Relay Device Channel Selection via Beacon Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

The management of channels in a fire alarm system becomes complicated when channel switching occurs due to communication abnormalities between the relay device and fire alarms, as existing systems do not efficiently handle the switching process.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a beacon signal transmission and response mechanism across multiple channels, allowing the relay device to determine the optimal channel for communication by switching between channels when response signals are not received from all fire alarms, ensuring seamless communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If channel switching is implemented to handle communication abnormalities, then communication reliability is improved, but channel management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidchannel management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the channel selection process into a standardized beacon signal transmission procedure. The relay device transmits beacon signals on multiple channels simultaneously and collects response signals from fire alarms, then selects a channel based on the collected responses. This unified approach consolidates what would otherwise be separate channel management operations into a single coordinated process, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through response signals transmitted by fire alarms in response to beacon signals. The relay device uses these feedback signals to determine which channel has the least interference and select it for communication. This feedback mechanism enables automatic channel selection without requiring manual intervention or complex centralized management, thereby improving reliability while keeping the management system simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If multiple channels are used for communication, then communication reliability is improved, but channel management becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidchannel management ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the communication system to self-manage channel selection through an automated beacon signal transmission and response mechanism. The relay device automatically transmits beacon signals on multiple channels, collects response signals from fire alarms, and selects the optimal channel without external intervention. This self-service approach improves communication reliability through multiple channels while eliminating the need for manual channel management operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary channel assessment by transmitting beacon signals on multiple channels before actual communication occurs. The relay device evaluates channel conditions in advance by collecting response signals and determining the best channel beforehand. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare channel selection in advance, improving reliability while simplifying subsequent communication operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4198935A1Alarm system, relay device, channel determination method, program
Publication Date: 2023.06.21 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP4198935A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4198935A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4198935A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A technology for facilitating channel management even when channel switching could occur. A relay device 200a transmits a beacon signal to a plurality of fire alarms 100a, 100b, etc. on a first channel. Upon receiving the beacon signal, the fire alarms 100a, 100b, etc. transmit a response signal to the relay device 200a on the first channel. When the response signal from one fire alarm 100b is not received, the relay device 200a transmits the beacon signal to the plurality of fire alarms 100a,100b, etc. on a second channel. Upon receiving the beacon signal, the fire alarms 100a, 100b etc. transmit a response signal to the relay device 200a on the second channel. Upon receiving the response signal from all fire alarms 100a, 100betc., the relay device 200a determines to use the second channel in an alarm system 1000.