Bus Network Broadcast Data Transmission Protocol

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current data transmission methods in bus networks, particularly in safety technology, are inefficient due to the need to transmit redundant overhead data, leading to increased reaction times and reduced effectiveness, especially in point-to-point transmission systems like Interbus, where data is typically accessed only at the master or downstream locations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a broadcast message within the point-to-point transmission protocol allows for the transmission of selected data in a broadcast mode, reducing overhead data and enabling flexible access to safety-relevant data at any location, thereby enhancing transmission efficiency and reducing reaction times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If point-to-point transmission method is used, then data can be transmitted to individual subscribers, but overhead data must be transmitted individually for each subscriber reducing transmission effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidtransmission effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple individual data transmissions into a single broadcast transmission. Instead of sending separate data streams to each subscriber, the system transmits a single broadcast message that contains all necessary data, which is then distributed to all subscribers simultaneously. This eliminates redundant overhead data and significantly improves transmission effectiveness while maintaining data reliability through the broadcast protocol.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If individual data transmission for each subscriber is implemented, then specific data can be delivered to targeted subscribers, but reaction time increases due to redundant overhead data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata targeting capabilityVSAvoidreaction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary organization of data into a broadcast message structure that anticipates the needs of all subscribers. By pre-packaging all necessary data in a single transmission frame with proper addressing and formatting, the system eliminates the sequential transmission delays that would occur with individual data sends, thereby reducing reaction time while maintaining the ability to target specific subscribers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If data is accessed only at master or downstream locations, then system architecture remains simple, but access flexibility to data is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem architecture complexityVSAvoiddata access flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The broadcast transmission mechanism provides universal data access capability to all subscribers regardless of their position in the network. Each subscriber can receive and process broadcast messages containing data relevant to their function, enabling any subscriber to access any data transmitted on the bus. This multi-functional access capability is achieved through standard broadcast protocol features rather than complex routing logic, maintaining architectural simplicity while dramatically improving data access flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If broadcast transmission is implemented, then overhead data is reduced and transmission efficiency increases, but compatibility with existing point-to-point protocols must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidprotocol compatibility complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the transmission mode parameter from individual point-to-point transmissions to a single broadcast transmission. By modifying the protocol parameters to support broadcast addressing and message formatting, the system achieves higher transmission efficiency. The broadcast messages are structured with specific address fields and data formats that allow existing point-to-point protocol hardware to process them, maintaining compatibility while enabling efficient broadcast operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8705548B2Method and apparatus for the transmission of data via a bus network using the broadcast principle
Publication Date: 2014.04.22 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • US8705548B2 patent drawing
  • US8705548B2 patent drawing
  • US8705548B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There is provided a method for the transmission of data via a bus network to which a plurality of subscribers are connected. The method includes a first step of transmitting data from at least one subscriber, e.g., Master, to at least another subscriber, e.g., TNx or STNx, by employing a data transmission protocol designed for point-to-point transmission. The method includes a second step of defining a broadcast message, within which selected data can be transmitted in a broadcast transmission mode, within the point-to-point transmission protocol. In a supplementary or alternative embodiment, the method includes inserting a safety broadcast message in addition to a standard or general broadcast protocol. There is also provided an apparatus for transmission of data via a bus network.