Mesh Network Device Loss Handling With Backup Leaders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control systems in user environments face challenges in efficiently managing communication between various control devices, particularly in mesh networks, leading to inefficiencies and suboptimal operation.
Innovation Solution
A load control system utilizing a mesh network architecture with defined roles for control devices, including leader devices, router devices, and end devices, along with a bitmap for managing router identifiers, to optimize communication and device management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices are added to the mesh network to expand coverage and functionality, then network capability is improved, but network complexity and difficulty of managing device loss or removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mesh network into distinct device roles (leader devices, router devices, and end devices) with specific functions. Leader devices manage network configuration and device identification, router devices handle message routing and path determination, and end devices perform specific control functions. This segmentation allows the network to scale while maintaining manageable complexity through role-based organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions by establishing backup leader devices before any device is lost or removed. When a leader device fails, a backup leader is already positioned to take over, preventing network disruption. Additionally, device roles and communication paths are pre-configured, allowing rapid adaptation when devices are added or removed without requiring complete network reconfiguration.
2Ease of operation
If automatic role assignment and path determination algorithms are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic role assignment where devices autonomously determine their roles (leader, router, end device) based on network conditions and capabilities. Path determination algorithms automatically compute optimal communication routes without manual intervention. Devices self-configure and adapt to network changes, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration while the underlying algorithms handle the complexity internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where devices continuously monitor network conditions, message delivery success, and path quality. This feedback informs dynamic path determination and role assignment adjustments, allowing the system to adapt automatically to changing conditions while maintaining ease of operation through closed-loop control rather than complex open-loop configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A load control system may include control devices configured to communicate via a network. The network may include router devices for enabling communication of messages throughout the network. A control device may operate as a router device in the network. The control device may receive advertisement messages from a leader device in the network. When the leader device fails to communicate advertisement messages within a predefined period of time to other control devices that are operating as router devices in the network, one or more router devices may be identified as backup-leader devices to take over operation as the leader device in the network. When a control device that has the role of a leader device or router device is intentionally deactivated, the control device may perform a deactivation process that is specific to the role of the control device on the network.