Communications Device Signal Postponement for Fire Alarm Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fire alarm systems, communication between fire sensors and receivers can be delayed due to overlapping or close timing of communication with other devices, leading to potential delays in fire warning transmission.
Innovation Solution
A communications device with a control unit that postpones signal transmission to a first device until after performing intermittent reception from a second device, ensuring that communication with the second device is not delayed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the communications device transmits signals to the first device at the earliest opportunity, then the transmission efficiency to the first device is improved, but the communication with the second device may be delayed due to overlapping timing
Solution Approach 1:
The communications device performs preliminary action by executing intermittent reception operations before transmitting signals to the first device. The control unit schedules reception slots in advance and ensures transmission opportunities are postponed until after these preliminary reception actions are completed, preventing timing conflicts and ensuring timely communication with the second device.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication process is segmented into distinct time slots: intermittent reception slots for communicating with the second device and transmission slots for communicating with the first device. The control unit divides the communication schedule into these separate segments, preventing overlap and ensuring each communication channel receives dedicated time resources.
2Reliability
If the communications device performs intermittent reception operations, then the communication reliability with the second device is improved, but the transmission timing to the first device may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary scheduling of transmission opportunities to occur after intermittent reception operations are completed. By planning and executing reception actions first, the system ensures reliable communication with the second device is established before initiating transmissions to the first device, preventing conflicts while maintaining both reliability and timing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The communications device implements periodic intermittent reception operations at scheduled intervals. The control unit establishes a periodic schedule where reception slots and transmission slots alternate in a regular pattern, ensuring that reception operations are performed consistently without causing unpredictable delays to transmission timing.
Data Source
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AI summary
An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the chances of communication with a first device causing a delay in communication with a second device. A communications device (2A) includes a communications unit (23) and a control unit (22). The communications unit (23) performs transmission of a signal to a first device (1) and intermittent reception of intermittently performing reception operation of receiving a signal from a second device (2B, 2C). The control unit (22) controls the communications unit (23). The control unit (22) makes, when a transmission opportunity of transmitting the signal to the first device (1) arises, the communications unit (23) postpone transmitting the signal to the first device (1) until after the communications unit (23) has performed the intermittent reception at least once.