Sensor reading system and method for using the same

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor reading system for collecting data from a sensor device of a vehicle, wherein the sensor reading system comprises: - a processing device for obtaining the sensor data; - a multicore cable connected to the processing device on one end thereof and comprising a plug on the other end thereof for connecting the multicore cable to the sensor device of the vehicle, wherein the plug comprises conducting protrusions, each conducting protrusion connected to a corresponding core of the multicore cable. The invention further relates to a method for using the sensor reading system for determining a stored configuration of a multicore cable of the sensor reading system.

Description

[0001] SENSOR READING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING THE SAME

[0002] The invention relates to a sensor reading system for collecting data from a sensor device of a vehicle. The invention further relates to a method for using the sensor reading system for determining a stored configuration of a multicore cable of the sensor reading system.

[0003] Vehicles, such as trucks, may be equipped with sensor devices to monitor a state of the vehicle. For example, a sensor system for optical liquid detection is known from WO2014120005, wherein the sensor system allows to monitor an amount of filling of a fuel transport truck to prevent overspill during filling thereof. In order to collect data from the sensor device a sensor reading system may be used comprising a multicore cable to connect to the sensor device.

[0004] A drawback of reading sensor information using the known systems is that after use the multicore cable may be either not disconnected from the sensor device, which may lead to damages if the vehicle attempts to move away, or disconnected from the sensor device and discarded, e.g. placed on the ground or an elevated surface, which may lead to situations where the cable is damaged due to a vehicle passing over the cable or a plug of the cable becoming dirty preventing proper functioning of the sensor reading system.

[0005] The aim of the invention is to provide a sensor reading system that alleviates the above mentioned drawback.

[0006] The aim of the invention is achieved by the sensor reading system according to claim 1 .

[0007] The sensor reading system is configured for collecting data from a sensor device of a vehicle. For example, the vehicle is a fuel transport truck and the sensor device is configured to monitor a fuel level of fuel fortransport in the fuel transport truck. The sensor reading system in this example may be configured to provide a warning signal if the transport truck is full or an overspill is possible. For example, the sensor reading system is a rack used in a liquid overfill prevention system, wherein the sensor device on the vehicle comprises one or more liquid level detection sensors for determining a liquid level of dangerous liquids, in particular flammable liquids, in a liquid transport vehicle. Overfill prevention systems for liquid fuels are usually subject to stringent requiremes as described in NEN EN 13922. The sensor device may be arranged in an upper part of the interior of a compartment of a truck, for example to detect whether the compartment is filled to a predetermined level. The sensor device may also be arranged in a lower part of the interior of the compartment, for example to detect whether the compartment is sufficiently empty, e.g. not filled at a level above the location of the level of the sensor device so that a desired quantity of liquid can be introduced into the compartment without overfilling the compartment. Rack sensors are typically used in more industrial environments which may put an increased amount of stress on the rack sensors, and a multicore cable thereof in particular. The sensor reading system comprises a processing device for obtaining the sensor data. For example, the processing device is provided mounted on a wall near a fuel filling station to allow a fuel transport truck to be filled while simultaneously be connected to the sensor reading system. The processing device is configured to obtain the sensor data from the sensor device of the vehicle to allow monitoring thereof. For example, the processing device comprises a screen for showing a real time representation of the sensor data. For example, the processing device may be connected to a network, e.g. internet or a cloud, to allow uploading of the sensor data to a central database. For example, the sensor reading system, e.g. the processing device thereof, may be automated to automatically collect and / or process the sensor data.

[0008] The sensor reading device further comprises a multicore cable having multiple conducting cores. The multicore cable is operatively connected to the processing device on one end of the multicore cable. The multicore cable further comprises a plug on an end opposite the processing device for connecting the multicore cable, and thus the processing device, to the sensor device of the vehicle. The multicore cable may have an outer protective layer, e.g. a plastic layer, to provide protection to the cores of the cable. The cable comprises multiple cores, for example 6 cores, for example 10 cores, wherein each core is connected to the processing device. The cores may be suitable for charging the sensor device and / or reading data from the sensor device.

