Sensor system and method thereof

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a sensor system and a method thereof. The sensor system includes a transmission device and one or more passive sensors. The transmission device is arranged on the inner surface of the to-be-measured body. The passive sensor is arranged on the inner surface of the to-be-measured main body, the distance between the passive sensor and the transmission device is smaller than or equal to a first threshold value, and the passive sensor is used for sensing to-be-measured information in the to-be-measured main body. According to the embodiment of the invention, through the conformal transmission device arranged on the to-be-measured main body, the problem of non-uniform energy distribution caused by metal shielding in the to-be-measured main body is solved, coverage blind spots are reduced, and electromagnetic interference is reduced.

Description

Sensor system and method thereof Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of measurement, and more particularly, to a sensor system and a corresponding method. Background Art

[0002] In the field of measurement, passive sensors are a commonly used measuring device. They can be attached to the subject to be measured and used to measure the information to be measured at the points on the subject to be measured. This passive sensor can be used in many scenarios, such as in computer cabinets where parameters such as ambient temperature and humidity need to be monitored in real time. In order to achieve real-time monitoring of environmental parameters, passive sensors that sense environmental parameters can be arranged in the cabinet. The passive sensor can be connected to a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag anti-metal tag. In order to transmit the measurement information to the control center, the excitation source needs to charge the RFID tag first, and then the excitation source continuously sends a single-tone signal. The RFID tag modulates the measurement information on the received signal and reflects it out. In addition, the signal receiving device associated with the passive sensor can receive the signal reflected back by the tag and demodulate the signal, thereby reading the measurement information of the point to be measured.

[0003] Existing solutions propose a method in which the antenna of the signal receiving device is placed inside the subject to be measured, while at the same time, a wired connection is used outside the subject to be measured to the signal receiving device, and a wireless method is used inside the subject to be measured to activate the tag and read the information. This method has many disadvantages. For example, the large number of transmission lines outside the subject to be measured leads to high deployment labor costs. In addition, due to the large number of facilities inside the subject to be measured, there may be serious obstruction between each other, resulting in coverage blind spots. The limited space inside the subject to be measured makes antenna deployment difficult. At the same time, due to the use of far-field antennas, metal cabinets and servers affect the impedance matching of the antenna, which can easily cause impedance mismatch and most of the energy is reflected back to the RF circuit. Therefore, the existing method still has considerable room for improvement.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] To at least overcome the problems set forth above and potentially other problems, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a sensor system and corresponding method.

[0006] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a sensor system is provided. The system includes: a transmission device disposed on the inner surface of a body to be measured; and one or more passive sensors disposed on the inner surface of the body to be measured and at a distance from the transmission device that is less than or equal to a first threshold, the passive sensors being configured to sense information within the body to be measured.

[0007] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, a conformal transmission device is provided on the subject to be measured, thereby solving the problem of uneven energy distribution caused by metal obstruction inside the subject to be measured, reducing coverage blind spots, and lowering electromagnetic interference.

[0008] In one implementation of the first aspect, the sensor system further includes a processing device coupled to the transmission device and configured to process sensing signals from the passive sensor. In this manner, information to be measured within the subject to be measured can be acquired by the passive sensor, and further utilization of the information to be measured can ensure safe and energy-efficient operation of a facility utilizing the sensor system.

[0009] In one implementation of the first aspect, the processing device and the transmission device are connected via a wired transmission component or wirelessly. This connection can be achieved in various ways. Users can select an appropriate connection method based on different scenarios and cost considerations.

[0010] In one implementation of the first aspect, the processing device is disposed outside the space formed by the subject to be measured, and the sensor system further includes: a first antenna, which transmits to the transmission device; and a second antenna, which transmits to the processing device and is configured to communicate with the first antenna to transmit sensor signals from the passive sensor via the transmission device to the processing device using electromagnetic waves at a first frequency. In this manner, wireless transmission can be achieved through antenna communication. This transmission method can reduce or even eliminate wired wiring, thereby facilitating on-site installation and implementation.

[0011] In an implementation of the first aspect, the sensor system further includes a charging device coupled to the transmission device and configured to charge the passive sensor using electromagnetic waves of the second frequency. In this way, the operation of the passive sensor can be ensured.

[0012] In an implementation of the first aspect, the sensor system further includes an isolation device disposed between the first antenna and the transmission device. In this manner, communication between the passive sensor and the processing device is facilitated, thereby lowering the threshold of the passive sensor.

