Wireless Master-Slave Synchronization Frame Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems in fire alarm systems face interference issues due to overlapping communication areas and synchronization signal overlap, leading to difficulties in establishing meaningful communication between masters and slaves.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication system with a master-slave configuration using a time division multiple access scheme, where the master defines a super frame with a head frame and subsequent frames, allowing for synchronization signal adjustment and frame changes based on radio field intensity and frequency channel measurements to avoid interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TDMA scheme is used for wireless communication between fire sensors and relays, then interference between wireless signals is avoided, but communication fails when relay locations cause overlapping synchronization signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frame selection where the master relay dynamically chooses which frame to use as the head frame based on communication quality. The system monitors communication status and switches between different frame configurations (different head frames within the superframe structure) to maintain reliable synchronization. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to overcome fixed installation limitations while preserving TDMA's interference avoidance benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of frame selection by allowing the master relay to select different frames as head frames based on communication quality metrics. The superframe structure contains multiple frames with different head frames, and the system dynamically adjusts which frame serves as the reference, thereby changing the synchronization timing parameter to resolve overlapping signal issues without altering the physical installation.
2Area of stationary object
If relays are installed in fixed locations for monitoring, then coverage is ensured, but synchronization signal overlap occurs causing communication failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains fixed relay installations for comprehensive coverage but introduces dynamic frame selection to resolve synchronization conflicts. The master relay monitors communication quality and dynamically switches between different head frames within the superframe structure, allowing the system to adapt to varying radio field conditions while maintaining the fixed geographic deployment needed for adequate coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the superframe into multiple frames, each with its own head frame. This segmentation allows the system to divide the communication timeline into distinct segments, where different segments (frames) can be selected based on which provides better synchronization quality. The multiple-frame structure within the superframe enables fine-grained temporal segmentation to avoid overlapping synchronization issues.
3Productivity
If super frame structure is used with multiple frames, then communication organization is improved, but complexity increases for handling frame changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the superframe structure with multiple frames that can serve different functions: some frames are designated as head frames for synchronization, while others serve as data transmission frames. This multi-functionality within the unified superframe structure allows the system to organize communication efficiently without requiring separate protocols for different communication types, thereby managing complexity while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic superframes with a predetermined structure that repeats at regular intervals. This periodic organization provides a predictable rhythm to the communication protocol, making it easier to manage frame changes. The regular superframe boundaries and predetermined frame structures create a periodic pattern that simplifies synchronization and frame management compared to irregular or ad-hoc frame structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
The wireless communication system according to the present invention includes a master (1) and two or more slaves (10). The master (1) defines a super frame (40) including frames (50) each including one first time slot (61) allocated to the master (1) and two or more second time slots (62) individually allocated to the two or more slaves (10). In response to a synchronization signal sent from the master (1) at the first time slot (61) of a head frame (51) of the super frame (40), each slave (10) sends a response signal at an allocated second time slot (62) of the head frame (51). When failing to receive the response signal, the master (1) defines a new super frame (40B) having the head frame (51) synchronized with a reference frame (53) selected from two or more subsequent frames (52) of a current super frame (40A).