Meter Data Frame Rerouting in Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automated meter-reading systems using ad hoc communication, existing node devices face issues with frame transmission delays and unnecessary frame transmission due to failed destination node failures, leading to increased network stay time and resource consumption.
Innovation Solution
A data communication apparatus forms a mesh network with gateways, incorporating a frame generating unit that creates meter data frames with a 'number of alternate routing' field, which is reduced by 1 when transmission to an adjacent gateway fails, allowing the frame to be rerouted to another apparatus, thereby preventing prolonged network stay and unnecessary transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the node device attempts transmission/transfer of a frame to all adjacent nodes, then the reliability of frame delivery is improved, but the time in which the frame stays on the network increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring priority information for adjacent nodes before transmission occurs. Each node device stores priority information indicating the priority level of each adjacent node in advance, so that when frame transmission is needed, the node can immediately select the highest priority adjacent node without needing to explore all possibilities. This pre-prepared ranking system allows for quick decision-making during transmission failures, reducing the time frames spend on the network while maintaining reliable delivery through systematic retry attempts.
2Reliability
If the node device repeatedly attempts transmission/transfer of the frame to all adjacent nodes when destination node fails, then the reliability of frame delivery is improved, but communication resources are consumed unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring priority information for adjacent nodes before transmission occurs. Each node device stores priority information indicating the priority level of each adjacent node in advance, so that when frame transmission is needed, the node can immediately select the highest priority adjacent node without needing to explore all possibilities. This pre-prepared ranking system allows for quick decision-making during transmission failures, reducing the time frames spend on the network while maintaining reliable delivery through systematic retry attempts.
3Productivity
If the node device selects adjacent nodes for frame transmission based on priority information, then the efficiency of frame transmission is improved, but the complexity of node configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling node devices to automatically select transmission destinations based on pre-stored priority information without requiring manual configuration or complex control logic. Each node device independently uses its own stored priority information to determine which adjacent node should receive the frame next, eliminating the need for centralized control or complex inter-node coordination. This self-directed approach improves transmission efficiency through consistent priority-based selection while keeping the configuration simple, as nodes only need to store priority data rather than implement complex decision-making algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A data communication apparatus forms a mesh network together with at least one gateway includes a frame generating unit and a frame transferring unit. The frame generating unit generates a meter data frame to transmit to a gateway. The meter data frame is a frame including meter data. The frame transferring unit transfers the meter data frame received from another data communication apparatus. The meter data frame is addressed to the gateway. The frame generating unit transmits the meter data frame to which number of alternate routing that indicates number of allowable transmission attempts from a data communication apparatus adjacent to a destination gateway of the meter data frame to the gateway is added. The frame transferring unit changes the number of alternate routing added thereto to a value smaller by 1 than a value that has been set and transits the meter data frame to another data communication apparatus.