[0013] In one implementation of the first aspect, the sensor system further includes a distribution device disposed between the isolation device and the transmission device, wherein an input end of the distribution device is connected to the isolation device, a first output end of the distribution device is connected to the charging device, and a second output end of the distribution device is connected to the transmission device. The charging device is configured to charge the passive sensor based on a signal from the distribution device. This approach allows for reasonable and flexible control of the charging device to charge the passive sensor.

[0014] In an implementation of the first aspect, the distribution device includes any one of a directional coupler and a power splitter. In this manner, various types of distribution devices can be used to control the charging of the passive sensor.

[0015] In an implementation of the first aspect, the sensor system further includes an isolation device disposed between the wired transmission component and the transmission device. In this manner, communication between the passive sensor and the processing device is facilitated, thereby lowering the threshold of the passive sensor.

[0016] In an implementation of the first aspect, the isolation device includes a duplexer, and the duplexer is configured to operate when the first frequency is equal to the second frequency. In this way, the sensor system can operate when the charging frequency and the communication frequency are equal.

[0017] In an implementation of the first aspect, the isolation device includes a filter, and the filter is configured to operate when the first frequency is not equal to the second frequency. In this way, the sensor system can operate when the charging frequency and the communication frequency are not equal.

[0018] In an implementation of the first aspect, the charging device includes a continuous wave exciter or a radio frequency signal generator. In this manner, various types of charging devices can be used to charge the passive sensor.

[0019] In one implementation of the first aspect, the sensor system further includes a power amplifier coupled between the transmission device and the processing device and configured to amplify the sensor signal of the transmission device. In this manner, the operation of the passive sensor can be ensured by amplifying the power.

[0020] In an implementation of the first aspect, the processing device is disposed inside the space formed by the subject to be measured. In this manner, coverage blind spots are reduced and reading stability is improved.

[0021] In one implementation of the first aspect, the subject to be measured includes multiple body portions that are capable of relative movement, and the transmission device includes multiple adjacent transmission segments, each transmission segment being located on a corresponding body portion and having two ends connected to a waveguide via a transition element. When the multiple body portions are in a first relative position, the distance between the waveguide connected to the end of a transmission segment and the waveguide connected to the end of an adjacent transmission segment is less than a second threshold. This approach ensures that signal transmission is not affected even when the subject to be measured is somewhat disconnected.

[0022] In one implementation of the first aspect, the end portion includes a magnetic element, and the magnetic element is configured to attract the end portion of an adjacent transmission segment when the end portion approaches the end portion, thereby aligning the end portion with the adjacent transmission segment. This facilitates alignment between the transmission segments, thereby ensuring the quality of the transmitted signal.

[0023] In one implementation of the first aspect, the transmission device includes a non-enclosed transmission line. In this manner, energy leaked from the transmission device during transmission can be coupled to the passive sensor, thereby enabling charging of the sensor and communication with the signal receiving device.

[0024] In one implementation of the first aspect, the transmission device is coupled with a near-field antenna. In this manner, electromagnetic interference can be reduced and safety and reliability can be improved.

[0025] In one implementation of the first aspect, the transmission device is coupled with a far-field antenna. In this way, the signal coverage can be improved and the flexibility of the passive sensor location can be enhanced.

[0026] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method for the sensor system according to the first aspect is provided, the method comprising: sensing information to be measured inside a subject to be measured by a passive sensor; and processing a sensing signal from the passive sensor.

[0027] In an implementation of the second aspect, the method includes controlling the operation of the passive sensor through a transmission device.

[0028] It should be understood that the contents described in the Summary of the Invention are not intended to limit the key or important features of the implementation of the present disclosure, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become readily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The above and other features, advantages and aspects of the various implementations of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar elements, wherein:

[0030] FIG1 shows a schematic scenario in which a sensor system according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure may be applied;

[0031] FIG2 illustrates a network implementation scheme that may be used by a sensor system according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG3 shows a schematic diagram of a sensor system according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG4 shows a schematic diagram of a sensor system according to another exemplary implementation of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG5 shows a schematic diagram of a sensor system according to another exemplary implementation of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG6 shows a schematic diagram of a sensor system according to yet another exemplary implementation of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG7 shows a schematic diagram of a sensor system according to yet another exemplary implementation of the present disclosure; and

