Serial Parameter Value Search Protocol for Building Control Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for learning parameter values over serial communications links in systems like building control and lighting systems are inefficient, particularly when dealing with sparse parameters and large ranges of possible values, as they often result in multiple devices transmitting simultaneously, leading to slower data acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A method where one device issues a request for parameter values, and other devices disclose their values while monitoring for superior transmissions, using a comparator rule to ensure only one value is transmitted at a time, employing serial encoding rules like Manchester or non-return to zero coding to efficiently learn parameter values across multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple devices transmit parameter values simultaneously over a serial link, then data can be disclosed in parallel, but transmission conflicts occur and data acquisition becomes slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous transmission protocol where devices that do not have data to transmit remain silent while allowing others to transmit, ensuring the serial link is continuously utilized without conflicts. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining continuous useful action (data transmission) without the harmful effect of simultaneous transmissions causing conflicts and slowing down data acquisition.
2Ease of manufacture
If devices use simple transmission protocols, then implementation is easier, but handling sparse parameters and large value ranges becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having devices pre-establish transmission rules and comparator logic before actual data transmission occurs. Devices are configured with knowledge of the parameter ranges and transmission protocols in advance, allowing efficient handling of sparse parameters and large value ranges without complex real-time processing, thus maintaining simplicity while improving efficiency.
3Reliability
If devices monitor for superior transmissions to avoid conflicts, then transmission reliability improves, but monitoring and comparison operations increase processing overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter being monitored from complex data content to simple transmission timing and presence indicators. Instead of analyzing the actual parameter values being transmitted, devices monitor for the presence of transmission signals and use simple comparator rules based on transmission timing, significantly reducing processing overhead while maintaining transmission reliability through conflict avoidance.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method searches for values of one or more parameters held by one or more of a plurality of devices that are capable of communication with each other via a serial Communications link. One of said devices issues a request over the serial communications link for said devices to disclose over the serial communications link a value of a parameter held by the devices. In response thereto, each of the devices that hold such a value attempts to disclose the value held by the device, while monitoring for attempts by other devices to disclose values held by the other devices. The devices are arranged so that at most one value is disclosed in response to each request.