Sensor device for transmitting sensor parameter settings

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sensor device (100) for transmitting sensor parameter settings between sensors. The sensor device includes a first sensor (110) having sensor parameter settings and a second sensor (120). The first sensor (110) and the second sensor (120) are configured to communicate with each other via communication links (103, 104). The first sensor (110) is configured to send the sensor parameter settings to the second sensor (120) via the communication links (103, 104). The second sensor (120) is configured to receive and accept the sensor parameter settings. The second sensor (120) is further configured to provide, via the communication links (103, 104), the energy required for transmitting the sensor parameter settings via the communication links (103, 104) to the first sensor (110).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor device for transmitting sensor parameter settings (Parametrierung) between sensors, a sensor for a sensor device, a use of a sensor, a method for transmitting sensor parameter settings between sensors, a program element, and a computer-readable medium. Background Art

[0002] If a battery-powered sensor is replaced with a new sensor, for example, after the battery has discharged, it must be set up and configured in the same way as the previous sensor. For example, the parameterization data of the previous sensor can be saved in one or more files on a computer, and the new sensor can be connected to the computer and configured before delivery or before installation. To this end, the new sensor must be connected, the corresponding parameterization data of, for example, one or more databases and files must be edited, and the transmission process must be started. After a quality assurance check that ensures, in particular, that the correct data has been transmitted, the sensor can be disconnected from the computer and installed at the place of use. Summary of the Invention

[0003] With embodiments of the present invention, an improved sensor device can be advantageously provided. For example, the sensor device can automatically take over the parameter settings of the previous sensor from the new sensor while reducing or avoiding the above steps.

[0004] According to a first aspect, there is provided a sensor device for transmitting sensor parameter settings, parameter settings, and / or parameterization between sensors. The sensor device includes a first sensor having sensor parameter settings and includes a second sensor. The first sensor and the second sensor are configured to communicate with each other via a communication link. The first sensor is configured to send the sensor parameter settings to the second sensor via the communication link. The second sensor is configured to receive and accept the sensor parameter settings. The second sensor is further configured to provide, via the communication link, the energy required for transmitting the sensor parameter settings via the communication link to the first sensor.

[0005] In this case, a "sensor" should be understood as a device or apparatus having a unit for the physical detection of a process variable, for example, a physical sensor or a transmitter-receiver device for, for example, ultrasound or radar, and an electronic unit that at least provides power supply and, depending on the application, electronically processes the detected process variable and provides it as digital data. Electronic components that can be used for this purpose are known to those skilled in the art, and such electronic components are, for example, voltage regulators, voltage converters, protection circuits, analog-to-digital converters, filters, amplifiers, microprocessors, memory modules, signal generators, vibration generators, heat sinks, piezoelectric converters, etc. In the present disclosure, when it is clear from the context that the device is a sensor, the term "device" is used synonymously with "sensor".

[0006] These two sensors are, for example, battery-powered sensors and have the same or a similar type. The previous (i.e., the first) sensor has exhausted its battery power and should be replaced or exchanged for a new (i.e., the second) sensor having the same or a similar structure. By transmitting the device settings of the previous sensor with exhausted battery power to the new sensor with sufficient battery power, the sensor device can now easily operate the new sensor. Here, the new sensor with sufficient battery power supplies power to the communication module of the previous sensor and receives parameter settings or parameterization data via a communication link.

[0007] Therefore, in the present disclosure, the term "communication link" should be understood as not only transmitting data but also transmitting the energy required therefor. Thus, this also means a connection in which data transmission is carried out according to, for example, a communication standard and energy transmission for data transmission that does not belong to the communication standard.

[0008] According to one embodiment, a suitable communication link is a near-field communication (NFC) link, in which the energy of the new sensor is transferred inductively and thus wirelessly to the old sensor.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the communication link is wired. For example, the communication link is a USB connection that can provide energy transmission and data transmission. For this purpose, the sensor has corresponding hardware and software as well as a plug connector on the housing that can withstand environmental or ambient conditions, so that the connection is reliable and the sensor is not damaged by, for example, infiltrating moisture or liquid.

[0010] According to the above definition of "communication link", there can also be a hybrid form of wireless and wired in terms of energy transmission and data transmission. For example, energy transmission is carried out wirelessly by induction technology, while data transmission is carried out via a wired communication standard, and vice versa. Energy transmission does not necessarily have to be related to the data transmission standard.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the communication link can be a master-slave connection. The sensor is configured to act as both a master device and a slave device. Thus, it is ensured that a sensor with sufficient battery power (e.g., as the master device) can read out data from a sensor with depleted battery power via NFC, and this sensor with sufficient battery power is suitable as a slave device for further generations.