[0037] FIG8 shows a schematic diagram of a waveguide according to yet another exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The following describes implementations of the present disclosure in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although certain implementations of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the implementations described herein. Rather, these implementations are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the drawings and implementations of the present disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0039] In the description of the implementation of the present disclosure, the term "including" and similar terms should be understood as open inclusion, that is, "including but not limited to". The term "based on" should be understood as "based at least in part on". The term "one implementation" or "the implementation" should be understood as "at least one implementation". The terms "first", "second", etc. can refer to different or the same objects. The term "and / or" means at least one of the two items associated with it. For example, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B. Other explicit and implicit definitions may also be included below. In addition, the terms "connect", "couple", "coupled", etc. can refer to associating related components in different forms, including mechanical association, electrical, magnetic, thermal, etc. association; both direct association and indirect association via intermediate components.

[0040] It should be understood that the technical solutions provided by the implementation of this application may not be repeated in some of the following specific implementations, but these specific implementations should be considered as having been referenced to each other and can be combined with each other.

[0041] At least to solve the above problems, the implementation of the present disclosure proposes an improved sensor system and a corresponding method of use. Some exemplary implementations of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] FIG1 shows a schematic scenario to which an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure can be applied. As shown in FIG1 , one or more subjects 90 to be measured can be set in the scenario, and each subject 90 to be measured is associated with a sensor system 1. Some schematic implementations of the present disclosure will be described by taking the temperature measurement in a computer cabinet as an example. In this scenario, the subject 90 to be measured is a computer cabinet, which can be provided with many computers inside for performing various computing operations. The sensor system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can monitor environmental information such as temperature and humidity in the computer cabinet, and can change the environment in the computer cabinet when necessary. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to various other different usage scenarios. For example, it can be used to measure the concentration of dangerous goods during storage and transportation of dangerous goods.

[0043] Continuing with reference to FIG. 1 , as shown, each sensor system 1 includes one or more passive sensors 20. These passive sensors 20 can communicate with a processing device 30 via a transmission component 40, thereby enabling the processing device 30 to obtain measurement results from the passive sensors 20. It should be understood that the number of subjects 90 to be measured is not limited by the embodiments of the present disclosure. It should also be understood that the number of passive sensors 20 in each sensor system 1 can be determined based on actual usage requirements and is not limited by the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 2 illustrates a network implementation scheme that can be used with the sensor system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This scheme can be specifically applied to monitoring microenvironments in scenarios such as computer cabinets, containers, power cabinets, refrigerated trucks, and the storage and transportation of specialized materials. Without loss of generality, unless otherwise specified, this disclosure uses a computer cabinet as an example. As shown in Figure 2, various sensor signals from passive sensors 20 within the computer cabinet are transmitted to a processing device 30 via an internal transmission device and an external transmission device. The internal transmission device will be described in detail below in conjunction with Figures 3 through 7. Generally speaking, the external transmission device can be a wireless or wired transmission device, and its specific structure will also be described in detail below in conjunction with Figures 3 through 7. As shown in Figure 2, the processing device 30 can also periodically or periodically read the signals from the passive sensors 20 based on instructions from the central control device 100. One or more processing devices 30 transmit the received sensor signals to the central control device 100. The central control device 100 adjusts the specific settings of the air conditioning system 110 or security system 120 based on the monitored sensor signals. It should be understood that the types of the passive sensors 20 shown in FIG. 2 may be the same as or different from each other, and the embodiments of the present disclosure do not impose any particular limitation on this.

