Connector

Abstract

The system comprises-at least one connector (1), in particular an electrical and / or fluid connector, said connector comprising-at least one sensor (2) configured to measure a physical property of said connector (1) and to provide a sensor signal (S) based on the measured physical property,-at least one microcontroller (3) configured to receive said sensor signal (S),-at least one sensor (2) configured to measure the physical property of said connector (1) and to provide a sensor signal (S) based on said sensor signal (S). The invention relates to a system (1) comprising:-at least one microcontroller (2) configured to receive a sensor signal (S),-pre-process said sensor signal to provide a pre-processed data packet (D) comprising said sensor signal (S),-at least one communication module (15) configured to receive said pre-processed data packet (D) from at least one microcontroller and to provide said pre-processed data packet (D),-a computer network (4), -at least one communication module (15) configured to receive the pre-processed data packet (D) from the at least one communication module (15) and to further process the pre-processed data packet (D) to provide a processed data packet (D '), and-a computer (5), and a processor (6) configured to receive the processed data packet (D '), and having a processor (6) configured to process the processed data packet (D') to obtain information (I) relating to the sensor signal (S), and a display (7) for displaying the information relating to the sensor signal, in which the processor (6) is configured to process the processed data packet (D ') and the display (7) is configured to display the information relating to the sensor signal. The microcontroller (3) is further configured to encrypt the pre-processed data packet (D) such that the pre-processed data packet (D) is encrypted before being transmitted to the computer network (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system having a connector according to claim 1 , in particular an electrical connector and / or a fluid connector. Background Art

[0002] It is known from the prior art to integrate data modules and sensors into connectors. Typically, the main function of such connectors is to transmit energy, such as fluid and / or pneumatic energy or signals. In addition, such connectors include sensors for acquiring sensor data related to physical parameters of the connector.

[0003] WO 2017 / 059843 A1 is only an example of data transmission starting from a plug. The publication discloses a device for data transmission starting from a plug connector housing, the device comprising a data module for storing and forwarding data, a plug connector housing having a cable outlet opening and a threaded cable connection device, and an adapter module having at least one cable passage area. Summary of the invention

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a system with at least one connector which provides sensor data in a secure manner.

[0005] This object is solved by the system of claim 1. Therefore, the system comprises

[0006] - at least one connector, in particular an electrical connector and / or a fluid connector, comprising

[0007] at least one sensor configured to measure a physical property of the connector and to provide a sensor signal based on the measured physical property,

[0008] at least one microcontroller configured to receive the sensor signal, pre-process the sensor signal to provide a pre-processed data packet including the sensor signal,

[0009] at least one communication module configured to receive the pre-processed data packets from at least one microcontroller and to provide the pre-processed data packets,

[0010] - a computer network configured to receive the pre-processed data packets from the at least one communication module and to further process the pre-processed data packets to provide processed data packets, and

[0011] - a computer configured to receive the processed data packet and having a processor and a display, wherein the processor is configured to process the processed data packet to obtain information related to the sensor signal, and the display is used to display the information related to the sensor signal.

[0012] The microcontroller is further configured to encrypt the pre-processed data packet such that the pre-processed data packet is encrypted before being transmitted to the computer network.

[0013] Encryption of the pre-processed data packets at the connector level is advantageous because the sensor data in the pre-processed data packets are protected from unauthorized access and use. In addition, the data contained in the pre-processed data packets is encrypted and cannot be manipulated.

[0014] The preprocessed sensor signal is preferably a voltage value obtained from the sensor. The voltage value is related to a physical property. Examples of physical properties are provided below. During further processing of the data packet, the voltage value is then converted into the physical value, which is then displayed. Alternatively, the preprocessed sensor signal can also be converted so that the voltage value is converted into a physical value in the microcontroller.

[0015] The term sensor signal is to be understood to include a single sensor signal or at least one sensor signal.

[0016] The encryption of the data packets is provided at the connector level. This has the advantage that the data is transmitted encrypted from the connector to the computer network. The data packets are thus protected against possible fraudulent modifications and are inaccessible to unauthorized access.

[0017] Preferably, the microcontroller of the connector is connected to the computer network via a data connection. The data connection may be a wireless connection, such as WLAN, Bluetooth, Zigbee or any other wireless protocol, or a wired connection, such as a LAN connection.

