Home Automation Node Communication Method for Energy Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication methods in home automation networks, particularly for autonomous nodes, face challenges in reducing energy consumption while maintaining efficient communication, especially when nodes are difficult to access and have irregular communication patterns, leading to unnecessary energy waste and limited battery life.

Innovation Solution

A communication method that involves paired nodes with synchronized communication, where the receiving part is activated only for the minimum necessary time, using a conversation continuation indicator to manage listening periods and reduce standby time, allowing for efficient data exchange and minimal energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the receiving part is permanently listening to intercept messages, then communication reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving part alternates between active listening periods and standby periods, rather than continuously listening. The node activates the receiver only during scheduled communication intervals and transitions to low-power standby mode otherwise, achieving both energy savings and reliable message interception through periodic monitoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the receiving part enters standby phase to reduce consumption, then energy consumption is reduced, but communication response time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidcommunication response time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-schedules communication intervals and activates the receiving part in advance of actual message transmission. By anticipating when messages will be sent and preparing the receiver accordingly, the system minimizes wake-up delays while maintaining standby mode for the majority of time to conserve energy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the receiving part stays in wake-up mode to intercept messages, then communication reliability is improved, but battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage interception reliabilityVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving part operates in periodic cycles of active listening followed by standby mode, rather than remaining continuously awake. This periodic operation dramatically reduces average power consumption while maintaining the ability to intercept messages during active phases, thereby extending battery life without completely sacrificing reception capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Reliability

If systematic listening time is provided after message transmission, then communication completeness is improved, but energy waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication completenessVSAvoidenergy waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of providing systematic listening time after every message transmission, the system applies partial listening only when necessary - specifically during scheduled communication intervals when messages are expected. The receiver listens for a duration sufficient to capture expected messages but no longer, avoiding the energy waste of systematic post-transmission listening

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2099005B1Method for communication between a first node and a second node of a home-automation installation.
Publication Date: 2018.09.05 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP2099005B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2099005B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP2099005B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

The method involves emitting a signal from a transmitter part (3A) of an autonomous communication node (NA) to a receiving part (4B) of another communication node (NB). Another signal is emitted from a transmitter part (3B) of the node (NB) to a receiving part (4A) of the node (NA) after receiving the former signal by the node (NB), where the latter signal comprises a signal confirming to the node (NA). An inactive state is set or an active state of the receiving part (4A) is maintained according to information contained in the latter signal received by the node (NA).