[0045] Figures 3 to 7 illustrate a sensor system 1 according to different embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 3 to 7, the sensor system 1 generally includes a transmission device 10 and one or more passive sensors 20. The transmission device 10 is disposed on the inner surface of a subject 90 to be measured. The passive sensor 20 is disposed on the inner surface of the subject 90 to be measured and is at a distance from the transmission device 10 that is less than or equal to a first threshold value to ensure good communication between the two. The function of the passive sensor 20 is to sense the information to be measured inside the subject 90 to be measured. In some embodiments, the passive sensor 20 may be a temperature sensor, thereby obtaining temperature information of a point to be measured inside the subject 90 to be measured by reading the signal from the passive sensor 20. It should be understood that the passive sensor 20 may also be other types of sensors, including but not limited to humidity sensors, airflow sensors, dust sensors, smoke sensors, door magnetic sensors, U-position sensors, object sensors, etc. The specific form of the sensor is not limited by the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] In some embodiments, the transmission device 10 can be in the form of a transmission line. In this manner, if the sensor system 1 includes multiple passive sensors 20, these passive sensors 20 can be arranged along and adjacent to the transmission line. In some embodiments, the passive sensors 20 can be attached directly to or near the transmission device 10. In further embodiments, the transmission line can be non-enclosed (i.e., exposed), such as a microstrip line. This allows energy leaked from the microstrip line during transmission to be efficiently coupled to the passive sensors 20, ensuring effective signal transmission. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, since the transmission device 10 can be freely and flexibly positioned on the inner surface of the object to be measured 90, its routing can conform to the surface of the object to be measured 90. Therefore, signal transmission within the sensor system 1 can be achieved using conformal transmission. By utilizing efficient conformal transmission, charging and communication of the passive sensors 20 are achieved. Furthermore, the structure of this conformal transmission method can be pre-installed within the surface of the object to be measured 90, simplifying installation at the site, reducing labor costs, and alleviating the complexity of on-site deployment.

[0047] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, near-field coupling technology is used. In computer cabinets, this approach reduces electromagnetic interference within the cabinet, improving safety and reliability. In some embodiments, to increase the flexibility of passive sensor 20 placement, a microstrip leaky-wave antenna can be used to improve the uneven energy distribution within the cabinet when using a single antenna.

[0048] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 to 7, the sensor system 1 may further include a processing device 30. As shown, the processing device 30 may be coupled to the transmission device 10 and configured to process the sensing signals from the passive sensor 20. In this manner, the processing device 30 may receive and read the sensing signals from the passive sensor 20, thereby acquiring the measured information sensed within the subject 90 to be measured in real time.

[0049] In some embodiments, after obtaining the sensing signal from the passive sensor 20 , the processing device 30 can obtain the information to be measured in the subject to be measured 90 and further process the information to be measured when necessary.

[0050] Referring back to FIG2 , when the sensor system 1 of the present disclosure is used in a computer cabinet or power cabinet scenario, the processing device 30 can periodically or periodically read information such as temperature and humidity sensors from the passive sensor 20 according to its type based on the configuration of the central control device 100, and report the information to the central control device 100. In some embodiments, the central control device 100 can screen out local hot spots with excessively high temperatures based on the information from the temperature and humidity sensors, and adjust the wind speed, wind direction, and temperature configuration of the air outlet of the air conditioning system 110 to promptly reduce the temperature of the local hot spots, ensuring that the computing equipment in the computer cabinet is in a good operating environment, thereby ensuring the safety of the equipment. In other embodiments, the passive sensor 20 can also be an airflow sensor. In this case, the central control device 100 can also monitor the operating status of the air conditioning system 110 based on the information from the airflow sensor reported by the processing device 30, and combine the information from the temperature and humidity sensors to ensure that the cabinet microenvironment is suitable for the efficient operation of the computer server and improve the efficiency of the air conditioning system 110. Since the air conditioning system 110 is dynamically turned on according to the environmental conditions inside the computer cabinet, it will be turned off in time when the environment is suitable, thereby avoiding energy waste and achieving the goal of energy conservation and emission reduction. In some embodiments, the passive sensor 20 can also be a door magnetic sensor. In this case, the central control device 100 can also monitor whether the cabinet door of the computer cabinet is closed based on the door magnetic sensor information reported by the processing device 30. In other embodiments, the passive sensor 20 can also be a smoke sensor. In this case, the central control device 100 can monitor whether there are fire hazards in the computer cabinet based on the smoke detector information. In other embodiments, the passive sensor 20 can also be a U-position detector. In this case, the central control device 100 can also determine whether a certain U-position of the computer cabinet is vacant based on the information of the U-position detector reported by the processing device 30, or use it for server inventory to facilitate unified and coordinated management of servers.

[0051] When the sensor system 1 of the present disclosure is used in a container scenario, the passive sensor 20 may be an object detector. In this case, the central control device 100 may configure the processing device 30 to periodically or periodically read the signal from the object detector and perform an inventory of the cargo in the container based on the signal.

