Relay Device Route Information Segmentation for Meter Reading

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Solution Overview

Problem

In automated radio meter reading systems, multiple-stage relaying increases the length of destination information in telegrams, leading to transmission and reception time constraints and high current consumption, especially in areas with restricted radio communication.

Innovation Solution

A relay device that stores only the ID of the next transmission destination, allowing for shorter route information and reduced data length, thereby optimizing communication efficiency and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple relay devices are used for long-distance communication, then communication range is extended, but the destination portion of the telegram becomes longer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication rangeVSAvoiddestination portion length
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the telegram structure by separating the destination information into two parts: a fixed destination address (access point or end device) and a dynamic route information field that contains only the necessary relay hop instructions. This segmentation allows the telegram to maintain a consistent structure while adapting the route information length to the actual number of relays needed, rather than always including full destination codes for all possible relay stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter representation by using a variable-length route information field that encodes relay instructions using fewer bits than traditional destination codes. Instead of incorporating complete destination codes for each relay stage, the system uses compact routing parameters that indicate the number of relay hops and the final destination, significantly reducing the destination portion length while maintaining the ability to communicate over extended ranges through multiple relays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the destination portion of the telegram is made longer to support multiple relay stages, then communication capability is improved, but transmission and reception time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelay capabilityVSAvoidtransmission and reception time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The telegram is segmented into fixed and variable portions, where the variable route information field contains only the essential relay hopping instructions rather than complete destination codes. This segmentation reduces the overall telegram length while preserving multi-relay capability, directly decreasing transmission and reception time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes how routing information is parameterized by using compact encoding schemes that represent multiple relay stages with fewer bits. The route information field uses optimized parameters that convey the necessary routing logic in a compressed format, reducing the time required to transmit and process the telegram while maintaining full adaptability for multiple relay scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If more data is incorporated into the telegram to reduce transmission time, then productivity is improved, but current consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidcurrent consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the parameter encoding in the telegram to achieve the highest data transmission efficiency with minimal bit length. By carefully designing the route information field to contain only the essential parameters needed for multi-relay communication (number of hops, final destination identifier), the system reduces the total telegram size. This parameter optimization allows complete data transmission within the time constraints while minimizing the energy required for radio transmission, as shorter transmissions consume less current.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2453641B1Repeater, automated wireless meter reading system provided with same, and relay method
Publication Date: 2014.11.12 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP
  • EP2453641B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2453641B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2453641B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A relay device (20) for relaying communication information communicated between an access point (10) and an adapter (30), said relay device comprises a reception means (21) for receiving the communication information transmitted to said relay device itself; a memory means (24) having one or more memory areas, the memory means being configured to store ID of each communication device which is a next transmission destination, in each of the memory areas; a reading means (23) for reading route information from the communication information, said route information including information specifying the memory area containing the ID of the communication device which is the next transmission destination and indicating a route constituted by communication devices provided in a range from at least said relay device itself to a finial transmission destination; a transmission destination identifying means (25) for identifying the ID of the communication device which is the next transmission destination, based on the memory area stored in the memory means (24) and the route information read by the reading means; and a transmission means (27) for transmitting the communication information to the communication device identified by the transmission destination identifying means.