[0018] Preferably, the computer network is connected to the computer via a data connection. The data connection may be a wireless connection, such as WLAN, Bluetooth, Zigbee or any other wireless protocol, or a wired connection, such as a LAN connection.

[0019] The computer network is preferably a cloud structure.

[0020] The computer is preferably a personal computer, a laptop, a smart phone or a tablet or any other computer. The computer is configured to display the information via a computer program such as an application, a web-based front end or a website.

[0021] The data displayed can be real-time data and / or historical data. In other embodiments, the measurements are performed regularly at specific time intervals. Then, a pre-processed data packet can be submitted immediately after the measurement, or multiple measurement results can be submitted in one pre-processed data packet.

[0022] Preferably, the connector includes a unique certificate used in the encryption process. Preferably, the encryption is performed using the PGP protocol or a similar protocol. Any other protocol can also be used.

[0023] The sensor, microcontroller and communication module are preferably powered by a power source. The power source can be a battery on the connector or a cable connected to the connector. In other embodiments, energy harvesting can also be used to charge the battery.

[0024] In a first embodiment, the communication module is directly linked to the computer network. Due to the direct connection, data can be transmitted individually and no synchronization is required in terms of transmission rate.

[0025] In a second embodiment, the system comprises a gateway, which is arranged between the communication module and the computer network, wherein the pre-processed data packets are sent from the communication module to the computer network via the gateway. The advantage here is that the connector no longer needs to be connected to the computer network separately, but everything is controlled by the gateway. This greatly simplifies the management of devices in the computer network and also reduces the required bandwidth.

[0026] Preferably, the microcontroller comprises a timing element, which is configured to add a time stamp to the sensor signal, whereby the sensor signal and the time stamp are provided by the pre-processed data packet.

[0027] The timing element is embedded or integrated in the microcontroller. The timing element can also be designated as a clock.

[0028] The advantage of adding a timestamp is that the user can see when the data was acquired. This enables the user to locate a measured condition or specific event to the time when all events occurred when the condition was measured.

[0029] Preferably, the computer network comprises a network processor configured to process the pre-processed data packets and / or a data storage device configured to store the pre-processed data packets.

[0030] The data storage device can be provided as a cache device and / or a buffer and / or a long-term storage device.Preferably, the received pre-processed data packets are stored in encrypted form in said data storage device.

[0031] Preferably, the network processor

[0032] - configured to decrypt the pre-processed data packets in order to store and / or process the decrypted sensor data, and / or

[0033] - the network processor is configured to process the sensor data;

[0034] The network processor is configured to encrypt the decrypted sensor data or the processed sensor data, such that the processed data packets are encrypted before being transmitted from the computer network to the computer.

[0035] Preferably, the computer comprises a data storage device. The processor of the computer is configured to decrypt the processed data packet so as to store and / or process the decrypted sensor data, and / or the processor of the computer is configured to process the sensor data; and / or the processor of the computer is configured to encrypt the decrypted sensor data or the processed sensor data.

[0036] The data storage device can be provided as a cache device and / or a buffer and / or a long-term storage device.

[0037] Preferably, the computer is connected to a further processing unit.

[0038] Preferably, the computer comprises a user interface configured to receive user input.

[0039] Preferably, the at least one sensor and / or microcontroller and / or communication module is arranged on a printed circuit board mounted on the connector.

[0040] Preferably, the connector comprises a connection interface through which the connector can be connected to another connector, the other connector having a connection interface corresponding to the connection interface of the connector.

[0041] Preferably, the connection interface is an electrical connection interface for establishing an electrical connection between the connector and the other connector. Preferably, the connection interface is a fluid connection interface for establishing a fluid connection between the connector and the other connector. The electrical connection interface and the fluid connection interface may also be provided on the same connector and the other connector.

[0042] Preferably, the connection interface is a plug structure and / or a socket structure.

[0043] Preferably, the connector with an electrical connection interface comprises a further electrical connection interface to which at least one cable is connected. Preferably, the connector with a fluid connection interface comprises a further fluid connection interface to which at least one pipe is connected. Preferably, the further connection interface is connected to the connection interface using at least one internal connector element.