[0052] When the sensor system 1 of the present disclosure is used for the storage and transportation of special materials (such as dangerous goods), the passive sensor 20 can be a dangerous goods detector, such as a chemical concentration detector. In this case, as shown in FIG2 , if the concentration of the dangerous goods is detected to be higher than a certain threshold, the central control device 100 can send an instruction to the safety system 120. In some embodiments, the safety system 120 can issue an alarm to the operator, reminding the operator to take timely and necessary measures to eliminate the danger. In other embodiments, the safety system 120 can also autonomously take necessary actions to ensure the safe storage and transportation of dangerous goods and avoid compromising the safety of people and objects.

[0053] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3-5 and 7, the processing device 30 can be located outside the subject 90 to be measured and coupled to the transmission device 10 mounted on the subject 90 via wired or wireless transmission components. This ensures that the processing device 30 can remotely obtain the measured information within the subject 90 without having to enter the subject 90. Figures 3-5 illustrate wireless transmission methods, while Figure 7 illustrates wired transmission methods, which will be described in further detail below. In other embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the processing device 30 can also be located within the space formed by the subject 90 to be measured. In this manner, the transmission device 10 communicates directly with the passive sensor 20, reading and processing the sensor signals from the passive sensor 20 without requiring an external forwarding antenna. The processing device 30 can be powered by a collector within the subject 90 to transmit environmental information, such as temperature, read by the passive sensor 20 to the central control device 100. Compared to traditional far-field antenna methods, the approach shown in Figure 6 can reduce coverage blind spots and improve signal reading stability. In addition, since electromagnetic interference is reduced, impedance mismatch is less likely to occur and safety and reliability can be improved.

[0054] The following describes a wireless transmission method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to Figures 3 to 5. This wireless transmission method is primarily implemented using a wireless transmission component. The wireless transmission component includes a first antenna 41 that transmits to the transmission device 10 and a second antenna 42 that transmits to the processing device 30. In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 5, the second antenna 42 is configured to communicate with the first antenna 41 to transmit the sensor signal of the passive sensor 20 to the processing device 30 via the transmission device 10 using electromagnetic waves at a first frequency f1. This method avoids the need for transmission lines outside the computer cabinet, thereby facilitating installation and implementation.

[0055] In some embodiments, since the subject 90 to be measured may be made of metal having a shielding effect, the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42 are used in such an embodiment to solve the loss caused by the shielding of the metal material.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first antenna 41 transmitting to the transmission device 10 may be a patch antenna, a dipole, a monopole, or a slot antenna, etc., without limitation. The polarization of the first antenna 41 may be horizontal, vertical, or circular, also without limitation. In other embodiments, the second antenna 42 transmitting to the processing device 30 may be a patch antenna, a dipole, a monopole, or a slot antenna, etc., without limitation. The polarization of the second antenna 42 may be horizontal, vertical, or circular, also without limitation.

[0057] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG3 or FIG4 , the sensor system 1 may further include a charging device 60. The charging device 60 may be coupled to the transmission device 10. The charging device 60 uses electromagnetic waves of a second frequency f2 to charge the passive sensor 20. In some embodiments, the second frequency f2 used for charging may not be equal to the first frequency f1 used for communication to avoid mutual interference between the charging process and the communication process. In other embodiments, the second frequency f2 used for charging may be equal to the first frequency f1 used for communication. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not particularly limited in this regard. The passive sensor 20 is charged by the charging device 60, and the passive sensor 20 is continuously in an activated state. The processing device 30 sends an instruction to request the passive sensor 20 to report information, reads the information from the passive sensor 20 through the first antenna 41 and the second antenna 42, and can demodulate the information.

[0058] In some embodiments, the charging device 60 can be a continuous wave exciter. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by separating charging and communication, a continuous wave exciter is used to provide additional charging to the passive sensor 20 to activate the passive sensor 20. The continuous wave exciter can be implemented by a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). By changing the bias voltage, the output voltage of the voltage controlled oscillator is changed. The excitation source can be powered by a collector configured in a computer cabinet. It should be understood that the charging device 60 can use other types besides a continuous wave exciter, such as a radio frequency signal generator.

