase collision risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling downstream devices to selectively process broadcast messages based on local criteria. Each device analyzes filtering information in the message to determine if it is the intended target, and only targeted devices send responses. This maintains broad network coverage while reducing the number of responding devices to only those that need to respond
Data Source
AI summary
A method of avoiding response signal collisions includes broadcasting a message from a broadcasting device to a plurality of downstream devices, the message containing timing instructions specifying a time at which each downstream device should send its response to the message after successfully receiving the message, and determining whether every downstream device targeted in the message successfully received the message. A method of processing a message includes analyzing, by a downstream device in a communication network, filtering information in a received message to determine whether the filtering information targets the downstream device, and responsive to determining that the filtering information targets the downstream device, determining, by the downstream device, whether the message requires a response, and responsive to a determination that the message requires a response, analyzing timing information in the received message to determine response timing, and scheduling a response as defined in the timing information.