Device Control System with Staggered Notification Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing device control systems face issues with packet loss and decreased communication efficiency due to simultaneous state change notifications from multiple control devices, especially at low network speeds, which prevents all operation terminals from receiving state change notifications and increases network traffic.
Innovation Solution
The system introduces a mechanism where control devices determine whether a control command is individual or collective, and if collective, they transmit state change notifications at different timings based on the number of connected devices, using static or dynamic time limits and random number generators to prevent collisions and optimize communication efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control devices transmit state change notifications simultaneously after receiving a collective control command, then all operation terminals can receive state change information, but packet collision occurs and packet loss is generated in low-speed networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by introducing a timing mechanism where control devices transmit state change notifications at different time intervals. The information processing unit determines transmission timing based on the number of connected control devices, distributing notifications across different time periods to avoid simultaneous transmission and packet collision while ensuring all notifications are eventually received.
2Reliability
If operation terminals perform unicast transmission of state notification request commands sequentially to each control device, then packet loss is avoided, but communication traffic on the network is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional polling approach where the operation terminal requests state notifications from control devices. Instead, control devices autonomously determine when to transmit state change notifications based on the collective control command reception, eliminating the need for sequential unicast requests from operation terminals while maintaining reliable notification delivery.
3Reliability
If operation terminals perform sequential polling to receive state change notifications, then packet loss is prevented, but communication efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables control devices to self-manage the notification transmission process. Each control device independently determines its notification transmission timing based on the number of connected devices and the received collective control command, eliminating the need for operation terminals to perform sequential polling. This self-service approach maintains reliable notification delivery while significantly improving communication efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
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AI summary
An operation terminal 1 is configured so as to transmit, as a control command, an individual control command transmitted individually to a specific control device 2 of control devices 2, or a collective control command broadcasted collectively to two or more control devices 2 of control devices 2. Control terminal 2 comprises: a command determination unit 2d determining whether received control command is individual control command or collective control command; and an information processing unit 2b which, if received control command is individual control command, responds by collectively broadcasting to a plurality of operation terminals a state change notification corresponding to execution of individual control command, and, if received control command is collective control command, responds by collectively broadcasting to operation terminals 1, with a timing different from the other control terminals 2, a state change notification corresponding to execution of collective control command.