[0012] To avoid unnecessary consumption of the battery of the new sensor, the interrogation (Abfragen) of the NFC interface on the new sensor can be triggered by an external source. Thus, in some embodiments, the second sensor is configured to receive a signal for initiating the transmission. In this case, the "signal" can be understood as, for example, an electrical signal, such as an "enable" signal from a digital circuit, a power supply switched on for the circuit, or information or a command processed by a logic circuit (e.g., a processor). According to one embodiment, the signal can be generated, for example, by a button, a reed contact, or a Hall sensor on the sensor and triggered by the user at the sensor. If the sensor includes a Bluetooth module or a mobile radio module, the signal can be received via the corresponding interface. Thus, the user can initiate the transmission without authentication via a Bluetooth connection to a smartphone or tablet, or, for example, initiate the transmission by pressing a magnetic switch externally. Then, the data from the old device is completely transmitted to the new sensor via NFC. Then, the new device behaves exactly the same as the previous device, and the new device can be put into use immediately. No further intervention by the operator and / or user is required. In addition to the Bluetooth connection, a wired connection or other wireless connections can also be used.

[0013] At the same time, according to one embodiment, the parameterization information of the previous sensor can also be retrieved from a backup when the sensor establishes a connection. By establishing a connection, for example, the authorization for data transmission can be ensured, and thus access to the backup can be obtained. In this case, the backup can be stored in the first sensor and / or on a server and / or in a database in the cloud via a direct data connection and / or via a corresponding parameterization tool. The sensor can create its parameterization information as a security backup, for example, regularly or when changes are made to the device settings, and this security backup is stored, for example, in an EEPROM or other non-volatile memory so that the information is retained even when the battery is depleted. The link communication processor or other logic circuit can access the memory while being powered by the second sensor and transmit the data via the existing communication link. If the backup is stored in the cloud via a direct data connection and / or via a parameterization tool, the second sensor can access the backup via other communication interfaces, for example, after checking the authorization. This can be done via a direct data connection, such as a mobile communication module in the sensor, and / or via a communication device connected to the cloud, and the sensor is connected to this communication device, for example, via NFC, Bluetooth, or a cable.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the sensor parameter setting includes measuring physical information, cloud access data, data for allocating the first sensor to a measurement point, and / or coupling information for operating devices such as Bluetooth devices, smartphones, or tablets. Therefore, it is very easy for the user to operate the new sensor. The cloud system does not have to be parameterized again. The new device replaces the previous device and is allocated to all the measurement points of the previous device.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the first sensor has a first number, and the second sensor has a second number. The first sensor is configured to transmit data via a communication link only when there is a correlation between the first number and the second number. For example, in order to maintain security when copying data, first the second sensor reads the number of the first sensor, and the second sensor sends these two numbers to a server accessing the customer database via, for example, a mobile radio interface for verification. Only when both numbers are assigned to the same customer is data transmission allowed, and the second sensor causes the first sensor to transmit parameterized data. Alternatively, it may also be provided that the numbers match specific parts, or the numbers match according to a specific scheme. For example, a certain range of numbers is assigned to a customer. The numbers can be stored in a ROM, such as an EEPROM, for example.

[0016] During the process of number checking using, for example, a mobile radio connection, it can also be checked whether the second sensor is authorized to query data from the first sensor. In addition, in this case, parameterized data can be added or updated if necessary.

[0017] Generally speaking, it should be noted that the two sensors preferably have the same or similar design, so that once the battery of the second (i.e., new) sensor described herein runs out, the second sensor can take on the role of the first (i.e., previous) sensor, and its device settings can be transmitted to another new sensor. Therefore, such replacements can occur over multiple generations.

[0018] For example, when a threshold of the energy supply is reached (e.g., the remaining energy of the battery of the first sensor), the transmission of the device settings and / or the sensor parameter settings can be performed. In this case, the first sensor can be deactivated by the new (second) sensor after the transmission is completed, so that after the transmission, the first sensor no longer transmits any further measurement values. This is particularly advantageous for the uninterrupted operation of the measurement point and / or enables uninterrupted operation.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the first sensor and the second sensor are level sensors that measure the filling level of liquids, loose materials, or other materials using, for example, radar or ultrasonic waves.

[0020] According to one aspect, as an alternative or supplement to fill level measurement, one or more sensors are used for flow measurement, limit level measurement, pressure measurement, density measurement or object detection. However, the possible uses are not limited to those described above. For example, the sensor can also be a gas sensor or a smoke detector. A particularly advantageous application of the sensor device is in mobile applications or variable environments where, for example, the installation location, customer data, data of the medium to be measured, etc. vary.