[0044] Preferably, the further connector does not include a sensor and a microcontroller. This means that only one connector is equipped with an element for measuring the physical property. In other embodiments, another connector having the same structure as the connector may also be provided. By this embodiment, redundant or additional sensor data may be obtained.

[0045] Preferably, the sensor is selected from the group consisting of:

[0046] a temperature sensor configured to measure ambient temperature as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0047] a temperature sensor configured to measure a specific temperature as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0048] a humidity sensor configured to measure ambient humidity as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0049] an air pressure sensor configured to measure ambient air pressure as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0050] an altitude sensor configured to measure altitude as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0051] a vibration sensor configured to measure vibration as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0052] an optical sensor configured to measure illumination as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0053] a tilt sensor configured to measure tilt as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0054] an acceleration sensor configured to measure acceleration as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0055] a mating cycle sensor configured to measure a number of mating cycles as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0056] A flow sensor is configured to measure volume flow as the physical characteristic.

[0057] The mating cycle sensor is preferably a near field communication sensor or a radio frequency identification device. Using these devices, the connector can also be identified.

[0058] In certain embodiments, some sensors may be provided in a single sensor device. For example, a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor may be integrated in a single sensor device.

[0059] Preferably, the ambient temperature is the ambient temperature in the housing.

[0060] The term “specific temperature” is to be understood as measuring the temperature at a specific location, for example, at a contact element of a connection interface or at a specific location on a housing.

[0061] Preferably, the acceleration sensor measures acceleration along at least one axis, preferably along three axes.

[0062] The above list mentions one sensor per characteristic. However, it is possible to add more than one sensor to measure the same characteristic.

[0063] A method of operating a system according to the above description comprises the following steps:

[0064] - measuring said physical property by means of said at least one sensor and providing a sensor signal based on the measured physical property,

[0065] - sending said sensor signal from said at least one sensor to said at least one microcontroller,

[0066] - receiving said sensor signal by said at least one microcontroller,

[0067] - preprocessing and encrypting the received sensor signal by the at least one microcontroller and providing a preprocessed data packet including the sensor signal,

[0068] - receiving the pre-processed data packet by means of the at least one communication module,

[0069] - sending the pre-processed data packet to the computer network via the at least one communication module,

[0070] - receiving said pre-processed data packet via said computer network,

[0071] - further processing the pre-processed data packet into a processed data packet, and providing the processed data packet,

[0072] - sending said processed data packets to a computer,

[0073] - receiving said processed data packets by said computer, and

[0074] - processing the processed data packets and obtaining information related to the sensor signals;

[0075] - displaying said information related to said sensor signal on a display.

[0076] Preferably, the pre-processed data packet or the processed data packet can be stored in a data memory before and / or during and / or after the step of further processing the pre-processed data packet into a processed data packet and providing the processed data packet.

[0077] Preferably, the method comprises the step of decrypting the pre-processed data packet before the step of further processing the pre-processed data packet into a processed data packet in the computer network. The decryption is preferably performed by the above-mentioned network processor.

[0078] Alternatively, the data processing can be done in another step in the computer network with encrypted data or decrypted data.

[0079] Preferably, the method comprises the steps of encrypting the processed data packets in a computer network and decrypting said processed data packets by a computer.

[0080] Further embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0081] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to illustrate the current preferred embodiments of the present invention, rather than to limit the current preferred embodiments of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings,

[0082] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system according to a first embodiment; and

[0083] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a system according to a second embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Schematic diagrams showing systems according to first and second embodiments of the present invention.

[0085] The system comprises at least one connector 1 , a computer network 4 and a computer 5 .

[0086] At least one connector 1 is preferably a fluid connector and / or an electrical connector. At least one connector 1 includes a connection interface 12, which is configured so that a fluid contact portion and / or an electrical contact portion can be provided together with a corresponding connection interface 14 of another connector 13. The electrical components of the connection interfaces 12, 14 are preferably provided as a plug and socket structure. The fluid components of the connection interfaces 12, 14 are preferably provided as a fluid coupling device. Preferably, at least one connector 1 includes another connection interface 19, and an external connector 20 (such as a cable or a pipe) is electrically or fluidically connected to the other connection interface. In addition, the connector includes at least one internal connector element, which connects the connection interface 12 with another connection interface 19 in the connector 1. The at least one internal connector element is preferably an electrical connector element or a fluid connector element. The at least one internal connector element 21 and the mentioned connection interfaces 12, 19 can be part of a connector module, which can be assembled with a connector frame structure or a connector housing.

