IoT terminal device passive maintenance device and method

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of power Internet of Things (IoT) technology, and in particular to a passive maintenance device and method for IoT terminal equipment. The device includes: a passive NFC tag for storing configuration information of the terminal; a handheld writing device for writing configuration information to the passive NFC tag via electromagnetic coupling; an IoT terminal, which internally includes an NFC communication module and a main control chip; the NFC communication module, which, after the IoT terminal is powered on, reads the configuration information from a nearby passive NFC tag via electromagnetic coupling; and the main control chip, which is connected to both the NFC communication module and the storage unit, and is configured to compare the read configuration information with locally stored information, update the locally stored information when there is a discrepancy, and report the updated information to a host computer system after networking.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of power Internet of Things (IoT) technology, and in particular to a passive maintenance device and method for IoT terminal equipment, which is especially suitable for on-site installation, commissioning and maintenance of terminal equipment in power distribution systems. Background Technology

[0002] In practical applications of power and distribution systems, the on-site environment is complex, and installation and commissioning require significant human resources. During actual installation and commissioning, equipment information, location information, and equipment transformation ratios need to be entered after the terminal is powered on and operational. However, during on-site commissioning, the terminal is powered on and connected to the network relatively late, resulting in a long commissioning time.

[0003] The following are some common methods for installation and debugging: using a host computer system to edit and send terminal information to the terminal; using a wireless module to write device information through a handheld terminal after the terminal is powered on.

[0004] However, in traditional debugging and verification processes, regardless of whether the information entry method is wired or wireless, the terminal power supply and network connection must be debugged before information entry and uploading can be performed. Because this requires series debugging, the installation and debugging time cannot be guaranteed, resulting in a long cycle.

[0005] Prior art document CN2014966U discloses an NFC tag node capable of remotely updating content, comprising a remote control system, a wireless module, an NFC tag read / write module, an NFC tag, and a power module. While this technical solution enables remote updates of NFC tag content, its core relies on the power module to supply power to the wireless and read / write modules, making it an active node system. This means that the solution cannot operate independently in extreme field environments where there is no external power supply or the device is not powered on. Furthermore, the system structure is complex and costly, making it unsuitable for scenarios requiring only one-time or offline configuration information writing. In addition, this prior art document does not cover the complete closed-loop process of the terminal device automatically reading tag information for self-configuration and synchronization with the host computer after power-on.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a passive maintenance device and method for IoT terminal equipment that can perform on-site information entry when the terminal is not powered on or connected to the network, enabling parallel installation and debugging, and greatly reducing installation and debugging time. Summary of the Invention

[0007] On one hand, the present invention provides a passive maintenance device for IoT terminal equipment, characterized in that it includes a passive NFC tag and an IoT terminal; the passive NFC tag is used to store the configuration information of the terminal; the IoT terminal includes an NFC communication module and a main control chip; The NFC communication module is configured to read configuration information from the nearby passive NFC tag via electromagnetic coupling after the IoT terminal is powered on. The main control chip is connected to the NFC communication module and is configured to compare the read configuration information with the local storage information, update the local storage information when they are inconsistent, and report the updated information to the host computer system after connecting to the network.

[0008] Preferably, it also includes a handheld writing device for writing the configuration information to the passive NFC tag via electromagnetic coupling; The passive NFC tag is a standard passive electronic tag, and its working power comes entirely from the radio frequency magnetic field generated by the handheld writing device or the NFC communication module.

[0009] Preferably, the configuration information includes at least location information, ratio information, and terminal file information.

[0010] Preferably, the main control chip is further configured with a data verification module, which is used to perform digital signature verification on the read configuration information and only perform the update operation when the verification is successful.

[0011] On the other hand, the present invention provides a passive maintenance method for IoT terminal devices, applied to the aforementioned passive maintenance device for IoT terminal devices, characterized by comprising the following steps: Step 1: Place the passive NFC tag within the sensing range of the NFC communication module of the IoT terminal; Step 2: Power on the IoT terminal and read the configuration information from the passive NFC tag via the NFC communication module; Step 3: Compare the read configuration information with the IoT terminal's local storage information; if the comparison result is inconsistent, update the local storage information using the read configuration information.

[0012] Preferably, step 1 is preceded by a writing step: using a handheld writing device to write configuration information into a passive NFC tag.