[0021] For example, object detection can be monitoring of the dangerous area of a machine by an infrared or radar sensor, for example, the machine is shut down if someone gets too close to the machine. For example, in an assembly line application, the sensor detects objects on the assembly line for, for example, inspection, counting or sorting.

[0022] According to another aspect, a method for transmitting sensor parameter settings between sensors via a communication link is provided, the method comprising the following steps:

[0023] The second sensor provides the energy required for the communication link to the first sensor via the communication link,

[0024] The first sensor sends the sensor parameter settings to the second sensor,

[0025] The second sensor receives and accepts the sensor parameter settings.

[0026] In this case, the sensor parameter settings include information about the measured physics, cloud access data, data for assigning the first sensor to the measurement point, and / or coupling information for operating the device.

[0027] In this case, the communication link can in particular be a wireless connection such as an NFC connection, or a wired connection. Before the step of sending the sensor parameter settings, the transmission can be externally triggered, for example, by receiving an external signal generated by a switch, button, reed contact, Hall sensor on the sensor, or a Bluetooth device or a mobile radio device.

[0028] Furthermore, before the step of sending the sensor parameter settings, the number can be checked so that the transmission only starts if the number meets a condition (for example, belongs to the same customer).

[0029] Furthermore, before the sending step, authorization (i.e., authorization and / or verification) can be checked.

[0030] According to one embodiment, after accepting the sensor parameter settings, the transmission of measurement values in the first sensor can be deactivated.

[0031] Other options and method steps correspond to and are given by the above embodiments.

[0032] The features, elements and / or functions of the sensor device described above and below can be the features, elements and / or steps of the method described above and below, and vice versa.

[0033] According to another aspect, there is provided a program element which, when running on a control unit such as a processor of a sensor, instructs the sensor to perform the steps of the method described above and below.

[0034] The program element can be part of a computer program, but it can also be the whole program itself.

[0035] According to another aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium storing the above program element. The computer-readable medium can be regarded as a storage medium, for example, a USB flash drive, a CD, a DVD, a data storage device, a hard disk or any other medium on which the above program element can be stored.

[0036] Those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variants of the disclosed embodiments when implementing the claimed invention by studying the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit can implement the functions of multiple subjects or steps listed in the claims. The fact that specific measures are set forth in mutually dependent claims does not mean that combinations of these measures cannot be used advantageously. The computer program can be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, for example, an optical storage medium or a semiconductor medium provided together with other hardware or as part of other hardware, but the computer program can also be distributed in other forms, for example, via the Internet or other wired or wireless communication systems. The reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0037] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Description of the Drawings

[0038] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Neither the description nor the drawings should be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0039] Figure 1 A sensor device according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0040] Figure 2 A method according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0041] The drawings are only schematic and not drawn to scale. In principle, the same or similar components have the same reference signs. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0042] In a first exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 A sensor device is shown having a first, previous sensor 110 and a second, new sensor 120. The battery 114 of the first sensor is empty, has a specific threshold of battery charge status and / or a small amount of remaining energy, and should therefore be replaced. The battery 124 of the second sensor is full and the second sensor should replace the first sensor 110. The two sensors 110, 120 are locally close to each other such that in this example, the first sensor 110 can receive energy from the second sensor 120 via the inductive part 103 of the near-field communication links 103, 104. In the sensor 110, the received energy activates the communication module 111 such that the processor 112 can read out parameterization data from the memory 113, such as measurement physical information, cloud access data, data for assigning the first sensor to a measurement point, and / or coupling information for operating the device. The communication module 111 sends the read-out data to the communication module 121 of the second sensor 120 via the data link part 104 of the near-field communication links 103, 104. The processor 122 stores the data in the memory 123 and configures the second sensor 120 accordingly to be immediately ready for use.

[0043] In the example according to Figure 1 the sensor 120 is connected to the cloud 107 via a smartphone 105 capable of communicating by means of a mobile communication standard, whereby access to the customer database 109 and / or the database 119 for measurement data and sensor data is possible. In addition, both the smartphone 105 and the sensor 120 have a Bluetooth function. The operator of the smartphone can use an application to initiate the data transfer of the parameterization data via the Bluetooth connection 106. The mobile radio connection 108 can be used to check whether the first sensor 110 and the second sensor 120 are assigned to the same customer and whether the second sensor 120 is authorized to receive data from the first sensor 110. This ensures that data is retrieved from the sensor 110 to be replaced rather than from, for example, a third sensor, and also prevents unauthorized data retrieval of the sensor 120.

[0044] At least some of the data can also be supplemented, changed, and checked by the customer database 109 or the database 119. Once the authorization of the sensor 120 is determined, the sensor 120 can now obtain, for example, the cloud access data, whereby the sensor can directly access the database 119 from which the sensor can obtain further parameterization data. For example, this can be the parameterization data stored in a backup file on a database or server. Alternatively, access to the database 119 or the backup file can also be made via a mobile device after successful authorization check.