[0087] Furthermore, the at least one connector 1 comprises at least one sensor 2 , at least one microcontroller 3 and at least one communication module 15 .

[0088] The at least one sensor 2 is configured to measure a physical property of the connector 1 and provide a sensor signal S based on the measured physical property. Examples of physical properties are described below. The at least one sensor 2 is physically arranged on the connector 1, preferably on a printed circuit board 11 located within the housing of the connector 1. The at least one sensor 2 is arranged based on the physical property to be measured. The sensor signal S is preferably a voltage related to the physical property.

[0089] The at least one microcontroller 3 is configured to receive the sensor signal S, to pre-process the sensor signal, to provide a pre-processed data packet D containing the sensor signal S. Thus, the at least one sensor establishes an electrical signal connection with the microcontroller, and the sensor signal S is transmitted from the at least one sensor 2 to the microcontroller 3 via the connection.

[0090] The at least one microcontroller 3 is further configured to encrypt the pre-processed data packet D so that the pre-processed data packet D is encrypted before being transmitted to the computer network 4 .

[0091] The at least one communication module 15 is configured to receive the pre-processed data packet D from at least one microcontroller and provide the pre-processed data packet D for further use. The communication module 15 can be a wireless communication module and / or a wired communication module. The wireless communication module sends the pre-processed data packet D to the computer network 4 via a wireless connection according to a corresponding protocol such as WLAN, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc. The wired communication module sends the pre-processed data packet D to the computer network 4 having a physical wired connection device via a wired connection.

[0092] Preferably, the at least one microcontroller 3 and the at least one communication module 15 are also arranged on the same printed circuit board 11 as the at least one sensor 2 .

[0093] The computer network 4 is configured to receive the pre-processed data packet D from at least one communication module 15 and further process the pre-processed data packet D to provide a processed data packet D′.

[0094] The computer 5 is configured to receive the processed data packet D' and has a processor 6 and a display 7, wherein the processor 6 is configured to process the processed data packet D' to obtain information I related to the sensor signal S, and the display 7 is used to display the information related to the sensor signal.

[0095] As mentioned above, the pre-processed data packet D is encrypted. Preferably, the pre-processed data packet D is decrypted by the computer network 4 before being further processed to obtain the processed data packet D'. Furthermore, in the computer network 4, the processed data packet D' may be encrypted again before being sent to the computer 5. In this case, the processed data packet D' must be decrypted by the computer 5. Alternatively, the encrypted pre-processed data packet D may also be processed without any prior decryption to obtain the processed data packet D'.

[0096] In accordance with Figure 1 In the first embodiment, the communication module 15 is directly linked to the computer network 4 .

[0097] In accordance with Figure 2 In a second embodiment, the system comprises a gateway 16. The gateway 16 is arranged between the communication module 15 and the computer network 4, and the pre-processed data packet D is sent from the communication module 15 to the computer network 4 via the gateway 16. The gateway 16 comprises a communication module 17 and an optional data processing unit 18. In the present case, one connector 1 is linked to the gateway 16. However, more than one or more connectors can also be connected to the gateway 16.

[0098] In both embodiments, the microcontroller 3 preferably comprises a time element configured to add a time stamp to the sensor signal, whereby the sensor signal and the time stamp are provided by the pre-processed data packet.

[0099] In both embodiments, the computer network 4 comprises a network processor 8, which is configured to process the pre-processed data packet D. Preferably, the network processor 8 is configured to decrypt the pre-processed data packet D, process the pre-processed data packet D into a processed data packet D', and encrypt the processed data packet D' in an optional step.

[0100] Preferably, the computer network further comprises a data storage device 9 configured to store the data packets D. The data storage device 9 can be a buffer or cache device or a long-term storage element.

[0101] Preferably, the computer 5 comprises a data storage device 10 .

[0102] The processor 6 of the computer 5 is configured to decrypt the processed data packet D' in order to store or process the decrypted sensor data. Typically, the processor 6 of the computer 5 is configured to process the sensor data. Furthermore, the processor 6 of the computer 5 is configured to encrypt the decrypted or processed sensor data.

