Monitoring System Segmented Communication Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current equipment management systems face challenges in reducing communication volume when multiple tenants need to monitor equipment states and energy usage, leading to unnecessary data distribution and increased communication bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring system comprising an equipment management device, a server, and terminals that utilize distinct communication channels for state notifications and on-demand data transmission, employing WebSocket protocol for bidirectional real-time communication to efficiently distribute necessary data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all distributable data including equipment states and energy usage is distributed to each tenant via a single communication channel, then all tenants can access all information, but communication volume increases and bandwidth is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication channel into two distinct channels: a first communication channel for broadcasting equipment states to multiple tenants, and a second communication channel for transmitting energy usage data upon specific tenant requests. This segmentation allows selective data distribution, reducing unnecessary communication volume while maintaining information accessibility for all tenants.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between broadcast mode (first channel) and request-response mode (second channel) based on tenant needs. The equipment management device transitions from continuously broadcasting all data to selectively transmitting only requested energy usage information, adapting the communication pattern to actual usage requirements and reducing overall communication volume.
2Reliability
If a separate LAN is established for equipment management, then administrative security is improved, but tenant access to monitoring is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the equipment management device (on the secure administrative LAN) and tenant terminals (on the tenant LAN). The server receives equipment state information from the administrative network and relays it to tenants through the second communication channel, enabling cross-network access while maintaining the security boundary of the separate LANs.
3Speed
If all equipment data is continuously transmitted to all terminals, then real-time monitoring is achieved, but communication bandwidth is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides communication into two segments: continuous broadcasting of equipment states (first channel) and on-demand transmission of energy usage data (second channel). This allows real-time monitoring of equipment states to be maintained for all tenants while energy usage information is transmitted only when requested, eliminating continuous transmission of unnecessary data and reducing bandwidth consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A monitoring system comprises an equipment management device, a relay server, and monitoring terminals. The equipment management device is configured to establish with the relay server first communication for notifying the monitoring terminals of the states of equipment items. Furthermore, the equipment management device is configured to establish with the relay server second communication, which is different from the first communication, for monitoring equipment information regarding the equipment items from each of the monitoring terminals. The monitoring terminals establish the first communication and second communication with the relay server. The relay server is configured to relay the first communication and second communication.