Dynamic Message Fragment Routing Across PLC and RF Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

The G3-PLC Hybrid PLC & RF standard does not allow for dynamic use of both communication media, limiting the flexibility of power line communications and RF radio channels in power supply networks.

Innovation Solution

A method for transmitting messages that dynamically selects the use of power line carrier communications frequency bands and radio channels based on occupancy rate estimations over multiple time scales, allowing for optimal distribution of message fragments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the communication medium choice is fixed at construction time in G3-PLC Hybrid PLC & RF, then the implementation is simple, but the flexibility and adaptability of the network is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of communication medium useVSAvoidcomplexity of communication medium selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic medium selection by allowing node devices to switch between PLC and RF communication media based on real-time occupancy rate conditions. The fixed medium choice is replaced with a dynamic decision-making process that adapts to changing network conditions, thereby improving flexibility without permanently increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces feedback mechanisms where node devices monitor occupancy rates of both PLC and RF media, use this information to make informed transmission decisions. The feedback loop enables adaptive selection of communication media based on current network state, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If message transmission uses only one fixed medium, then the implementation is straightforward, but the resilience and optimization of data transmission is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresilience of data transmissionVSAvoidcomplexity of transmission decision-making
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of communication medium selection from a static configuration to a dynamic parameter that varies based on occupancy rate conditions. Node devices adjust their transmission medium choice according to real-time measurements, improving reliability by avoiding congested media while managing complexity through standardized decision rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static medium assignment to dynamic medium selection, where the chosen transmission medium can change based on network conditions. This dynamic approach enhances resilience by allowing the network to adapt to varying occupancy rates and maintain reliable communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the network monitors occupancy rates over multiple time scales, then the optimization of transmission timing is improved, but the processing complexity and time required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of data transmissionVSAvoidtime for occupancy rate analysis
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having node devices continuously monitor and record occupancy rates over multiple time scales in advance. This pre-computed information is stored and readily available when transmission decisions need to be made, reducing the time required for real-time analysis while maintaining efficient optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system monitors occupancy rates at multiple time scales (short-term and long-term), which may seem excessive, but this partial monitoring approach allows the network to capture both immediate and trend-based conditions, optimizing transmission efficiency without requiring complete exhaustive analysis of all possible parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4142170B1Method and device for transmitting a message
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 SAGEMCOM ENERGY & TELECOM SAS
  • EP4142170B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4142170B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4142170B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and device for transmitting a message from a first node device to a second node device, the devices using power line communication. The first node device is capable of transmitting and receiving fragments of the message on at least one frequency band using power line communication and on a radio channel.The first node device prior to the transmission of the fragment: - estimates (E407), for at least one frequency band, the theoretical transmission time of the fragment on the frequency band, - estimates (E402), for the radio channel, the theoretical transmission time of the fragment on the radio channel, - obtains (E408) from a database, the result of integration of the frequency band occupancy rate and the result of integration of the radio channel occupancy rate, - selects (E409) from the integration results of the frequency band or the radio channel and transmits (E410) the fragment.