Master-Slave Mode Switching in Communication Terminal Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in managing multiple master units on a network, leading to network division and inefficiencies in determining the master unit, particularly when multiple devices with master unit functionality coexist, which can result in spare device underutilization and management issues during emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A communication terminal device system that includes a CPU, storage device, operation unit, display unit, timer unit, and communication unit, utilizing a master unit monitoring unit and switching unit to dynamically switch between master and slave operation modes based on MAC address priority and predefined flags to prevent multiple master units from coexisting, ensuring only one master unit operates at a time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices with master unit functionality are arranged on the network, then device versatility and emergency support capability are improved, but network division and management complexity occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational state parameter of devices by introducing a standby mode distinct from active master and slave modes. Devices can transition between these states based on master unit failure detection, allowing the system to maintain versatility while preventing multiple active masters through parameter-controlled state transitions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic role assignment where devices can transition between standby, active master, and slave states. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to changing network conditions and master unit availability, resolving the contradiction between having multiple capable devices and maintaining a single active master
2Extent of automation
If first come first served method is used to determine master unit, then automatic master selection is achieved, but master unit coexistence cannot be completely prevented due to time lag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by having standby units prepare to take over master functions before actual failure occurs. Standby units monitor the active master and are pre-configured to assume master role, preventing the time-lag coexistence problem by having succession already arranged
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where standby units continuously monitor the active master unit's status. When master failure is detected, feedback triggers automatic role transition, ensuring reliable prevention of master coexistence while maintaining automation
3Reliability
If spare devices are arranged for emergency support, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity and management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes standby units multi-functional by enabling them to operate as master units when needed. This universality allows any device in the network to serve as emergency backup without requiring dedicated backup hardware, improving reliability while minimizing added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automatic master-slave-standby transitions without administrator intervention. The system autonomously detects master failures and promotes standby units, maintaining high reliability while reducing management burden
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A communication terminal device connected to a network and performing data communications between another communication terminal device through the network, includes a storage configured to store proper information used as a criterion for switching an operation mode between a master unit operation mode and a slave unit operation mode, and circuitry configured to switch the master unit operation mode of a self device to the slave unit operation mode based on the proper information, while the self device is operating by the master unit operation mode. The master unit operation mode is the operation mode of the communication terminal device operating as a master unit, and the slave unit operation mode is the operation mode of the communication terminal device operating as a slave unit.