[0045] It can be seen from the above description that further variations are possible in terms of processes and circumstances.

[0046] One application scenario is the level sensor on a mobile tank. These level sensors monitor the fill level at fixed, defined or variable time intervals and send it to the cloud 107. The cloud 107 interprets the fill level information from the sensors 110 and assigns it to the corresponding silos. After the battery life ends, a new sensor 120 should be installed on the silo and receive the parameter settings of the previous sensor 110.

[0047] Figure 2 A method 200 for transmitting sensor parameter settings between sensors via communication links 103, 104 is shown according to an embodiment. First, in step 201, the energy required for the communication links 103, 104 is provided. This is accomplished by inductive energy transfer 103 from the second sensor 120 to the first sensor 110 via communication links 103, 104 such as NFC. Then, in step 202, the first sensor 110 sends the sensor parameter settings to the second sensor 120. Finally, in step 203, the second sensor 120 receives and accepts the sensor parameter settings.

[0048] Optionally, in step 203 (or in a further optional step), the second sensor 120 can deactivate the measurement value transmission in the first sensor 110, for example, by transmitting the corresponding control signals and / or signals to the second sensor 120. Thus, in the case where there is any remaining energy in the battery of the first sensor 110, conflicts in the measurement value transmissions from the first and second sensors 110, 120 can be avoided.

[0049] Therefore, a low-cost, simple and uncomplicated solution is provided to replace a previous sensor with a new sensor by placing the new sensor near the previous sensor. In this case, the parameterized data will be automatically transmitted. Optionally, an external trigger can initiate the transmission. The energy required for this is provided by the new sensor.

[0050] Furthermore, it should be noted that "including" and "having" do not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0051] It should also be pointed out that the features or steps described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments can also be used in combination with other features or steps of the other above exemplary embodiments. The reference signs in the claims should not be regarded as limiting.

Claims

1. A sensor device (100) for transmitting sensor parameter settings between sensors, comprising: A first sensor (110) having sensor parameter settings which are parameterizations of the first sensor; A second sensor (120); Wherein, The first sensor (110) and the second sensor (120) are configured to communicate with each other via communication links (103, 104); The first sensor (110) is configured to send the sensor parameter settings to the second sensor (120) via the communication links (103, 104); The second sensor (120) is configured to receive and accept the sensor parameter settings; and wherein, The second sensor (120) is further configured to provide, via the communication links (103, 104), the energy required for transmitting the sensor parameter settings via the communication links (103, 104) to the first sensor (110), Wherein the second sensor (120) is configured to replace the first sensor (110) after the transmission and acceptance of the sensor parameter settings.

2. The sensor device (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The communication links (103, 104) are near - field communication links.

3. The sensor device (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The communication links (103, 104) are wired links.

4. The sensor device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first sensor and the second sensor are configured to be able to act as both master and slave devices.

5. The sensor device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The second sensor is configured to receive a signal for initiating transmission.

6. The sensor device (100) according to claim 5, wherein, The signal for initiating transmission is generated by a button, a reed contact, a Hall sensor, a Bluetooth device, and / or a mobile radio device.

7. The sensor device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The sensor parameter settings include measured physical information, cloud access data, data for assigning the first sensor to a measurement point, and / or coupling information for operating a device.

8. The sensor device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first sensor has a first number, and the second sensor has a second number; and wherein the first sensor is configured to send data via the communication link only when the first number and the second number are related to each other.

9. The sensor device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first sensor is further configured to provide parameterization information from a backup.

10. The sensor device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first sensor and the second sensor are level sensors.

11. A sensor (110, 120) for a sensor device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. Use of the sensor (110, 120) according to claim 11 for filling level measurement, flow measurement, limit level measurement, pressure measurement, density measurement, or object detection.

13. A method (200) for transmitting sensor parameter settings between sensors via communication links (103, 104), comprising the following steps: Providing, by a second sensor (120) via communication links (103, 104), the energy required for the communication links (103, 104) to a first sensor (110); Send the sensor parameter setting to the second sensor (120) through the first sensor (110); Receive and accept the sensor parameter setting through the second sensor (120), wherein the second sensor (120) is configured to replace the first sensor (110) after the transmission and acceptance of the sensor parameter setting.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein After accepting the sensor parameter setting, deactivate the measurement value transmission in the first sensor (110).

15. A computer program product, which, when running on the control units (112, 122) of sensors (110, 120), instructs the sensors (110, 120) to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 13 and 14.

16. A computer-readable medium storing the computer program product according to claim 15.

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