SENSOR DEVICE FOR TRANSMITTING SENSOR PARAMETERS

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a sensor device for transmitting a sensor parameterization between sensors, a sensor for a sensor device, the use of a sensor, a method for transmitting a sensor parameterization between sensors, a program element and a computer-readable medium. Background of the invention

[0002] If a battery-powered sensor is replaced with a new sensor, e.g. after the battery has run down, the new sensor must be set up and configured in the same way as the previous sensor. The parameter data of the previous sensor can, for example, be saved in one or more files on a computer and the new sensor can be connected to the computer and configured before delivery or installation. To do this, the new sensor must be connected, the corresponding parameter data must be compiled, e.g. from one or more databases and files, and the transfer process must be started. After a quality assurance check, which in particular ensures that the correct data has been transferred, the sensor can be disconnected from the computer and installed at the installation site.

[0003] US7610354 B2 discloses a system in which an IFD (Intelligent Field Device), which may also contain sensors, can store a backup of its device configuration on another IFD. If the first IFD loses its configuration, for example, due to a power failure, it can request it from the second IFD. Summary of the invention

[0004] Embodiments of the invention can advantageously provide an improved sensor device. For example, the sensor device can automatically adopt the parameterization of a previous sensor from the new sensor, reducing or eliminating the aforementioned steps.

[0005] This is made possible by the subject matter of the independent patent claims.

[0006] Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims, the following description and the figures.

[0007] A sensor device is provided for transmitting sensor parameterization, parameterization, and / or parameterization between sensors. The sensor device has a first sensor with sensor parameterization, and a second sensor. The first sensor and the second sensor are configured to communicate with each other via a communication connection. The first sensor is configured to send the sensor parameterization to the second sensor via the communication connection. The second sensor is configured to receive and accept the sensor parameterization. The second sensor is further configured to provide the first sensor with the energy required to transmit the sensor parameterization via the communication connection.

[0008] A sensor is understood here to be an arrangement or device with a unit for physically detecting the process variable, e.g., a physical sensor or a generator-receiver arrangement for ultrasonic waves or radar, as well as an electronic unit that at least provides the electrical power supply and, depending on the application, electronically processes the detected process variable and makes it available as digital data. The electronic elements that can be used for this purpose, such as voltage regulators, voltage converters, protective circuits, analog-to-digital converters, filters, amplifiers, microprocessors, memory modules, signal generators, vibration generators, radiators, piezoelectric transducers, etc., are known to those skilled in the art. The term "device" is used synonymously with "sensor" in this disclosure when the context clearly indicates that it is a sensor.

[0009] For example, the two sensors are battery-powered and of the same or a similar type. The existing sensor, i.e., the first sensor, is dead and needs to be replaced or exchanged with a new one, i.e., the second sensor of the same or similar design. The sensor setup now enables easy commissioning of the new sensor by transferring the device settings of the previous sensor with a dead battery to the new sensor with a full battery. The new sensor with a full battery powers the communication module of the previous sensor and receives the parameterization or parameterization data via the communication connection.

[0010] The term "communications connection" in this disclosure should therefore be understood to mean not only data but also the energy required for this transmission. Consequently, this also includes a connection in which data transmission occurs according to, for example, a communications standard, and an energy transfer for the data transmission that is not part of the communications standard.

[0011] According to one embodiment, a suitable communication connection is a near field communication (NFC) connection, in which the energy of the new sensor is transferred inductively and thus wirelessly to the old sensor.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the communication connection is wired. For example, the communication connection is a USB connection, which can provide both power and data transmission. For this purpose, the sensors have appropriate hardware and software, as well as, for example, a plug connection on the housing that is resistant to the environmental or ambient conditions, so that the connection is reliable and the sensor is not damaged by, for example, penetrating moisture or liquid.

[0013] According to the above definition of the term "communication connection," there can also be a hybrid of wireless and wired power and data transmission. For example, power transmission occurs wirelessly via an induction technology and data transmission via a wired communication standard, or vice versa. Power transmission does not necessarily have to be related to a data transmission standard.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the communication connection can be a master-slave connection. The sensors are configured to operate as both master and slave. This ensures that a sensor with a full battery, for example, can read data via NFC from sensors with a depleted battery as the master, but is suitable for subsequent generation changes as a slave.