[0059] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG3 or FIG4 , the sensor system 1 may further include an isolation device 70 disposed between the first antenna 41 and the transmission device 10. In this way, through a reasonable isolation device 70, the communication between the passive sensor 20 and the processing device 30 is assisted, thereby greatly reducing the threshold of the passive sensor 20 and improving the reading rate. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, regardless of whether the first frequency f1 used for communication is equal to the second frequency f2 used for charging, a corresponding type of isolation device 70 can be provided. For example, in the case where the first frequency f1 used for communication is equal to the second frequency f2 used for charging, the isolation device 70 may be a duplexer; in the case where the first frequency f1 used for communication is not equal to the second frequency f2 used for charging, the isolation device 70 may be a filter.

[0060] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG4 , the sensor system 1 may further include a distribution device 80 between the isolation device 70 and the transmission device 10 . In a specific embodiment, the distribution device 80 may be a directional coupler. As shown in FIG4 , the input end of the distribution device 80 is connected to the isolation device 70 , the first output end of the distribution device 80 is connected to the charging device 60 , and the second output end of the distribution device 80 is connected to the transmission device 10 . The charging device 60 is capable of charging the passive sensor 20 based on the signal from the distribution device 80 . In this manner, the charging device 60 does not have to continuously charge the passive sensor 20 , but rather charges the passive sensor 20 appropriately based on actual needs. This charging may be periodic or non-periodic. In short, by using this on-demand charging method, reasonable energy utilization can be achieved. In some embodiments, the distribution device 80 may be implemented in other forms, for example, the distribution device 80 may also be a power divider.

[0061] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG5 , the sensor system 1 may further include a power amplifier 50. This power amplifier is coupled between the transmission device 10 and the processing device 30 and is used to amplify the sensor signal from the transmission device 10. In this manner, since the sensor signal is already amplified, good signal quality is ensured. In this case, the charging device 60 may be omitted. In the case of wireless transmission as shown in FIG5 , the power amplifier 50 may be provided between the transmission device 10 and the first antenna 41.

[0062] The following describes a wired connection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIG7 . As shown in FIG7 , the processing device 30 and the transmission device 10 within the subject to be measured 90 are not provided with a first antenna 41 or a second antenna 42, but are connected via a wired transmission component 45. In some embodiments, the wired transmission component 45 can be a coaxial cable, a waveguide, an artificial surface plasmon, or an optical fiber, and can extend from the outside of the subject to be measured 90 to the inside of the subject to be measured 90 through ventilation holes in the cabinet.

[0063] As shown in Figure 7, the sensor system 1 may further include an isolation device 70, which may be disposed between the wired transmission component 45 and the transmission device 10. Still taking the computer cabinet as an example, if a radio frequency transmission device is used outside the cabinet, the isolation device 70 may be a filter or a duplexer, for example. In other embodiments, the isolation device 70 may also be integrated into the radio frequency transmission device. For example, by adjusting parameters such as the cutoff frequency of the radio frequency transmission device, the radio frequency transmission device may transmit only signals in the frequency band of the communication signal, and not signals in the frequency band of the charging signal. In other embodiments, if a fiber optic transmission device is used outside the cabinet, a photoelectric conversion device may be incorporated. The function of the photoelectric conversion device is to convert the radio frequency signal from the transmission device 10 inside the cabinet into an optical signal, which is then transmitted to the processing device 30 via optical fiber. Furthermore, the device may also convert instructions sent by the processing device 30 into radio frequency signals and transmit them to the transmission device 10 inside the cabinet. An isolation device 70 is required between the transmission device 10 inside the cabinet and the photoelectric conversion device to prevent the charging signal inside the cabinet from being transmitted to the receiving device outside the cabinet. The isolation device 70 may be a filter or a duplexer, or may be integrated into a photoelectric conversion device. For example, the photoelectric conversion device only supports converting electrical signals of a certain frequency band into optical signals.

[0064] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 to 7 , the subject to be measured 90 includes multiple main parts 92 that can move relative to each other. For example, in a computer cabinet scenario, the main part 92 can be the wall and door of a computer room that houses the computer cabinet. The door can open and close relative to the wall of the computer room. In some embodiments, the transmission device 10 can include multiple adjacent transmission segments 12. These transmission segments 12 can be installed on different parts of the subject to be measured 90. For example, some transmission segments 12 are installed on a fixed wall, ceiling, or floor of the computer room, while others are installed on a movable door of the computer room. As the door opens and closes, the distance between these transmission segments 12 may change. As shown in Figures 3 to 7 , each transmission segment 12 has two ends. In some embodiments, the ends can be connected to waveguides via adapter elements. In some embodiments, when the multiple main parts 92 are in a first relative position (e.g., when the computer room door is closed), the distance between the waveguide connected to the end of a transmission segment 12 and the waveguide connected to the end of an adjacent transmission segment 12 is less than a second threshold. That is, in this case, the transmission sections 12 are close to each other.

