Relay Endpoint for Unreliable Utility Node Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

In fixed network environments, endpoints may not be reliably heard by mobile devices, collectors, or repeaters due to obstructions or interference, preventing effective communication.

Innovation Solution

A head-end device identifies unreliable endpoints and establishes a relay relationship with a nearby endpoint to relay data, allowing communication to continue through a central node, even if the original endpoint cannot transmit directly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If direct communication is used between endpoint and central node, then communication simplicity is maintained, but communication reliability deteriorates due to obstructions or interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary endpoint (relay endpoint) that mediates communication between the unreliable endpoint and the central node. When an endpoint is unreliably heard, the head-end device selects a different endpoint to act as a relay, which then forwards data packets between the unreliable endpoint and the network, thereby restoring communication reliability without requiring changes to the fundamental star topology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If relay communication is established for unreliable endpoints, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional relay mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveendpoint communication reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The relay endpoint performs self-service by autonomously establishing relay relationships and managing data packet forwarding without requiring manual configuration. The head-end device automatically selects suitable relay endpoints based on heard status, and the relay endpoint automatically manages the relay communication parameters, reducing operational complexity despite the added relay functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If relay endpoint uses separate transmission time for relaying data, then data transmission reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidrelay endpoint battery consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the relay communication with the existing transmission time allocation of the relay endpoint. Instead of creating separate dedicated transmission slots for relay operations, the system utilizes portions of the relay endpoint's already-allocated transmission time to relay data packets, thereby achieving reliable data transmission without proportionally increasing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2878101B1Relaying information for an unreliably heard utility node

Publication Date: 2020.02.12 ITRON INC

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AI summary

Data of a utility node that is unreliably heard may be relayed through another utility node. In some examples, utility nodes of a star network may attempt to transmit data to a collector, a repeater, a relay, a router, or a mobile device. When it is determined that a utility node is unable to reliably transmit data, a relay relationship may be established so that data of the unreliable utility node is relayed through the network.