[0015] In order to avoid unnecessary strain on the battery of the new sensor, the query of the NFC interface on the new sensor can be triggered via an external source. Therefore, in some embodiments, the second sensor is configured to receive a signal to start the transmission. A signal can be understood here, for example, as an electronic signal, such as an "enable" signal from a digital circuit, a power supply that is switched on for a circuit, or a message or command that is processed by a logic circuit, e.g., a processor. According to one embodiment, the signal can be generated, for example, by a button on the sensor, a reed contact, or a Hall sensor, and can be triggered by a user on the sensor. If the sensor has a Bluetooth module or a cellular module, the signal can be received via the corresponding interface.This allows a user to initiate the transfer via a Bluetooth connection with a smartphone or tablet without requiring authentication or, for example, by externally activating a magnetic switch. The data from the old device is then transferred in full to the new sensor via NFC. The new device then behaves exactly like the previous device and is instantly ready for use. No further intervention by the operator and / or user is necessary. A wired or other wireless connection can also be used instead of a Bluetooth connection.

[0016] In parallel, according to one embodiment, the parameterization information of the previous sensor can also be taken from a backup once the sensors have established the connection. By establishing the connection, for example, the authorization for data transmission can be ensured and access to the backup can then be granted. The backup can be stored in the first sensor and / or via a direct data connection and / or using appropriate parameterization tools on a server and / or in a database in the cloud. The sensor can create its parameterization information as backup copies, for example at regular intervals or when changes are made to the device settings. These backups are stored, for example, in an EEPROM or other non-volatile memory, so that the information is retained even when the battery is empty.The communication processor for the connection or other logic circuit can access the memory while the second sensor is supplying power and transfer the data over the existing communication connection. If the backup is stored in the cloud through a direct data connection and / or through a parameterization tool, the second sensor can access it via another communication interface, for example, after verifying authorization. This can be done through a direct data connection, such as a cellular communication module in the sensor, and / or via a cloud-connected communication device to which the sensor is connected, for example, via NFC, Bluetooth, or cable.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the sensor parameterization includes information on the measurement physics, cloud access data, data for assigning the first sensor to a measuring point, and / or coupling information for operating devices such as Bluetooth devices, smartphones, or tablets. This allows the user to very easily commission the new sensor. The cloud system does not need to be re-parameterized. The new device replaces the previous one and is assigned to all measuring points of the previous device.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the first sensor has a first serial number and the second sensor has a second serial number. The first sensor is configured to only send the data via the communication connection if the first serial number and the second serial number are related to one another. To ensure security when copying the data, the serial number of the first sensor is first read by the second sensor, for example, which then sends the two numbers to a server that accesses the customer database for verification, for example via a mobile radio interface. Only if both serial numbers are assigned to the same customer is the transmission of the data permitted, and the second sensor causes the first sensor to transmit the parameterization data. Alternatively, it can also be specified that the serial numbers match in part or match according to a specific pattern.For example, a customer is assigned a certain number of serial numbers. The serial number can be stored in a ROM, such as an EEPROM.

[0019] During the serial number verification process, using a mobile phone connection, for example, it is also possible to check whether the second sensor is authorized to query data from the first sensor. Furthermore, parameter data can be added or updated if necessary.

[0020] In general, it should be noted that both sensors should preferably be identical or similar, so that the second, i.e., new sensor described here, can take over the role of the first, i.e., previous sensor as soon as its battery is empty and transfer its device settings to another, new sensor. This allows the switch to take place across multiple generations.

[0021] For example, the transmission of the device setting(s) and / or the sensor parameterization can be carried out when a power supply threshold is reached, such as the remaining battery power of the first sensor. In this case, the first sensor can be deactivated by the new (second) sensor after the transmission is complete, so that it no longer transmits any further measured values ​​after the transmission. This can be particularly advantageous with regard to uninterrupted operation of the measuring point and / or enable uninterrupted operation.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the first sensor and the second sensor are level sensors for measuring a level of a liquid, a bulk material or other material, for example with radar or ultrasound.

[0023] According to one aspect, the sensor(s) are used alternatively or in addition to level measurement for flow measurement, point level measurement, pressure measurement, density measurement, or object detection. However, the possible uses are not limited to those mentioned. For example, the sensors can also be gas sensors or smoke detectors. A particularly advantageous use of the sensor device arises in mobile applications or variable environments where, for example, the installation location, customer data, data of the medium to be measured, etc., change.

[0024] Object detection can, for example, involve monitoring a hazardous area of ​​a machine using an infrared or radar sensor, which could, for example, shut down the machine if a person approaches the machine too closely. In assembly line applications, the sensor detects objects on the conveyor belt, for example, for inspection, counting, or sorting.

[0025] According to a further aspect, a method for transmitting a sensor parameterization between sensors via a communication connection is provided, comprising the steps of: providing energy necessary for the communication connection via the communication connection by the second sensor to a first sensor, sending the sensor parameterization by the first sensor to the second sensor, receiving and adopting the sensor parameterization by the second sensor.