[0009] The plug of the multicore cable comprises conducting protrusions which protrude from a surface of the plug, e.g. a recessed surface of the plug. Each conducting protrusion is connected to a corresponding core of the multicore cable. For example, the protrusions extend from a recessed surface, e.g. wherein the recessed surface is surrounded by surrounding rum, of the plug such that a depth of the recession is greater than an amount of extension of the protrusions, e.g. the rim extends further than the protrusions. This allows the protrusions to be somewhat sheltered in the plug. The sensor device of the vehicle may comprise a socket having recesses for receiving the protrusions, allowing a connection between the sensor device and the sensor reading system via the multicore cable.

[0010] The sensor reading system further comprises a mounting socket provided adjacent, for example provided permanently adjacent, to the processing device. For example, the mounting socket is provided on the same wall as the processing device. For example, the mounting socket is integrated with the processing device. For example, the mounting socket is provided with a separate supporting structure.

[0011] The mounting socket is configured for mounting the plug of the multicore cable therein when the multicore cable is not connected to the sensor device of the vehicle. For example, the mounting socket has a same or similar connection means as a socket of the sensor device. The mounting socket may comprise an extending rim which surrounds (part of) the plug when the plug is mounted in the mounting socket. The mounting socket comprises multiple conducting receivers that correspond to the conducting protrusions of the plug. The conducting receivers are arranged such that each receiver contacts a corresponding protrusion when the plug is correctly provided in the mounting socket. This allows, when the plug is correctly provided in the mounting socket, for a current to run from the processing device, through the multicore cable, the corresponding protrusion and intrusion, to the mounting socket. In cases wherein the plug is not correctly provided in the mounting socket, either a protrusion does not contact an intrusion or a protrusion contacts a wrong intrusion such that the current cannot run along the expected path to the mounting socket. Wherein the sensor reading system has a stored configuration in which the plug is mounted in the mounting socket, e.g. with each receiver contacting the corresponding protrusion. In which stored configuration the sensor reading system, e.g. the processing device may be configured to not receive sensor data. For example, in which stored configuration no sensor data may be provided to the multicore cable. The sensor reading system may further have a measuring configuration in which the processing device obtains the sensor data.

[0012] The processing device is configured to:

[0013] - provide a test signal to the multicore cable;

[0014] - determine whether the sensor reading system is in the stored configuration based on a resulting signal on the multicore cable, wherein the resulting signal results from the mounting socket receiving the test signal; and

[0015] - provide a first output if the resulting signal is an expected signal,

[0016] The test signal may be a test current or test voltage as described herein, in these embodiments the resulting signal may be a resulting current or voltage and the expected signal is an expected current or voltage. It is also possible that the test signal is a digital signal requesting the mounting socket to identify itself. In these embodiments, the resulting signal may be an identification signal from the mounting socket and the expected signal an expected identification signal. It is also possible that the digital signal is a request that to the mounting socket to confirm that it is an expected mounting socket. In this case the resulting signal may be a positive or negative response and the expected signal may be a positive response.

[0017] The first output is representative of that the plug is provided in the mounting socket.

[0018] In embodiments, the test signal is a test voltage or test current, the resulting signal is a resulting current or voltage through the multicore cable, and the expected signal is an expected current or voltage, wherein the expected current or voltage is the expected current or voltage through the multicore cable for the test voltage or current when the plug is correctly provided in the mounting socket, and the processing device is configured to:

[0019] - apply a test voltage or current to the multicore cable;

[0020] - determine a resulting current or voltage through the multicore cable; and

[0021] - provide a first output if the resulting current or voltage is an expected current or voltage, wherein the expected current is the expected current through the multicore cable for the test voltage when the plug is correctly provided in the mounting socket, and wherein the expected voltage is the expected voltage over the multicore cable for the test current when the plug is correctly provided in the mounting socket, wherein the first output is representative of that the plug is provided in the mounting socket. In examples given herein reference may be made to a voltage or current. The person skilled in the art understands that in suitable situations use may be made from either the voltage or current as required. For example, using a test voltage to determine a resulting current may be understood to be equivalent to using a test current to determine a resulting voltage. So throughout, in suitable situations, current may be replaced by voltage and vice versa.

