Multi-threaded Wireless HART Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Wireless HART protocol is inefficient and unreliable for bulk data transfer to multiple remote devices, particularly due to its slow unicast mechanism and lack of error correction, making large-scale upgrades of installations time-consuming and difficult.
Innovation Solution
A method involving multiple threads of execution to packetize and concurrently send data files to multiple remote devices using a server, with error correction mechanisms to ensure reliable transfer, optimizing network resources and load balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the Wireless HART unicast mechanism is used for bulk data transfer, then data is transferred to individual devices, but the transfer speed is slow and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bulk data transfer process into multiple parallel unicast operations by creating separate threads for each remote device. Each thread independently handles packetization and transmission to one device, allowing simultaneous transfers without interference. This segmentation transforms a single slow sequential operation into multiple faster parallel operations, resolving the contradiction between reliability of individual transfers and overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the dimension of parallelism by utilizing multiple threads of execution that run concurrently. Instead of transferring data to devices sequentially along a single time dimension, the system now operates across multiple parallel time streams, each handling a different device. This dimensional change allows the system to maintain reliable individual transfers while dramatically improving aggregate transfer speed.
2Productivity
If the Wireless HART broadcast mechanism is used for bulk data transfer, then data transfer speed increases, but the mechanism is unreliable and not supported by all devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the broadcast operation into multiple targeted unicast operations, one for each remote device. Each segmented operation receives acknowledgment and can be retried if necessary, providing reliability that broadcast lacks. This segmentation maintains speed by performing operations in parallel while ensuring each individual transfer is reliable through dedicated thread management and acknowledgment protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where each thread monitoring a specific remote device receives acknowledgments for successful packet delivery. This feedback loop allows the system to detect transmission failures and retry individual packets or entire transfers as needed, providing the reliability missing from broadcast mechanisms while maintaining parallel execution speeds.
3Productivity
If multiple threads are used to send data to multiple devices concurrently, then data transfer speed increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal thread template that can be instantiated multiple times, each handling a different remote device with the same operational logic. This multi-functionality allows the system to manage many devices through identical code structures, reducing overall complexity despite the increased number of concurrent operations. Each thread performs the same packetization and transmission functions, making the system easier to maintain and extend.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method for data transfer using, e.g., the Wireless HART protocol. A method includes the following steps. Reading the packetized data file having a stream of packets. Using a first thread of execution to send the stream of packets to a first device of the multiple remote devices. Using a second thread of execution to send the stream of packets to a second device of the multiple remote devices concurrent to using the first thread of execution. A server includes one or more processors. The one or more processors are used for performing the following steps. Packetizing the data file into a stream of packets. Using a first thread of execution to send the stream of packets to a first device of the multiple remote devices. Using a second thread of execution to send the stream of packets to a second device of the multiple remote devices concurrent to using the first thread of execution.