[0065] The following uses a computer cabinet as an example to describe the structure and operation of a waveguide according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 3 to 7 , a waveguide is used as a contactless coupling structure. Transmission segments 12 located at different main body portions 92 of the subject 90 to be measured (e.g., the front and rear doors of the cabinet) are connected to a transmission segment 12 located at the top. The top transmission segment 12 is then connected to an external forwarding antenna through, for example, a ventilation hole in the cabinet, enabling the processing device 30 to read information from the passive sensor 20. Regarding the contactless coupling structure, Figure 8 shows two opposing waveguides 14 with openings 13. In some embodiments, the walls of the waveguides 14 can be made of metal, such as copper or aluminum. The interior of the waveguides 14 can be unfilled or filled with a dielectric. As shown in Figure 8 , one end of the waveguide 14 has an opening 13, opposite the opening 13 of the other waveguide 14. The other end is a transition between the waveguide 14 and the transmission segment 12, thereby connecting to the transmission segment 12 located at the front door or rear door. The other end of the other waveguide 14 is similar. In this way, when the front door or rear door is closed, the waveguides 14 are close to each other, allowing the signal to be conducted. The waveguides 14 can then transmit the signal from the transmission section 12 of the front door or rear door to the transmission section 12 at the top of the cabinet, then to the forwarding antenna outside the cabinet, and finally to the signal receiving device to monitor real-time environmental parameters. When the front door or rear door is opened, because the distance g between the waveguides 14 at the ends of the transmission section 12 is greater than the second threshold, the signal is interrupted and the information cannot be read. By adopting a non-contact coupling device, damage to the transmission line structure caused by repeated or frequent door openings and closings can be avoided. In one embodiment, when the cabinet door is open, the information can be directly read directly through the air interface by the antenna connected to the processing device 30.

[0066] By adopting a passive forwarding antenna, using a waveguide as a non-contact coupling structure, connecting it to the top transmission, and connecting it to the forwarding antenna outside the computer cabinet, one processing device 30 can read the sensor information of multiple measured subjects 90 (such as cabinets), reducing the loss of cabinet doors, and reducing the number of processing devices 30 and the cost and complexity of line deployment.

[0067] In some embodiments, the end of the transmission segment 12 may include a magnetic element (not shown), the function of which is to attract each other when the end is close to the end of the adjacent transmission segment 12, thereby assisting the end of the transmission segment 12 to align with the end of the adjacent transmission segment 12.

[0068] In some embodiments, the transmission device 10 may be equipped with a near-field antenna or other microstructures to enhance the coupling between the transmission device 10 and the passive sensor 20. In particular, in computer cabinets, the use of near-field coupling technology can avoid impedance mismatches between the metal cabinet and the servers within the cabinet, while also reducing electromagnetic interference within the cabinet and improving safety and reliability. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the transmission device 10 may be connected to a far-field antenna to improve signal coverage, thereby increasing the flexibility of the passive sensor 20 location. In other embodiments, a microstrip leaky wave antenna may be directly employed to address the issue of uneven energy distribution within the cabinet when a single antenna is used.

[0069] Referring back to FIG. 1 , in the embodiment shown, the specific configuration of each sensor system 1 can be the same or different. A matching sensor system 1 can be provided for each subject 90 to be measured based on different usage requirements. For example, some subjects 90 to be measured can use the sensor system 1 shown in FIG. 3 , while other subjects 90 to be measured can use the sensor system 1 shown in FIG. 5 .

[0070] It should be understood that the various details shown in the various embodiments described above are not isolated from each other, but can be combined with each other, and such combinations also fall within the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, in the case of wired transmission shown in FIG7 , the power amplifier 50, charging device 60, isolation device 70, or distribution device 80 shown in FIG3 to FIG6 can also be provided.

[0071] Embodiments of the present disclosure also relate to a method for use with the sensor system 1 described above. The method includes sensing information to be measured within a subject 90 to be measured using a passive sensor 20; and processing a sensing signal from the passive sensor 20 using a processing device 30. The sensing signal reflects the information to be measured within the subject 90 to be measured.