[0022] The test voltage may be a predetermined voltage which is kept fixed. Or the test voltage may be chosen by a user of the system. The processing device is configured to compare the determined current with an expected current. The expected current is the current through the multicore cable, for the applied test voltage, when the plug is correctly provided in the mounting socket. If the determined current corresponds to the expected current the first output is provided to a user, e.g. in the form of a visual or audio signal, which indicates that the plug is correctly provided in the mounting socket. On the other hand, if the determined current deviates from the expected current the first output is not provided. In embodiments, if the determined current deviates from the expected current a deviating output is provided which indicates that the plug is not provided correctly in the mounting socket.

[0023] The invention allows to protect the plug from environmental conditions by mounting the plug of the multicore cable in the mounting socket. Additionally, the system also ensures that the correct plug is provided in the correct mounting socket. For example, the first output is not given if a plug of another multicore cable, or a dummy plug, is provided in the mounting socket. Only if the correct plug is placed correctly in the mounting socket is the first output signalled. This prevents a user from tricking the system, the first output is only given if the correct plug is provided correctly in the mounting socket. Thus the invention provides a system for a proper handling of a multicore cable of a sensor reading system.

[0024] In embodiments, the processing device is configured to apply a test signal to each core of the multicore cable. In embodiments, the processing device is configured to apply a test voltage to each core of the multicore cable. In these embodiments, a test current, for example a different current or a same current for each core, may be provided to each core of the multicore cable. In other embodiments, a test signal is only provided to one or a few of the cores of the multicore cable.

[0025] In further embodiments, the processing device is configured to:

[0026] - determine, for each core, a resulting signal from the corresponding core for the applied test signal; and

[0027] - provide the first output if each resulting signal is a corresponding expected signal.

[0028] For example, the processing device may be configured to: - determine, for each core, a current through or voltage over the corresponding core for the applied test voltage or current; and

[0029] - provide the first output if each resulting current or voltage is a corresponding expected current or voltage, wherein the corresponding expected current is the expected current through the corresponding core of the multicore cable for the test voltage when the plug is correctly provided in the mounting socket and wherein the corresponding expected voltage is the expected voltage over the corresponding core of the multicore cable for the test current when the plug is correctly provided in the mounting socket.

[0030] In these embodiments, the sensor reading system allows to provide the first output if each protrusion of the plug is in contact with the corresponding receiver of the mounting socket which is signalled by the resulting signals. For example in these cases the test signal may be a signal to test if a connection is made for each core. This prevents the system from providing a first output is only a subset of the protrusions are in contact with the corresponding receivers. In further embodiments, the processing device is configured to subsequently apply the test signal to each of the cores.

[0031] In further embodiments, the processing device is configured to

[0032] - provide a second output if one of the resulting signals for the test signal applied to a first of the multiple cores is an expected signal for the test signal corresponding to a second of the multiple cores, wherein the second output is representative of that the plug is incorrectly provided in the mounting socket. Thus in this case for example a request to confirm that a signal is received over a first core may be send as test signal and the resulting signal may be a confirmation that the signal is received over a second core.

[0033] For example, the processing device may be configured to:

[0034] - provide a second output if one of the resulting currents or voltage for the test voltage or current applied to a first of the multiple cores is an expected current or voltage for the test voltage or current applied to a second of the multiple cores, wherein the second output is representative of that the plug is incorrectly provided in the mounting socket. One of the resulting currents for a first core may be an expected current or voltage for the test voltage or current applied to a second core if the protrusion of the first core contacts the receiver which should be in contact with the protrusion of the second core. In this situation, the plug may be provided incorrectly in the mounting socket and the second output is provided.

