Communication Slot Counter Synchronization in Dynamic Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dynamic minislotting-based communication systems in multi-node networks are susceptible to collisions due to noise-induced inconsistencies in slot counters, leading to invalid communication elements and potential network failures.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a synchronized time base with a composite timing hierarchy that includes static and dynamic segments, where each segment has distinct arbitration mechanisms, including frame priorities and slot counting schemes, to maintain collision-free communication by ensuring consistent slot counters and handling faults through minislot action points and shadow slot counters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic minislotting-based arrangement is used for flexible communication, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to noise-induced slot counter inconsistencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of communication arrangementVSAvoidconsistency of slot counter

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where nodes monitor the communication medium for valid communication elements and adjust their slot counters accordingly. When a node detects a valid communication element, it updates its slot counter to match the slot identification number in the received element, ensuring consistency across the network despite noise conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces slot identification numbers as intermediary elements that mediate between the slot counter and the actual communication timing. These identification numbers are transmitted in communication elements and serve as reference points that nodes use to synchronize their slot counters, acting as a mediator that resolves inconsistencies caused by noise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If slot counter consistency is maintained to avoid collisions, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to synchronization mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision-free communicationVSAvoidsynchronization mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables nodes to self-synchronize their slot counters autonomously by monitoring the communication medium and detecting valid communication elements. Each node independently adjusts its own slot counter based on received slot identification numbers without requiring complex centralized synchronization control, thus maintaining reliability while minimizing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter of the slot counter from a static, pre-configured value to a dynamic value that is continuously adjusted based on detected slot identification numbers. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to noise conditions and maintain synchronization without requiring complex fixed synchronization mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If noise filtering is applied to remove invalid communication elements, then reliability is improved, but loss of information increases due to potential valid frame invalidation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalidity of communication elementsVSAvoidinvalidation of valid frames

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary validation rules before discarding communication elements. Nodes check whether received elements match expected slot identification numbers and timing patterns before determining them to be invalid. This preliminary action ensures that valid frames are not mistakenly discarded while still filtering out noise-induced invalid elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial validation rather than complete discarding of suspicious elements. When a communication element is suspected to be invalid, the node partially processes it by comparing its slot identification number with its own slot counter and timing information, and only discards it if the mismatch exceeds a threshold, thus reducing false invalidations of valid frames.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS8638821B2Method for adjusting time slots in a communication network

Publication Date: 2014.01.28 NXP USA INC

AI summary

A communication network includes a plurality of communication nodes, each node arranged for communicating frames of data with the other nodes during a dynamic segment having dynamic communication slots with respective communication slot numbers. Each of the plurality of communication nodes includes a time base having consecutive timeslots, associated with the dynamic communication slots; a communication slot number controller, for adjusting a communication slot number, a minislot counter for counting minislots while the adjusting of the communication slot counter is suspended and a control unit for controlling the communication slot number controller to either continue adjusting of the slot number if the determined duration of the reception is above a certain threshold or to continue adjusting of the slot number using the value obtained with the minislot counter if the determined duration of the reception is below a certain threshold.