Synchronizing Multi-Level Output Devices in Unreliable Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home automation networks often experience interference and unreliability due to external sources, leading to missed control signals and synchronization issues among devices, which can result in aesthetically unpleasant outcomes and increased complexity in centralized command models.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a controllable device processor determines if a received data packet is a retransmission of an initial command, using the start value and time indicator from the retransmitted packet to calculate an adjusted ramp rate, allowing devices to synchronize their operations and complete tasks at the same time as if they received the original command.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a centralized command model is used with intermediary commands to maintain synchronization, then device synchronization is improved, but controller complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into autonomous device segments that independently track their own state and calculate intermediate values, eliminating the need for complex centralized intermediary command processing while maintaining synchronization
Solution Approach 2:
Each controllable device autonomously determines whether received commands are retransmissions, tracks its own operational state, and self-adjusts using calculated intermediate values without requiring complex centralized coordination
2Reliability
If retransmission of commands is implemented to ensure all devices receive signals, then reliability is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent includes intermediate values and state information in the retransmitted commands themselves, allowing devices to immediately continue operation without waiting for additional acknowledgment cycles or retransmission delays
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where devices report their state and received command information, enabling the controller to optimize retransmission timing and content, reducing unnecessary retransmissions and associated latency
3Stability of the object's composition
If centralized calculation of performance parameters is used, then synchronization is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the calculation process by distributing intermediate value calculations to individual devices based on their own state information, eliminating centralized processing bottlenecks while maintaining synchronized performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates and includes intermediate state values in command packets, allowing devices to immediately resume or adjust operation without waiting for centralized recalculation, significantly reducing processing time
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system are described that allow a device operating in coordination with other devices to synchronize the devices operation with the other devices. A controllable device processor may determine that a received data packet is a retransmission of an initial control command data packet (310). The processor may obtain from the retransmitted data packet a start value (320) and a time indicator related to performance of the operation (330). A ramp rate related to the operation to be performed may be obtained (340). Using the time indicator, an adjusted ramp rate may be calculated (350). An output value for the device may be set based on the start value, the adjusted ramp rate, and the time indicator (360). The adjusted ramp rate may result in completing the operation at substantially the same time as though the device received the original command.