[0035] In embodiments, the processing device is configured to provide a third output if the resulting test signal corresponds to multiple expected signals, wherein the third output is representative of that the multicore cable is damaged. It may be the case that the resulting signal represents that the signal is received by the mounting socket on multiple cores, even though the signal was only send on one core. In this case, the processing device may provide an output that the cable is damaged.

[0036] In embodiments, the processing device is configured to provide a third output if the resulting current or voltage corresponds to a sum of two or more expected currents or voltages for the test voltage or current, wherein the third output is representative of that the multicore cable is damaged. If a short circuit in the multicore cable is present a current may not flow through the length of the multicore cable through a single core, but rather be provided to a first core and exit the multicore cable at a second core, thus influencing the measured current such that the measure current of the second core corresponds to the expected current of the first core and the second core if the test voltages are applied simultaneously to both cores.

[0037] In embodiments, each conducting receiver is connected to a corresponding impedance, wherein each impedance is a unique impedance. Possibly, a grounded receiver is connected to an impedance having zero or very little effective resistance or is not connected to an impedance. Thus, for a single test voltage applied to the cores of the multicore cable, each current through the corresponding core is expected to be unique due to the unique impedance. This is an example that allows, to determine that the test voltage when applied to a first core corresponds to the expected current of a second core.

[0038] In further embodiments, no impedance is equal to a sum of any of the other impedances. For example, in an embodiment having ten cores, a core may be grounded and the further nine cores may have impendences corresponding to 4200, 2030, 1240, 845, 604, 442, 324, 237, and 159 Ohms.

[0039] In embodiments, one or more of the conducting receivers are grounded.

[0040] In embodiments, wherein protrusions corresponding grounded receivers extend further from the plug than the protrusions corresponding to the other receivers. In these embodiments, when providing the plug in the mounting socket, the grounded receivers will come into contact with the grounded protrusions first, reducing a change of a sudden electrical surge possible harming a user or damaging the system.

[0041] The invention further relates to a method for determining a stored configuration of a multicore cable, wherein use is made of a sensor reading system according to the invention.

[0042] In embodiments, the method comprises:

[0043] - provide a test signal to the multicore cable; determine resulting signal on the multicore cable, wherein the resulting signal results from the test signal; and provide a first output if the resulting signal is an expected signal, wherein the first output is representative of that the plug is provided in the mounting socket.

[0044] In embodiments, the method comprises:

[0045] - applying a test voltage or current to the multicore cable;

[0046] - determining a resulting current through the multicore cable or resulting voltage over the multicore cable; and

[0047] - providing a first output if the resulting current or voltage is an expected current or voltage, wherein the expected current is the expected current through the multicore cable for the test voltage when the plug is correctly provided in the mounting socket and wherein the expected voltage is the expected voltage over the multicore cable for the test current when the plug is correctly provided in the mounting socket, wherein the first output is representative of that the plug is provided in the mounting socket.

[0048] In embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0049] - applying a test signal to each core of the multicore cable.

[0050] In further embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0051] - applying a test voltage or current to each core of the multicore cable.

[0052] In embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0053] - determine, for each core, a resulting signal from the corresponding core for the applied test signal; and

[0054] - provide the first output if each resulting signal is a corresponding expected signal.

[0055] In embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0056] - determining, for each core, a resulting current through or voltage over the corresponding core for the applied test voltage or current; and

[0057] - providing the first output if each resulting current or voltage is a corresponding expected current or voltage, wherein the corresponding expected current is the expected current through the corresponding core of the multicore cable for the test voltage when the plug is correctly provided in the mounting socket and wherein the corresponding expected voltage is the expected voltage over the corresponding core of the multicore cable for the test current when the plug is correctly provided in the mounting socket.

[0058] In embodiments, the method further comprises: - provide a second output if one of the resulting signals for the test signal applied to a first of the multiple cores is an expected signal for the test voltage applied to a second of the multiple cores, wherein the second output is representative of that the plug is incorrectly provided in the mounting socket.

