Variable Data Rate Control Protocol for Home Automation Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packet switched baseband signaling communication networks in home and building automation systems are limited by fixed data rates, leading to inefficient data transmission and long update times for firmware and configuration changes, especially when trying to accommodate higher data demands such as audio or video transmission.
Innovation Solution
A protocol that allows for variable data rates within a frame, using a maintain-media-busy signal and idle media determination period, enabling higher data rates after the bus contention period, while ensuring compatibility with existing devices and networks, allowing for selective upgrades without replacing all devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed predetermined data rate is used to ensure all devices can communicate reliably, then communication reliability is improved, but data transmission efficiency deteriorates because the network ignores the possibility of using higher data rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic data rate adjustment by allowing the winning device to transmit at a higher second data rate after the bus contention period, while maintaining the lower first data rate during the contention period for compatibility. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the data rate to the actual network state and device capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the data rate parameter from a fixed predetermined value to a variable that can switch between a lower first data rate and a higher second data rate. This parameter change allows the system to optimize transmission efficiency while maintaining reliability through controlled transitions between rate modes.
2Productivity
If a higher data rate is used to improve data transmission efficiency, then productivity is improved, but compatibility with existing devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission process into two distinct phases: a bus contention period at the lower first data rate for compatibility, and a payload transmission period at the higher second data rate for efficiency. This segmentation allows existing devices to participate in the network without replacement while new devices can utilize higher data rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by conducting the bus contention period at the lower first data rate before transitioning to the higher second data rate. This preliminary phase ensures that all devices, including legacy devices, can synchronize and identify the winning device before high-speed transmission begins, thus maintaining compatibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If firmware updates and configuration changes are transmitted at fixed data rates, then compatibility is maintained, but update time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic data rate switching to firmware update transmissions, using the lower first data rate during the bus contention period for compatibility and the higher second data rate for the actual firmware payload transmission. This reduces update time significantly while maintaining compatibility with existing devices that participate in the contention phase.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a protocol which can use the existing network bandwidth limitations for transmission during at least the bus contention period after which the remaining portion of the data should be collision-free but allow for a choice of signalling rate within the frame after that bus contention period for the payload data to be transmitted, thus allowing the use of a different data rate in parts of a frame. Additionally there is disclosed advantages to be gained by making best use of available but otherwise not used network bandwidth capability at different parts of the transmission of a frame, such that the protocol enhancement should be compatible with existing installed devices and associated controllable arrangements, so that a system existing in a network can be upgraded, by adding one or more of the devices and associated controllable arrangements which can transmit and receive both the original standard (typically lower) data rate as well as the newer (typically higher) data rate transmissions, at the convenience of the owner of the network without a cost burden associated with replacement or the upgrading of all existing devices or associated controllable arrangements.