[0026] The sensor parameterization includes information on the measurement physics, cloud access data, data for assigning the first sensor to a measuring point and / or coupling information for operating devices.

[0027] The communication connection can be, in particular, a wireless connection, e.g., an NFC connection, or a wired connection. The step of sending the sensor parameterization can be preceded by an external triggering of the transmission, e.g., by receiving an external signal generated by a switch, a button, a reed contact, a Hall sensor on the sensor, or by a Bluetooth device or a mobile device.

[0028] Furthermore, the step of sending the sensor parameterization can be preceded by a check of the serial number, so that the transmission is only started if the serial number fulfills a condition, such as belonging to the same customer.

[0029] Furthermore, the sending step may be preceded by a verification of authorization, i.e. authorization and / or authentication.

[0030] According to one embodiment, after the sensor parameterization has been adopted, a measured value transmission in the first sensor can be deactivated.

[0031] Further options and process steps correspond to and result from the embodiments described above.

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

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

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

[0035] According to a further aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided on which a program element as described above is stored. The computer-readable medium can be considered a storage medium, such as a USB stick, a CD, a DVD, a data storage device, a hard disk, or any other medium on which a program element as described above can be stored.

[0036] Other variations of the disclosed embodiments may be understood and practiced by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention by studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may perform the functions of multiple items or steps recited in the claims. The mere fact that particular measures are recited in dependent claims does not mean that a combination of those measures cannot be advantageously utilized.A computer program may be stored / distributed on any suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a semiconductor medium, supplied with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, for example, via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems. Reference signs in the claims should not be construed to limit the scope of the claims.

[0037] In the following, embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the figures. Short description of the characters

[0038] In the following, embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Neither the description nor the figures are to be construed as limiting the invention. Fig. 1 a sensor device according to an embodiment, and Fig. 2a method according to an embodiment.

[0039] The drawings are merely schematic and not to scale. Identical or similar parts are generally designated by the same reference numerals. Detailed description of the characters

[0040] Fig. 1shows, in a first exemplary embodiment, a sensor device with a first, previous sensor 110, whose battery 114 is empty, has a certain threshold value of a battery charge state and / or a small amount of residual energy and is therefore to be replaced, and a second, new sensor 120, whose battery 124 is full and which is to replace the first sensor 110. The two sensors 110, 120 are in close proximity to one another, so that the first sensor 110 can draw energy from the second sensor 120, in this example, via the inductive part 103 of the near-field communication connection 103, 104. In the sensor 110, the received energy activates the communication module 111, so that the processor 112 can read parameterization data, such as information on the measurement physics, cloud access data, data for assigning the first sensor to a measuring point and / or coupling information for operating devices, from the memory 113.The communication module 111 sends the read data via the data connection part 104 of the near-field communication connection 103, 104 to the communication module 121 of the second sensor 120. Processor 112 stores the data in the memory 123 and configures the second sensor 120 accordingly so that it is immediately ready for operation.

[0041] In the example after Fig. 1The sensor 120 is integrated into a cloud 107 via the smartphone 105, which can communicate via a mobile radio standard, thereby providing access to a customer database 109 and / or a database 119 for measurement data and sensor data. Both the smartphone 105 and the sensor 120 are also Bluetooth-enabled. An operator of the smartphone can use an application to initiate the data transmission of the parameterization data via the Bluetooth connection 106. The mobile radio connection 108 can be used to check whether the first sensor 110 and the second sensor 120 are assigned to the same customer and whether the second sensor 120 is authorized to receive the data from the first sensor 110. This ensures that the data is retrieved from the sensor 110 to be replaced and not from a third sensor, and it also prevents unauthorized data retrieval by the sensor 120.

[0042] At least parts of the data can also be supplemented, modified, and verified by the customer database 109 or the database 119. Once the authorization of the sensor 120 has been determined to be positive, the sensor can now, for example, receive the access data to the cloud, which allows it to directly access the database 119, from which it can retrieve further parameterization data. For example, this is parameterization data stored in a backup file in the database or on a server. Alternatively, access to the database 119 or the backup file can also be made via the mobile device after successful authorization verification.

[0043] From the above description it is clear that further variations in the process and constellation are possible.

[0044] One application is fill level sensors on mobile tanks. These monitor the fill level at regular, defined or variable intervals and transmit this information to a cloud 107. This cloud 107 interprets the fill level information from sensor 110 and assigns it to the respective silo. After the battery life expires, a new sensor 120 is mounted on the silo and takes over the parameterization of the previous sensor 110.