[0059] In embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0060] - providing a second output if one of the resulting currents or voltages for the test voltage or current applied to a first of the multiple cores is an expected current for the test voltage or expected voltage for the test current applied to a second of the multiple cores, wherein the second output is representative of that the plug is incorrectly provided in the mounting socket.

[0061] In embodiments, the method further comprises: providing a third output if the resulting test signal corresponds to multiple expected signals, wherein the third output is representative of that the multicore cable is damaged.

[0062] In embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0063] - providing a third output if the resulting current or voltage corresponds to a sum of two or more expected currents for the test voltage or two or more expected voltages for the test current, wherein the third output is representative of that the multicore cable is damaged.

[0064] The invention further relates to a vehicle filling terminal provided with a sensor reading system according to the invention.

[0065] The invention further relates to a method for filling a vehicle at a vehicle filling terminal according to the invention or using a sensor reading system according to the invention, wherein the method comprises:

[0066] - providing the vehicle at the sensor reading location;

[0067] - connecting the sensor reading system, e.g. the multicore cable thereof, to a sensor device of the vehicle;

[0068] - filling the vehicle;

[0069] - disconnecting the sensor reading system from the sensor device of the vehicle;

[0070] - mounting the plug into the mounting socket; and

[0071] - departing the vehicle from the sensor reading location if the processor provides the first output.

[0072] The invention will be explained below with reference to the drawing in which:

[0073] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the sensor reading system;

[0074] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a plug of a multicore cable; and Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the mounting socket.

[0075] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the sensor reading system 1 for collecting sensor data from a sensor device of a vehicle, not shown.

[0076] The sensor reading system 1 comprises a processing device 2 which is provided adjacent to a mounting socket 7, for example on a wall of a liquid fuel tank. The processing device 2 is configured for obtaining sensor data from the sensor device. The sensor data may be related to the liquid level of a liquid transport truck to allow for warning if the transport truck is nearing a maximum fill level.

[0077] The processing device 2 is connected to a multicore cable 3 on one end of the multicore cable 3. The multicore cable 3 comprises a plug 4 for connecting the processing device 2 with the sensor device. In practical situations the multicore cable 3 may not be kept laying around for danger of damaging the cable 3, e.g. due to a vehicle passing over the cable 3. This may damage the cable 3 and prevent proper readout of the sensor device. Furthermore, the plug 4 may become dirty which may also prevent proper readout of the sensor device.

[0078] As can be seen in figure 2, the plug 4 comprises a number of conducting protrusions 5. Each conducting protrusion is connected to a corresponding core 6 of the multicore cable 3. In the embodiment shown in figure 2, one protrusion 5 extends further from the plug 4 compared to the other protrusions 5. The protrusion 5 which extends further from the plug 4 may correspond to a grounded core 6 such that when inserting the plug 4 into the mounting socket 7 or the sensor device, the cable 3 is grounded.

[0079] In the embodiment shown in figure 2, the cable 3 comprises five cores 6. In other embodiments a different number of cores 6 is possible, for example six, seven, eight, nine or ten.

[0080] The mounting socket 7 allows the plug 4 to be mounted therein when the multicore cable 3 is not connected to the sensor device. The mounting socket 7 comprises multiple conducting receivers 8 corresponding to the conducting protrusions 5 of the plug 4. The conducting receivers are arranged such that each receiver contacts a corresponding protrusion when the plug is correctly provided in the mounting socket 7.

[0081] The processing device 2 is configured to:

[0082] - provide a test signal to the multicore cable 3;

[0083] - determine a resulting signal on the multicore cable, wherein the resulting signal results from the mounting socket 7 receiving the test signal; and

[0084] - provide a first output if the resulting signal is an expected signal, wherein the first output is representative of that the plug 4 is provided in the mounting socket 7. For example, the processing device 2 may be configured to:

[0085] - apply a test voltage or current to the multicore cable 3;

[0086] - determine a resulting current through or voltage over the multicore cable 3; and

[0087] - provide a first output if the resulting current is an expected current or if the resulting voltage is an expected voltage, wherein the expected current is the expected current through the multicore cable 3 for the test voltage when the plug 4 is correctly provided in the mounting socket 7 and wherein the expected voltage is the expected voltage over the multicore cable 3 for the test current when the plug 4 is correctly provided in the mounting socket 7.