[0103] As mentioned above, several different sensors can be arranged. Preferably, the sensors are selected from the group consisting of:

[0104] a temperature sensor configured to measure ambient temperature as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0105] a temperature sensor configured to measure a specific temperature as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0106] a humidity sensor configured to measure ambient humidity as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0107] an air pressure sensor configured to measure ambient air pressure as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0108] an altitude sensor configured to measure altitude as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0109] a vibration sensor configured to measure vibration as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0110] an optical sensor configured to measure illumination as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0111] a tilt sensor configured to measure tilt as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0112] an acceleration sensor configured to measure acceleration as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0113] a mating cycle sensor configured to measure a number of mating cycles as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0114] A flow sensor is configured to measure volume flow as the physical characteristic.

[0115] A method of operating a system according to the above description comprises the following steps:

[0116] - measuring said physical property by means of said at least one sensor 2 and providing a sensor signal S based on the measured physical property,

[0117] - sending said sensor signal S from said at least one sensor 2 to said at least one microcontroller 3,

[0118] - receiving the sensor signal S by the at least one microcontroller 3,

[0119] - preprocessing and encrypting the received sensor signal S by the at least one microcontroller 3 and providing a preprocessed data packet D including the sensor signal S,

[0120] - receiving, by said at least one communication module 15, said pre-processed data packet D,

[0121] - sending the pre-processed data packet D to the computer network 4 by the at least one communication module 15,

[0122] - receiving the pre-processed data packet D by the computer network 4,

[0123] - further processing the pre-processed data packet D into a processed data packet D', and providing the processed data packet D',

[0124] - sending said processed data packet D' to the computer 5,

[0125] - receiving said processed data packet D' by said computer 5, and

[0126] - processing the processed data packet D' and obtaining information I related to the sensor signal S;

[0127] - Displaying said information I related to said sensor signal S on a display 7.

[0128] Optionally, the method comprises a step of decrypting the pre-processed data packet D before the step of further processing the pre-processed data packet D into a processed data packet D in the computer network 4 .

[0129] Optionally, the method comprises the steps of encrypting the processed data packet D' in the computer network 4 and decrypting the processed data packet D' by a computer.

[0130] Reference numerals list

[0131] 1 Connector

[0132] 2 Sensors

[0133] 3. Microcontroller

[0134] 4Computer Network

[0135] 5. Computer

[0136] 6 processors

[0137] 7 Display

[0138] 8 Network Processor

[0139] 9Data Storage Devices

[0140] 10Data Storage Devices

[0141] 11. Printed Circuit Board

[0142] 12Connection interface

[0143] 13 Another connector

[0144] 14Connection interface

[0145] 15 Communication module

[0146] 16Gateway

[0147] 17 Communication module

[0148] 18 Data Processing Unit

[0149] 19 Another connection interface

[0150] 20 Cables / Pipes

[0151] 21 Internal connection elements

[0152] D Preprocessed data packets

[0153] D'Processed data packet

[0154] I Information

[0155] S sensor signal.

Claims

1. A system comprising - at least one connector (1), in particular an electrical connector and / or a fluid connector, said at least one connector (1) comprising at least one sensor (2) configured to measure a physical property of the connector (1) and to provide a sensor signal (S) based on the measured physical property, at least one microcontroller (3) configured to receive the sensor signal (S), pre-process the sensor signal to provide a pre-processed data packet (D) comprising the sensor signal (S), at least one communication module (15) configured to receive the pre-processed data packet (D) from the at least one microcontroller and to provide the pre-processed data packet (D), - a computer network (4) configured to receive the pre-processed data packet (D) from the at least one communication module (15) and to further process the pre-processed data packet (D) to provide a processed data packet (D'), and - a computer (5) configured to receive the processed data packet (D') and having a processor (6) and a display (7), wherein the processor (6) is configured to process the processed data packet (D') to obtain information (I) related to the sensor signal (S), and the display (7) is used to display the information related to the sensor signal, in, The microcontroller (3) is further configured to encrypt the pre-processed data packet (D), so that the pre-processed data packet (D) is encrypted before being transmitted to the computer network (4).