[0013] Preferably, the method further includes a communication step: establishing a communication connection between the IoT terminal and the host computer system, and uploading the updated information.

[0014] Preferably, a parameter update log is generated while updating the local storage information.

[0015] Preferably, the uploaded updated information specifically includes the parameter update log.

[0016] Preferably, the method further includes an exception handling step: if the read fails, the read is retried at a preset time interval; if the number of consecutive retries exceeds a threshold, a read failure alarm is generated and the alarm is uploaded.

[0017] Preferably, the configuration information is encrypted and signed before being written, and the comparison step further includes a step of decrypting and verifying the read information.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are: Leveraging the passive and long-term storage characteristics of passive NFC tags, information can be written to the tag in advance even when the IoT terminal is not powered on. All power is provided by the antenna coupling of the handheld device and the terminal's NFC module, eliminating the need for an external power source and achieving true offline, passive debugging.

[0019] This solution overcomes the bottleneck of traditional serial debugging methods that require "powering on and connecting to the network first, then entering information." On-site personnel can write tag information while installing the terminal, and the terminal automatically completes the configuration after powering on, significantly shortening the installation and debugging cycle.

[0020] The automatic comparison and update mechanism of the terminal ensures the consistency between the on-site physical information and the system archives; and it automatically reports after being connected to the network, forming a complete operation and maintenance closed loop, which facilitates subsequent management and traceability.

[0021] Compared to the complex active nodes of existing technologies that include wireless modules and independent power supplies, this solution utilizes only standard passive NFC tags and the terminal's built-in NFC module, greatly reducing hardware costs and system complexity. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of the passive maintenance device for IoT terminal equipment provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the passive maintenance method for IoT terminal devices provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0025] A passive maintenance device for IoT terminal equipment includes a passive NFC tag and an IoT terminal; the passive NFC tag is used to store the configuration information of the terminal; the IoT terminal includes an NFC communication module and a main control chip; The NFC communication module reads the configuration information from a nearby passive NFC tag via electromagnetic coupling after the IoT terminal is powered on. The main control chip communicates with the NFC communication module, compares the read configuration information with the local storage information, updates the local storage information when there is a discrepancy, and reports the updated information to the host computer system after connecting to the network.

[0026] It also includes a handheld writing device for writing configuration information to passive NFC tags via electromagnetic coupling; Passive NFC tags are standard passive electronic tags, whose operating power comes entirely from the radio frequency magnetic field generated by the handheld writing device or NFC communication module. Configuration information includes at least location information, transformation ratio information, and terminal profile information.

[0027] The main control chip is also equipped with a data verification module, which is used to digitally verify the read configuration information and only perform the update operation when the verification is successful.

[0028] A passive maintenance method for IoT terminal devices, applied to a passive maintenance device for IoT terminal devices, includes the following steps: Step 1: Place the passive NFC tag within the sensing range of the NFC communication module of the IoT terminal; Step 2: Power on the IoT terminal and read the configuration information from the passive NFC tag via the NFC communication module; Step 3: Compare the read configuration information with the IoT terminal's local storage information; if the comparison result is inconsistent, update the local storage information using the read configuration information.

[0029] Preferably, step 1 includes a writing step: using a handheld writing device to write configuration information into a passive NFC tag.

[0030] Step 3 is followed by a communication step: establishing a communication connection between the IoT terminal and the host computer system, and uploading the updated information.

[0031] While updating local storage information, a parameter update log is generated. The uploaded updated information specifically includes the parameter update log.

[0032] It also includes exception handling steps: if the read fails, the read will be retried at a preset time interval; if the number of consecutive retries exceeds the threshold, a read failure alarm will be generated and an alarm will be uploaded.

[0033] The configuration information is encrypted and signed before being written, and the comparison step also includes the steps of decrypting and verifying the signature of the read information. Example 1

[0034] A passive maintenance device for IoT terminal equipment includes a passive NFC tag and an IoT terminal; the passive NFC tag is used to store the configuration information of the terminal; the IoT terminal includes an NFC communication module and a main control chip; The NFC communication module is configured to read configuration information from a nearby passive NFC tag via electromagnetic coupling after the IoT terminal is powered on. The main control chip communicates with the NFC communication module and is configured to compare the read configuration information with the local storage information, update the local storage information when there is a discrepancy, and report the updated information to the host computer system after connecting to the network. Example 2

[0035] A passive maintenance device for IoT terminal equipment includes a passive NFC tag and an IoT terminal; the passive NFC tag is used to store the configuration information of the terminal; the IoT terminal includes an NFC communication module and a main control chip; The NFC communication module is configured to read configuration information from a nearby passive NFC tag via electromagnetic coupling after the IoT terminal is powered on. The main control chip communicates with the NFC communication module and is configured to compare the read configuration information with the local storage information, update the local storage information when there is a discrepancy, and report the updated information to the host computer system after connecting to the network.