[0088] The first output is representative of that the plug 4 is provided in the mounting socket 7.

[0089] The processing device 2 is further configured to, for each core 6, determine a resulting signal, for example a resulting current through or voltage over the respective core 6 when a test voltage or current is applied to the core 6. The first output is provided if each resulting signal is a corresponding expected signal, for example when each resulting current is a corresponding expected current or when each resulting voltage is an expected voltage. Thus the first output is only provided if each core is property connected to the mounting socket 7 via the protrusions 5 and receivers 8. This allows for a reliable way of storing the multicore cable 3 after use.

[0090] In embodiments a second output may be provided, wherein the second output is representative of that the plug 4 is incorrectly provided in the mounting socket. The second output may be provided if one of the resulting signals for the test signal applied to a first of the cores is an expected signal for another one of the cores. This may indicate that a first protrusion 5 contacts an incorrect receiver 7 and thus that the cable 3 is incorrectly provided in the mounting socket 7.

[0091] In embodiments, the processing device 2 is configured to provide a third output if the resulting signal corresponds to a sum of two or more expected signals, wherein the third output is representative of that the multicore cable 3 is damaged.

[0092] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the mounting socket 7, wherein each receiver 8, except for the grounded receiver 8a, is connected to a unique impedance R1 - R9. This allows for example to determine the expected voltage or current for a given test current or voltage, e.g. based on Ohm’s law. As can be seen in the figure, each impedance is unique. This allows to relate the resulting voltage or current to a combination of cores based on a given test current or voltage. This then allows, for each core, to check if the core is correctly connected to the mounting socket and if the core is not short circuited, e.g. as a result of damage to the multicore cable.

[0093] CLAUSES

[0094] 1. Sensor reading system for collecting sensor data from a sensor device of a vehicle, wherein the sensor reading system comprises: - a processing device for obtaining the sensor data;

[0095] - a multicore cable connected to the processing device on one end thereof and comprising a plug on the other end thereof for connecting the multicore cable to the sensor device of the vehicle, wherein the plug comprises conducting protrusions, each conducting protrusion connected to a corresponding core of the multicore cable, characterized in, that the sensor reading system further comprises a mounting socket provided adjacent to the processing device for mounting the plug therein when the multicore cable is not connected to the sensor device, wherein the mounting socket comprises multiple conducting receivers corresponding to the conducting protrusions of the plug, wherein the conducting receivers are arranged such that each receiver contacts a corresponding protrusion when the plug is correctly provided in the mounting socket, wherein the processing device is configured to:

[0096] - provide a test signal to the multicore cable;

[0097] - determine a resulting signal on the multicore cable, e.g. wherein the resulting signal results from the mounting socket receiving the test signal; and

[0098] - provide a first output if the resulting signal is an expected signal, wherein the first output is representative of that the plug is provided in the mounting socket.

[0099] 2. Sensor reading system according to clause 1 , wherein the test signal is a test voltage or test current, the resulting signal is a resulting current or voltage through the multicore cable, and the expected signal is an expected current or voltage, wherein the expected current or voltage is the expected current or voltage through the multicore cable for the test voltage or current when the plug is correctly provided in the mounting socket, wherein the processing device is configured to:

[0100] - apply a test voltage or current to the multicore cable;

[0101] - determine a resulting current or voltage through the multicore cable; and

[0102] - provide a first output if the resulting current or voltage is an expected current or voltage, wherein the expected current or voltage is the expected current or voltage through the multicore cable for the test voltage or current when the plug is correctly provided in the mounting socket.

[0103] 3. Sensor reading system according to one or more of the preceding clauses, wherein the processing device is configured to:

[0104] - apply the test signal to each core of the multicore cable.