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The communication module (15) is directly linked to the computer network (4); or, the system comprises a gateway (16) arranged between the communication module (15) and the computer network (4), wherein the pre-processed data packet (D) is sent from the communication module (15) to the computer network (4) via the gateway (16).

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The microcontroller (3) comprises a time element, which is configured to add a time stamp to the sensor signal, whereby the sensor signal and the time stamp are provided by the pre-processed data packet.

4. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The computer network (4) comprises a network processor (8) configured to process the pre-processed data packet (D) and / or a data storage device (9) configured to store the data packet (D).

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that The network processor (8) is configured to decrypt the pre-processed data packet (D) in order to store and / or process the decrypted sensor data, and / or in that the network processor (8) is configured to process the sensor data; And / or in that the network processor (8) is configured to encrypt the decrypted sensor data or the processed sensor data, so that the processed data packet (D') is encrypted before being transmitted from the computer network (4) to the computer (5), and / or in that the received pre-processed data packet (D) is stored in encrypted form in the data storage device.

6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The computer (5) comprises an optical data storage device (10), wherein the processor (6) of the computer (5) is configured to decrypt the processed data packet (D') in order to store and / or process the decrypted sensor data, and / or in that the processor (6) of the computer (5) is configured to process the sensor data; and / or in that the processor (6) of the computer (5) is configured to encrypt the decrypted or processed sensor data.

7. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The computer (5) is connected to another processing unit, and / or the computer (5) comprises a user interface configured to receive user input.

8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one sensor (2) and / or the microcontroller (3) and / or the communication module (15) are arranged on a printed circuit board (11) mounted on the connector (1).

9. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The connector (1) comprises a connection interface (12), the connector (1) can be connected to another connector (13) via the connection interface, and the other connector (13) has a connection interface (14) corresponding to the connection interface (12) of the connector (1).

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The connector (1) comprises a further connection interface (19) to which an external connector (20) is connected, wherein the further connection interface (19) is connected to the connection interface (12) by means of at least one internal connector element (21).

11. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The sensor is selected from the group consisting of: a temperature sensor configured to measure ambient temperature as said physical characteristic; and / or a temperature sensor configured to measure a specific temperature as said physical characteristic; and / or a humidity sensor configured to measure ambient humidity as said physical characteristic; and / or an air pressure sensor configured to measure ambient air pressure as said physical characteristic; and / or an altitude sensor configured to measure altitude as said physical characteristic; and / or a vibration sensor configured to measure vibration as said physical characteristic; and / or an optical sensor configured to measure illumination as said physical characteristic; and / or a tilt sensor configured to measure tilt as said physical characteristic; and / or an acceleration sensor configured to measure acceleration as said physical characteristic; and / or a mating cycle sensor configured to measure a number of mating cycles as said physical characteristic; and / or A flow sensor is configured to measure volume flow as the physical characteristic.

12. A method of operating a system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises the following steps: - measuring the physical property by means of the at least one sensor (2) and providing a sensor signal (S) based on the measured physical property, - sending the sensor signal (S) from the at least one sensor (2) to the at least one microcontroller (3), - receiving said sensor signal (S) by said at least one microcontroller (3), - preprocessing and encrypting the received sensor signal (S) by means of the at least one microcontroller (3) and providing a preprocessed data packet (D) comprising the sensor signal (S), - receiving the pre-processed data packet (D) by means of the at least one communication module (15), - sending the pre-processed data packet (D) to the computer network (4) via the at least one communication module (15), - receiving said pre-processed data packet (D) via said computer network (4), - further processing the pre-processed data packet (D) into a processed data packet (D'), and providing the processed data packet (D'), - sending said processed data packet (D') to said computer (5), - receiving said processed data packet (D') by said computer (5), and - processing said processed data packet (D') and obtaining information (I) related to said sensor signal (S); - displaying said information (I) related to said sensor signal (S) on said display (7).

13. The method according to claim 12, comprising a step of decrypting the pre-processed data packet (D) before the step of further processing the pre-processed data packet (D) into a processed data packet (D) in the computer network (4).

14. The method according to claim 13, comprising the step of encrypting the processed data packets (D') in the computer network (4) and decrypting the processed data packets (D') by the computer.

15. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by the computer network or the computer, cause the computer network or the computer to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

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