Mesh Network Control Terminal for Dual-Signal Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems that utilize two types of control signals for controlling devices can perform unintended behaviors due to the device receiving and acting on both signals, leading to inconsistent control outcomes.

Innovation Solution

A control terminal and communication device system that utilizes a first control signal directly transmitted to devices within its wireless range and a second control signal transmitted via a mesh network, with the first and second identification information being in a predetermined correspondence to prevent unintended behavior.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two types of control signals are transmitted and received in two types of communication modes, then control coverage is expanded, but unintended control behavior occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol coverageVSAvoidcontrol accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control signal is segmented into two distinct types: a first control signal for direct wireless communication with nearby devices, and a second control signal for mesh network transmission to all networked devices. Each signal type serves a specific control scope, preventing confusion and unintended behavior while maintaining expanded control coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Identification information acts as an intermediary element that links the first control signal and the second control signal. The first identification information in the direct control signal and the second identification information in the mesh control signal maintain a predetermined correspondence, enabling the communication device to recognize and coordinate both signals, thereby preventing conflicting control actions while preserving the benefits of dual communication modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If control signals are transmitted via mesh network to all devices, then network-wide control is achieved, but control delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork-wide controlVSAvoidcontrol delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control signal transmission is segmented into two paths: a direct wireless path for immediate control of nearby devices, and a mesh network path for coordinated control of all networked devices. This segmentation allows fast local response while maintaining network-wide control capability, resolving the time delay issue without sacrificing comprehensive control coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The communication device performs preliminary processing by storing the relationship between first and second identification information. When a control signal is received, the device can quickly determine whether to execute control based on the identification information correspondence, reducing processing delay and enabling faster response time for network-wide control operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If direct wireless control is used for nearby devices, then control speed is improved, but control scope is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol speedVSAvoidcontrol scope

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is designed with multi-functionality to handle both direct wireless control and mesh network control through a single communication device. The device can receive and process both first control signals (for fast local control) and second control signals (for extended network-wide control), thereby achieving both high control speed and broad control scope without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The identification information correspondence serves as an intermediary mechanism that enables the communication device to seamlessly coordinate between direct wireless control and mesh network control. By matching the first identification information with the second identification information, the system ensures that fast local control actions are properly synchronized with network-wide control operations, expanding control scope while maintaining high control speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20260039501A1Control terminal, communication device, communication system, control method, and recording medium

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A control terminal and the like are provided which can suppress an unintended behavior caused by two control signals. The control terminal belonging to a mesh network to which a plurality of communication devices belong includes a communicator. When the control terminal receives a predetermined operation for instructing the control terminal to perform control on the plurality of communication devices, the communicator transmits a first control signal to a communication device that is located within a wireless communication range of the control terminal and transmits a second control signal to the plurality of communication devices via the mesh network. First identification information included in the first control signal and second identification information included in the second control signal are in a predetermined correspondence.