Remote Data Link Reset via Signal Sequences

Solution Overview

Problem

In long-distance data communication systems, a loss of data communications due to receiver issues can result in significant downtime and increased maintenance costs, as personnel must be deployed to remotely service and reset the receiver.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for remotely restoring data communications using a predetermined sequence of signals transmitted over a physical link, allowing the receiver to initiate an internal reset, with programmable logic devices at both ends of the communication link to detect and respond to these signals, and convey diagnostic information if the reset is unsuccessful.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If personnel are deployed to service and reset the receiver at the remote site, then the receiver can be reset and data communications restored, but the downtime and operational and maintenance expenses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata communications restorationVSAvoiddowntime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing the remote receiver to automatically reset itself upon detecting a communication failure. The receiver monitors the data link layer, detects failures, and autonomously initiates reset sequences without requiring external personnel intervention, thus eliminating downtime associated with manual deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A microprocessor-based controller acts as an intermediary between the receiver and the transmission medium. This controller monitors communication status, detects failures, and automatically initiates reset sequences by controlling the transmission medium, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining reliable communication restoration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If personnel are deployed to service and reset the receiver at the remote site, then the receiver can be reset and data communications restored, but the operational and maintenance expenses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata communications restorationVSAvoidoperational and maintenance expenses

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing the remote receiver to automatically reset itself upon detecting a communication failure. The receiver monitors the data link layer, detects failures, and autonomously initiates reset sequences without requiring external personnel intervention, thus eliminating costs associated with manual deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A microprocessor-based controller acts as an intermediary between the receiver and the transmission medium. This controller monitors communication status, detects failures, and automatically initiates reset sequences by controlling the transmission medium, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining reliable communication restoration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Length of stationary object

If the receiver is located a significant distance away from the transmitter, then long distance data communication applications are enabled, but personnel deployment is required to service the receiver

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance between transmitter and receiverVSAvoidserviceability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing the remote receiver to automatically reset itself upon detecting a communication failure. The receiver monitors the data link layer, detects failures, and autonomously initiates reset sequences without requiring external personnel intervention, making the system easily serviceable regardless of distance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A microprocessor-based controller acts as an intermediary between the receiver and the transmission medium. This controller monitors communication status, detects failures, and automatically initiates reset sequences by controlling the transmission medium, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining reliable communication restoration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7630296B2System and method for remotely restoring inoperative data communications

Publication Date: 2009.12.08 OUTDOOR WIRELESS NETWORKS LLC

AI summary

A method for remotely restoring inoperative data communications is disclosed. The method includes generating a predetermined sequence of signals at a first Communications unit. The method further includes keying an output of a transmitter on and off at the first communications unit with the predetermined sequence of signals and conveying a transmission of the predetermined sequence of signals to a second communications unit. The method also includes recognizing the predetermined sequence of signals at the second communications unit as indicative of inoperability of the second communications unit and, responsive to the recognized predetermined sequence of signals, outputting a signal to attempt to restore inoperative data communications at said second communications unit.