Wireless Field Device Scheduling with Independent Uplink Downlink Periodicities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless network scheduling methods in industrial environments are inflexible and inefficient, particularly in TDMA systems, where fixed schedule lengths for uplink and downlink communications restrict resource utilization and fail to meet varying application requirements, leading to suboptimal network performance as the number of devices increases, such as in IoT scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows for different periodicities and resource allocations for uplink and downlink communications for each field device, enabling adaptable scheduling based on individual device needs, optimizing network utilization by tailoring communication schedules to specific requirements, and allowing for more devices to be connected efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed schedule lengths are used for uplink and downlink communications in TDMA systems, then network simplicity is maintained, but resource utilization becomes suboptimal and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scheduling configuration into separate uplink and downlink periodicity parameters, allowing independent optimization of each direction's resource allocation. This enables flexible adaptation to different application requirements while maintaining manageable configuration complexity through structured parameter separation.
2Productivity
If the same periodicity is assigned to both uplink and downlink resources, then scheduling simplicity is maintained, but network performance and resource efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different periodicity values specifically to uplink and downlink resources based on their individual traffic characteristics and application requirements. This localized differentiation optimizes resource utilization for each communication direction without requiring complete redesign of the scheduling mechanism.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional TDMA scheduling with fixed periods is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but the number of supported devices is limited due to inefficient resource usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic scheduling by allowing different periodicity values for uplink and downlink resources, enabling the system to adapt resource allocation to varying traffic demands of different devices. This dynamic approach increases the number of supported devices by efficiently utilizing available resources without requiring proportional increases in system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of scheduling field devices in a wireless network of an industrial process system is provided. The method is performed in a scheduling device and includes scheduling one or more field devices on uplink resources and on downlink resources, such that, for at least one of the field devices, a periodicity of uplink resources is different than a periodicity of downlink resources.