[0036] It also includes a handheld writing device for writing configuration information to passive NFC tags via electromagnetic coupling; the passive NFC tag is a standard passive electronic tag whose operating power comes entirely from the radio frequency magnetic field generated by the handheld writing device or NFC communication module. The configuration information includes at least location information, transformation ratio information, and terminal profile information.

[0037] The host computer system manages the IoT terminal files and stores the location information and transformation ratio information of the IoT terminals. Example 3

[0038] In addition to the technical solutions of Embodiment 1 or 2, the following technical features are also included: The IoT terminal includes a power supply module, which is connected to the NFC communication module and the main control chip, and provides stable power to the NFC communication module and the main control chip. Example 4

[0039] In addition to the technical solutions of embodiments 1, 2, and 3, the following technical features are also included: The main control chip is also equipped with a data verification module, which is used to digitally verify the read configuration information and only perform the update operation when the verification is successful. Example 5

[0040] A passive maintenance device for IoT terminal equipment includes a passive NFC tag, a handheld writing device, and an IoT terminal.

[0041] Passive NFC tags use passive electronic tags compliant with the ISO / IEC 14443 standard. They contain no internal battery and obtain power by receiving radio frequency signals. Passive NFC tags can be designed to be tamper-proof, such as using fragile paper or anti-counterfeiting seals; unauthorized removal will destroy the tag, ensuring the physical security of the configuration information.

[0042] Passive NFC tags store specific data blocks used to save terminal configuration information, including but not limited to: location information, such as latitude and longitude coordinates, installation tower number, etc.; transformation ratio information, such as current transformer ratio, voltage transformer ratio, etc.; terminal profile, such as device ID, model, firmware version requirements, etc.

[0043] The handheld writing device can be an NFC-enabled smartphone, a dedicated PDA, or a portable reader / writer. It integrates an NFC controller and antenna, and runs a dedicated configuration app. Maintenance personnel use this device on-site to write configuration data from the work order system to passive NFC tags. During the writing process, the handheld writing device's antenna generates an alternating magnetic field, providing an induced current to the passive NFC tag to activate it and complete the data writing process.

[0044] The IoT terminal refers to the intelligent IoT terminal (such as...) in the power IoT, which internally includes: NFC communication module: This module integrates NFC reader functionality and connects to the main control chip's communication interface (such as UART, I2C, or SPI). It has a built-in antenna deployed in a specific area of ​​the terminal's casing (such as near the nameplate) to allow external tags to approach.

[0045] Main control chip: The core processor of the terminal, responsible for running the embedded operating system and business logic.

[0046] Communication unit: such as 4G / 5G, HPLC or LoRa module, used to communicate with remote host computer system.

[0047] It may also include a storage unit: used to store the terminal's factory default information and operating parameters. Example 6

[0048] A passive maintenance method for IoT terminal devices, applied to a passive maintenance device for IoT terminal devices, includes the following steps: Step 101: Place the passive NFC tag within the sensing range of the NFC communication module of the IoT terminal; Step 102: Power on the IoT terminal and read the configuration information from the passive NFC tag via the NFC communication module; Step 103: Compare the read configuration information with the IoT terminal's local storage information; if the comparison result is inconsistent, update the local storage information using the read configuration information. Example 7

[0049] A passive maintenance method for IoT terminal devices, applied to a passive maintenance device for IoT terminal devices, includes the following steps: Step 201: Use a handheld writing device to write the configuration information into the passive NFC tag; Step 202: Place the passive NFC tag within the sensing range of the NFC communication module of the IoT terminal; Step 203: Power on the IoT terminal and read the configuration information from the passive NFC tag via the NFC communication module; Step 204: Compare the read configuration information with the local storage information of the IoT terminal; if the comparison result is inconsistent, update the local storage information using the read configuration information. Example 8

