Parent Node Mesh Network Activation Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mesh network systems, particularly in fire detection systems, there is a significant latency issue in activating wireless output devices due to the need for data to travel through multiple nodes and a control panel, which can delay the activation of output devices during critical scenarios like fires.
Innovation Solution
The system reorganizes the mesh network so that child devices can directly activate parent output devices without waiting for commands from the control panel, allowing immediate activation upon receiving alarm data from child nodes, and includes a method where parent nodes can append their data to child node data and transmit it, enabling simultaneous activation and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data travels through multiple nodes and control panel following traditional mesh network protocol, then data aggregation and system reliability are improved, but activation latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring parent nodes with output device activation capabilities before alarm events occur. When alarm data is received from child nodes, the parent node can immediately activate output devices without waiting for control panel commands, thus reducing activation latency while maintaining system reliability through the established mesh network structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the parent node as an intermediary between child input nodes and the control panel. The parent node receives alarm data from child nodes, processes it locally, and can directly activate output devices. This intermediary role eliminates the need for data to travel all the way to the control panel and back, significantly reducing activation latency while preserving the reliability benefits of the mesh network.
2Ease of operation
If control panel transmits commands through gateway to wireless output devices, then system control and monitoring are improved, but response time increases due to multiple transmission steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traditional centralized control architecture into distributed control units at parent nodes. Each parent node is equipped with the capability to independently process alarm data and activate output devices. This segmentation allows local decision-making at parent nodes, eliminating the need for commands to traverse the entire path through gateway and control panel, thus improving response speed while maintaining system control through the mesh network structure.
3Productivity
If communication time slots are allocated to all child nodes before parent nodes, then data aggregation efficiency is improved, but output device activation speed deteriorates when waiting for control panel commands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling parent nodes to activate output devices immediately upon receiving alarm data from child nodes, before the control panel can process and respond to the data. The parent node is pre-configured with the authority and capability to activate output devices locally, eliminating the waiting time for control panel commands while maintaining the efficient time slot allocation structure for data aggregation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of fast wireless output device activation in a mesh network system are provided. Methods can include a parent device receiving data from a child device, the parent device determining if the data received from the child device requires an output, and if so, the parent device activating an output device associated with the parent device. In some methods, the parent device need not wait for instructions from a control panel or gateway before activating the output device. Accordingly, the latency time to activate the output device can be reduced.