Fire System Network Using LoRa TDMA Hybrid Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire system networks face scalability issues due to the complexity and high costs of deterministic time-division multiple access (TDMA) systems, while non-deterministic systems lack the reliability needed for timely fire alarm activation in large facilities.
Innovation Solution
Combining the reliability of TDMA with the scalability benefits of Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRa) technology by employing a TDMA frame structure protocol on LoRa radios, using different spreading factors for heartbeat and event messages to ensure timely and reliable communication in large fire system networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deterministic TDMA system is used to ensure reliability and timeliness of fire alarm communication, then the reliability and latency requirements are met, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines LoRa wireless technology with TDMA protocol to create a hybrid system that merges the scalability and low-power benefits of LoRa with the deterministic timing and reliability of TDMA, achieving both reliability and simplicity simultaneously
2Reliability
If a deterministic TDMA system is used to ensure timely fire alarm activation, then the latency requirements are met, but the scalability to larger networks is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges LoRa's inherent scalability capabilities with TDMA's deterministic timing structure, allowing the system to scale to large networks while maintaining the latency requirements for fire alarm activation through the structured time slots of TDMA
3Ease of operation
If a non-deterministic system is used to reduce system complexity, then the ease of installation and maintenance improves, but the reliability for fire alarm activation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the operational simplicity and ease of deployment of non-deterministic LoRa systems with the reliability guarantees of TDMA protocol, creating a system that is both easy to install/maintain and reliable for fire alarm activation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing parameters of LoRa communication by implementing TDMA time slot structures, transforming the non-deterministic LoRa system into a deterministic hybrid system that maintains ease of operation while achieving required reliability
4Area of stationary object
If traditional fire system networks are expanded to cover large facilities, then the coverage area increases, but the cost and complexity of planning and design increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges LoRa's long-range wireless communication capabilities with TDMA's structured protocol to enable large facility coverage without proportionally increasing planning and design complexity, as the hybrid system inherits the scalability of LoRa while maintaining the organization of TDMA
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, devices, and systems for operating a fire system network are described herein. One method includes receiving a plurality of time-slotted maintenance messages over a period of time from each of a plurality of fire system devices located in a facility via a first spreading factor, receiving an event message from a fire system device of the plurality of fire system devices responsive to the fire system device determining a fire event, the event message sent via a second spreading factor, and sending a block actuate message to the plurality of fire system devices responsive to receiving the event message, wherein the block actuate message is configured to activate a fire alarm.