[0050] A passive maintenance method for IoT terminal devices, applied to a passive maintenance device for IoT terminal devices, includes the following steps: Step 301: Use a handheld writing device to write the configuration information into the passive NFC tag; Step 302: Place the passive NFC tag within the sensing range of the NFC communication module of the IoT terminal; Step 303: Power on the IoT terminal and read the configuration information from the passive NFC tag via the NFC communication module; Step 304: Compare the read configuration information with the IoT terminal's local storage information; if the comparison result is inconsistent, update the local storage information using the read configuration information. Step 305: Establish a communication connection between the IoT terminal and the host computer system, and upload the updated information. Example 9

[0051] A passive maintenance method for IoT terminal devices, applied to a passive maintenance device for IoT terminal devices, includes the following steps: Step 401: Use a handheld writing device to write the configuration information into the passive NFC tag; Step 402: Place the passive NFC tag within the sensing range of the NFC communication module of the IoT terminal; Step 403: Power on the IoT terminal and read the configuration information in the passive NFC tag through the NFC communication module; it also includes an exception handling step: if the reading fails, retry reading at a preset time interval; if the number of consecutive retries exceeds the threshold, generate a reading failure alarm and attempt to upload the alarm. Step 404: Compare the read configuration information with the IoT terminal's local storage information; if the comparison result is inconsistent, update the local storage information using the read configuration information; while updating the local storage information, generate a parameter update log; Step 405: Establish a communication connection between the IoT terminal and the host computer system, and upload the updated information; the uploaded updated information specifically includes parameter update logs. Example 10

[0052] A passive maintenance method for IoT terminal devices, applied to a passive maintenance device for IoT terminal devices, includes the following steps: Step 501: Use a handheld writing device to write the configuration information into the passive NFC tag.

[0053] Step 502: Place the passive NFC tag within the sensing range of the NFC communication module of the IoT terminal; Step 503: Power on the IoT terminal and read the configuration information from the passive NFC tag via the NFC communication module; Step 504: Compare the read configuration information with the IoT terminal's local storage information; if the comparison result is inconsistent, update the local storage information using the read configuration information; while updating the local storage information, generate a parameter update log.

[0054] Step 505: Establish a communication connection between the IoT terminal and the host computer system, and upload the updated information. The uploaded updated information specifically includes parameter update logs. Example 11

[0055] A passive maintenance method for IoT terminal devices, applied to a passive maintenance device for IoT terminal devices, includes the following steps: Step 601: Offline Information Pre-setting. At the installation site, maintenance personnel use a handheld writing device to download or manually input the configuration information of the terminal to be installed from the backend. The passive NFC tag is placed close to the sensing area of ​​the handheld writing device, which powers the tag via electromagnetic coupling and writes the information into the tag's memory. At this time, the IoT terminal is not yet installed or powered on. Step 602: Tag Deployment. Maintenance personnel affix or place the pre-written passive NFC tags onto the pre-defined NFC sensing area on the IoT terminal's casing. This process requires no power connection. Step 603: Automatic power-on reading. After the IoT terminal completes physical installation and is powered on, the system starts initialization. The main control chip controls the NFC communication module to transmit a radio frequency field. Since the passive NFC tag is within the sensing range, the tag is activated and modulates the stored configuration information back to the NFC communication module; Step 604: Intelligent Comparison and Update. After receiving the configuration information, the main control chip parses the data packet and extracts the location, transformation ratio, and file information. Subsequently, the chip reads the corresponding parameters in the storage unit and compares them one by one. If the information matches, the update is skipped, and the status quo is maintained. If the information does not match (e.g., for the first power-on installation of a new IoT terminal, or changes in on-site parameters), the main control chip determines that an update is needed, writes the new configuration information to the storage unit, overwrites the old data, and generates a "parameter update log". Step 605: Network Synchronization and Reporting. The IoT terminal continues the network registration process and establishes a connection with the remote host computer system through the communication unit. After successful connection, the IoT terminal actively sends updated information and a "parameter update log," reporting the latest on-site configuration information to the host computer. Upon receiving the information, the host computer updates its database, completing the entire operation and maintenance loop. Example 12

[0056] In addition to the technical solutions of embodiments 6-11, the following technical features are also included: To prevent malicious tampering or accidental operation, this solution may also include the following technical features: Data encryption steps: Before writing to the passive NFC tag, the handheld writing device signs the configuration information using an algorithm (such as an asymmetric encryption algorithm); after the IoT terminal reads the information, it verifies the validity of the signature using a preset public key. Only if the verification is successful will the update be performed; otherwise, an alarm will be triggered and the information will be ignored.

