Z-Wave Master Device Notification Source Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

In Z-Wave communication networks, it is difficult to determine whether sensor data notifications are coming from an old or new slave device after replacement, leading to potential incorrect control actions by the master device due to continued communication with the old slave device.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus with a reception unit, confirmation unit, and control unit that ensures the new slave device starts sending notifications only after confirming the old slave device is no longer operational, preventing the master device from receiving notifications from the old device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the old slave device settings are transferred to the new slave device according to the Z-Wave standard, then the new slave device can inherit the notification settings and ID, but the master device cannot determine whether notifications come from the old or new slave device, leading to potential incorrect control actions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslave device replacement capabilityVSAvoidnotification source identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The master device performs a confirmation process before activating the new slave device's notification function. It checks whether the old slave device is still communicating by attempting to receive notifications from it. Only after confirming the old device is no longer active does the master device allow the new slave device to start sending notifications, thus preventing confusion about notification sources during the transition period

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the master device continues to communicate with the old slave device after replacement, then the old slave device may still send notifications, but the master device cannot distinguish these notifications from those of the new slave device, causing incorrect control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication maintenance periodVSAvoidincorrect control actions

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The master device implements a feedback mechanism where it actively monitors for notifications from the old slave device after replacement. By attempting to receive notifications from the old device and detecting their absence, the master device gains feedback about the old device's operational status. This feedback allows it to confidently transition to the new slave device without risk of receiving mixed notifications from both devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11368897B2Communication apparatus, control method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2022.06.21 CANON KK

AI summary

A communication apparatus receives a notification based on setting information from a first other communication apparatus, and performs control in such a manner that a second other communication apparatus can start a notification based on this setting information based on the fact that it is confirmed that the communication with the first other communication apparatus is not maintained in a case where the first other communication apparatus is replaced with the second other communication apparatus.