[0072] In some embodiments, the method may further include controlling the operation of the passive sensor 20 via the transmission device 10. In some embodiments, the passive sensor 20 may be turned on and off by controlling charging. In other embodiments, the communication of the passive sensor 20 may also be controlled.

[0073] It should be understood that the method described herein can be used in conjunction with the sensor system 1 described above and the various components therein, such as the power amplifier 50 , the charging device 60 , the isolation device 70 , or the distribution device 80 , etc. For the sake of brevity, further details of the method are not described herein.

[0074] Compared to conventional solutions, the embodiments of this disclosure, using a conformal transmission device mounted on the object to be measured, can address the uneven energy distribution caused by metal obstructions within the object, reduce coverage blind spots, lower electromagnetic interference, and offer a degree of flexibility. Furthermore, by separating charging and communication, the signal reading range of passive sensors is increased, preserving the low-cost advantage of passive sensors while enhancing their performance.

[0075] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological logical acts, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are merely example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A sensor system comprising: a transmission device, arranged on the inner surface of the body to be measured; as well as One or more passive sensors are arranged on the inner surface of the subject to be measured and at a distance from the transmission device that is lower than or equal to a first threshold value, and the passive sensors are used to sense the information to be measured inside the subject to be measured.

2. The sensor system according to claim 1, further comprising: A processing device is coupled to the transmission device and is used to process the sensing signal from the passive sensor. 3 . The sensor system according to claim 2 , wherein the processing device and the transmission device are connected via a wired transmission component or in a wireless manner.

4. The sensor system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the processing device is provided outside a space formed by the subject to be measured, and the sensor system further comprises: a first antenna, transmitting to the transmission device; as well as A second antenna is connected to the processing device and is configured to communicate with the first antenna to transmit the sensor signal of the passive sensor to the processing device via the transmission device using electromagnetic waves of a first frequency.

5. The sensor system of claim 4, further comprising: A charging device is coupled to the transmission device and is configured to charge the passive sensor using electromagnetic waves of a second frequency.

6. The sensor system of claim 5, further comprising: An isolation device is arranged between the first antenna and the transmission device.

7. The sensor system of claim 6, further comprising: a distribution device disposed between the isolation device and the transmission device, wherein an input end of the distribution device is connected to the isolation device, a first output end of the distribution device is connected to the charging device, and a second output end of the distribution device is connected to the transmission device; The charging device is configured to charge the passive sensor based on the signal from the dispensing device.

8. The sensor system according to claim 7, wherein the distribution device comprises any one of a directional coupler and a power splitter.

9. The sensor system of claim 3, further comprising: An isolation device is provided between the wired transmission component and the transmission device.

10. The sensor system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the isolation device comprises a duplexer configured to operate when the first frequency is equal to the second frequency.

11. The sensor system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the isolation device comprises a filter configured to operate when the first frequency is not equal to the second frequency.

12. The sensor system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the charging device comprises a continuous wave exciter or a radio frequency signal generator.

13. The sensor system according to any one of claims 2 to 12, further comprising: A power amplifier is coupled between the transmission device and the processing device and is configured to amplify the sensor signal of the transmission device. 14 . The sensor system according to claim 2 , wherein the processing device is arranged inside a space formed by the object to be measured.

15. The sensor system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, The subject to be measured includes a plurality of main body parts that can move relative to each other, and the transmission device includes a plurality of adjacent transmission segments, each transmission segment is located on a corresponding main body part and has two ends, and the ends are connected to the waveguide through a switching element, and When the plurality of main body portions are in the first relative position, a distance between the waveguide connected to an end of the transmission segment and the waveguide connected to an end of an adjacent transmission segment is smaller than a second threshold.

16. The sensor system of claim 15, wherein the end portion comprises a magnetic element, the magnetic element being configured to attract the end portion and the end portion of an adjacent transmission segment when the end portion and the end portion are close to each other so that the end portion and the end portion of the adjacent transmission segment are aligned.

17. The sensor system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the transmission device comprises a non-enclosed transmission line.

18. The sensor system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the transmission device is coupled with a near-field antenna or a far-field antenna.

19. A method for use in a sensor system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, comprising: Sensing the information to be measured inside the subject to be measured by a passive sensor; and The sensing signal from the passive sensor is processed.

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: The operation of the passive sensor is controlled by the transmission device.

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