[0057] Retry mechanism steps: If reading the NFC tag fails after power-on (e.g., the tag is damaged or its position is misaligned), the main control chip controls the NFC module to retry reading after a set interval (e.g., 5 minutes). After 3 consecutive failures, the communication unit sends a "tag reading failed" alarm to the host computer, prompting manual intervention.

[0058] Compared to existing technologies, which rely on a separate power module to power the reader and wireless module (making them active systems), this invention utilizes electromagnetic coupling for power generation. The tags are passive, and the terminal uses its own power supply, eliminating the need for an additional power module and achieving true low power consumption and maintenance-free operation. This application features "remote dynamic updates," applicable to scenarios where configuration information changes. The invention employs on-site offline pre-configuration and automatic configuration upon power-on of the IoT terminal, solving the problem of "wiring first, then debugging" in power field settings and enabling parallel installation and debugging. The passive maintenance device architecture of this application is extremely simple, consisting only of a passive tag, a handheld writing device, and an IoT terminal, eliminating the intermediate wireless transmission link and reducing failure rate and cost. This application effectively solves the technical challenges of low on-site debugging efficiency and reliance on power-on network connectivity for power IoT terminals through its passive maintenance mechanism.

[0059] It should be noted that any of the above embodiments are illustrative of the invention and not limiting of it, and that those skilled in the art can devise alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses should not be construed as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps not listed in the claims. These words can be interpreted as names.

[0060] The above embodiments are only suitable for illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent technical solutions also fall within the scope of the present invention, and the patent protection scope of the present invention should be defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A passive maintenance device for IoT terminal equipment, characterized in that, It includes a passive NFC tag and an IoT terminal; the passive NFC tag is used to store the terminal's configuration information; the IoT terminal includes an NFC communication module and a main control chip; The NFC communication module reads the configuration information from the nearby passive NFC tag via electromagnetic coupling after the IoT terminal is powered on. The main control chip is connected to the NFC communication module, compares the read configuration information with the local storage information, updates the local storage information when there is a discrepancy, and reports the updated information to the host computer system after connecting to the network.

2. The passive maintenance device for IoT terminal equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a handheld writing device for writing the configuration information to the passive NFC tag via electromagnetic coupling; the passive NFC tag is a standard passive electronic tag whose working power comes entirely from the radio frequency magnetic field generated by the handheld writing device or the NFC communication module.

3. The passive maintenance device for IoT terminal equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The configuration information includes at least location information, transformer ratio information, and terminal file information.

4. The passive maintenance device for IoT terminal equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main control chip is also equipped with a data verification module, which is used to perform digital signature verification on the read configuration information and only perform the update operation when the verification is successful.

5. A passive maintenance method for IoT terminal devices, applied to the passive maintenance device for IoT terminal devices as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Place the passive NFC tag within the sensing range of the NFC communication module of the IoT terminal; Step 2: Power on the IoT terminal and read the configuration information from the passive NFC tag via the NFC communication module; Step 3: Compare the read configuration information with the IoT terminal's local storage information; if the comparison result is inconsistent, update the local storage information using the read configuration information.

6. The passive maintenance method for IoT terminal devices according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before step 1, there is also a writing step: using a handheld writing device to write configuration information into a passive NFC tag.

7. The passive maintenance method for IoT terminal devices according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, It also includes communication steps: establishing a communication connection between the IoT terminal and the host computer system, and uploading the updated information.

8. The passive maintenance method for IoT terminal devices according to claim 7, characterized in that, While updating local storage information, a parameter update log is generated; The uploaded and updated information specifically includes the parameter update log.

9. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes an exception handling step: if the read fails, the read is retried at a preset time interval; if the number of consecutive retries exceeds the threshold, a read failure alarm is generated and the alarm is uploaded.

10. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The configuration information is encrypted and signed before being written, and the comparison step also includes a step of decrypting and verifying the read information.

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