[0045] Fig. 2shows a method 200 for transmitting sensor parameterization between sensors via a communication connection 103, 104 according to one embodiment. First, in step 201, energy is provided, which is necessary for communication connection 103, 104. This takes place via the communication connection 103, 104, e.g., NFC, with inductive energy transmission 103, from the second sensor 120 to a first sensor 110. Subsequently, in step 202, the first sensor 110 sends the sensor parameterization to the second sensor 120. Finally, in step 203, the second sensor 120 receives and accepts the sensor parameterization.

[0046] Optionally, in step 203 (or in a further optional step), the second sensor 120 can deactivate the measured value transmission in the first sensor 110, for example by transmitting a corresponding control signal and / or signal to the second sensor 120. This can prevent a collision of the measured value transmission from the first and second sensors 110, 120 if there is any residual energy in the battery of the first sensor 110.

[0047] This provides a cost-effective, simple, and effortless solution for replacing an existing sensor with a new one by placing the new sensor near the existing one. The parameter data is transferred automatically. Optionally, an external trigger can initiate the transfer. The energy required for this is provided by the new sensor.

[0048] It should also be noted that "comprising" and "having" do not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality.

[0049] Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

Claims

1. Sensor (120) for a sensor device (100) having a first (110) and a second (120) sensor, in which the sensor is the second sensor (120); wherein the second sensor (120) is arranged to receive the sensor parameterisation of the first sensor (110) with which the first sensor (110) is configured and to adopt this sensor parameterisation to replace the first sensor (110); and wherein the second sensor (120) is further arranged to provide the first sensor (110) with the energy required to transmit the sensor parameterisation via the communication link (103, 104) via the communication link (103, 104).

2. A sensor device (100) for transmitting a sensor parameterisation between sensors, comprising a first sensor (110) having a sensor parameterisation which is a parameterisation of the first sensor; and a second sensor (120) according to claim 1; wherein the first sensor (110) and the second sensor (120) are arranged to communicate with each other via a communication link (103, 104); the first sensor (110) is arranged to send its sensor parameterisation to the second sensor (120) via the communication link (103, 104); the second sensor (120) is arranged to receive and adopt the sensor parameterisation of the first sensor to replace the first sensor; and wherein the second sensor (120) is further arranged to provide the first sensor (110) with the energy required for transmitting the sensor parameterisation via the communication link (103, 104) via the communication link (103, 104).

3. The sensor device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the communication link (103, 104) is a near field communication (NFC) link or is a wired link.

4. The sensor device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are configured to be able to act both as a master and as a slave.

5. The sensor device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the second sensor is arranged to receive a signal to start the transmission.

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

7. The sensor device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the sensor parameterisation comprises information on the measurement physics, cloud access data, data for assigning the first sensor to a measuring point and / or coupling information for operating devices.

8. The sensor device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the first sensor comprises a first serial number and the second sensor comprises a second serial number; and wherein the first sensor is arranged to transmit the data via the communication link only when the first serial number and the second serial number are related to each other, wherein the relationship represents a common customer or is a partial match.

9. The sensor device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the first sensor is furthermore configured to provide parameterisation information from a backup.

10. The sensor device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are level sensors.

11. The sensor device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the second sensor is configured to replace the first sensor after transmission of the sensor parameterisation and acceptance of the sensor parameterisation.

12. Use of a sensor (110, 120) according to claim 1 for level measurement, flow measurement, point level measurement, pressure measurement, density measurement or object detection.

13. A method (200) of transmitting a sensor parameterisation between a first sensor and a second sensor via a communication link (103, 104), the first sensor (110) having a sensor parameterisation which is a parameterisation of the first sensor, comprising the steps of providing (201) energy, which is necessary for the communication link (103, 104), to the first sensor (110) via the communication link (103, 104) by the second sensor (120); sending (202) the sensor parameterisation of the first sensor by the first sensor (110) to the second sensor (120); receiving and accepting (203) the sensor parameterisation by the second sensor (120); replacing the first sensor with the second sensor.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein a measured value transmission in the first sensor (110) is deactivated (204) after the sensor parameterisation has been accepted.

15. A program element which, when executed on a control unit (112, 122) of a first sensor (110), directs the sensor (110) to perform the step of the method according to claim 13, sending (202) the sensor parameterisation of the first sensor by the first sensor (110) to the second sensor (120); and when executed on a control unit (112, 122) of a second sensor (120) that provides the power necessary for a communication link (103, 104) between the first and second sensors, the step of the method according to claim 13, receiving and accepting (203) the sensor parameterisation by the second sensor (120); and subsequently performing the step of the method according to claim 14, deactivating the measured value transmission in the first sensor (110).