Ring Relay Abnormality Section Specification

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Solution Overview

Problem

In communication networks with relay devices connected in a ring shape, there is no existing technology to accurately identify the section of the communication path where an abnormality occurs.

Innovation Solution

The network employs a master relay device and slave relay devices, each with specific ports for frame transmission and reception, using abnormality detection frames and notification frames to identify and specify the section of the communication path with an abnormality by storing connection information and determining operation modes based on identification information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If relay devices are connected in a ring shape to form a communication network, then network redundancy and reliability are improved, but the ability to specify abnormality sections is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork reliabilityVSAvoidabnormality section specification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The ring-shaped communication path is segmented into multiple sections by dividing it according to the connection order of relay devices. Each section is defined between adjacent relay devices or between a relay device and a specific port, allowing independent identification and management of each segment for precise abnormality localization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An abnormality detection frame is transmitted through the ring network and returns to the transmitting relay device after circulating once. This feedback mechanism allows the transmitting device to detect whether the frame successfully returned, enabling it to determine if an abnormality exists in the communication path and specify the affected section

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If abnormality detection frames are transmitted at fixed time intervals, then detection reliability is improved, but communication overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabnormality detection reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The abnormality detection frame is transmitted at fixed time intervals in a periodic manner. This ensures continuous monitoring of the ring network for abnormalities while maintaining a regular, predictable transmission pattern that allows other communication protocols to anticipate and accommodate these detection frames

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The abnormality detection frame utilizes existing communication infrastructure and protocols within the ring network, serving multiple functions: it detects abnormalities, verifies connection integrity, and can carry diagnostic information, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated detection mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9906377B2Communication network and relay device

Publication Date: 2018.02.27 DENSO CORP

AI summary

A communication network including relay devices connected in a ring shape is provided. A master relay device transmits an abnormality detection frame from one of two specific ports at fixed time intervals in a frame circulation direction. When neither the frame abnormality detection nor an abnormality notification frame transmitted from another relay device is received from the other of the two specific ports within a predetermined time period from transmission of the abnormality detection frame, the master relay device specifies an occurrence of an abnormality in a communication path between the master relay device and a relay device connected next to the master relay device in a direction opposite to the frame circulation direction.