[0105] 4. Sensor reading system according to clause 3, wherein the processing device is configured to:

[0106] - determine, for each core, a resulting signal from the corresponding core for the applied test signal; and - provide the first output if each resulting signal is a corresponding expected signal, for example wherein each resulting current or voltage is a corresponding expected current or voltage, wherein the corresponding expected current or voltage is the expected current or voltage through the corresponding core of the multicore cable for the test voltage or current when the plug is correctly provided in the mounting socket.

[0107] 5. Sensor reading system according to clause 4, wherein the processing device is configured to subsequently apply the test signal to each of the cores.

[0108] 6. Sensor reading system according to one or more of the clause 3 - 5, wherein the processing device is configured to:

[0109] - provide a second output if one of the resulting signals for the test signal applied to a first of the multiple cores is an expected signal for the test signal for a second of the multiple cores, for example if one of the resulting currents or voltages for the test voltage or current applied to a first of the multiple cores is an expected current or voltage for the test voltage or current applied to a second of the multiple cores, wherein the second output is representative of that the plug is incorrectly provided in the mounting socket.

[0110] 7. Sensor reading system according to one or more of the clauses 3 - 6, wherein the processing device is configured to provide a third output if the resulting test signal corresponds to multiple expected signals, for example wherein the resulting current corresponds to a sum of two or more expected currents for the test voltage or if the resulting voltage corresponds to a sum of two or more expected voltages for the test current, wherein the third output is representative of that the multicore cable is damaged.

[0111] 8. Sensor reading system according to one or more of the preceding clauses, wherein each conducting receiver is connected to a corresponding impedance, wherein each impedance is a unique impedance.

[0112] 9. Sensor reading system according to clause 8, wherein no impedance is equal to a sum of any of the other impedances.

[0113] 10. Sensor reading system according to one or more of the preceding clauses, wherein one or more of the conducting receivers are grounded.

[0114] 11 . Sensor reading system according to one or more of the preceding clauses, wherein protrusions corresponding grounded receivers extend further from the plug than the protrusions corresponding to the other receivers. 12. Method for determining a stored position of a multicore cable, wherein use is made of a sensor reading system according to one or more of the preceding clauses.

[0115] 13. Method according to clause 12, wherein the method comprises:

[0116] - provide a test signal to the multicore cable;

[0117] - determine resulting signal on the multicore cable, wherein the resulting signal results from the test signal; and

[0118] - provide a first output if the resulting signal is an expected signal, wherein the first output is representative of that the plug is provided in the mounting socket.

[0119] 14. Method according to one or more of the clauses 12 - 13, wherein the method comprises:

[0120] - applying a test voltage or current to the multicore cable;

[0121] - determining a resulting current or voltage through the multicore cable; and

[0122] - providing a first output if the resulting current or voltage is an expected current or voltage, wherein the expected current or voltage is the expected current or voltage through the multicore cable for the test voltage or current when the plug is correctly provided in the mounting socket, wherein the first output is representative of that the plug is provided in the mounting socket.

[0123] 15. Method according to one or more of the clauses 13 - 14, wherein the method further comprises:

[0124] - applying a test signal to each core of the multicore cable.

[0125] 16. Method according to clause 15, wherein the method further comprises:

[0126] - determine, for each core, a resulting signal from the corresponding core for the applied test signal; and

[0127] - provide the first output if each resulting signal is a corresponding expected signal, for example wherein each resulting current or voltage is a corresponding expected current or voltage, wherein the corresponding expected current or voltage is the expected current or voltage through the corresponding core of the multicore cable for the test voltage or current when the plug is correctly provided in the mounting socket.

[0128] 17. Method according to clause 16, wherein the method further comprises:

[0129] - provide a second output if one of the resulting signals for the test signal applied to a first of the multiple cores is an expected signal for the test voltage applied to a second of the multiple cores, for example if one of the resulting currents or voltages for the test voltage or current applied to a first of the multiple cores is an expected current or voltage for the test voltage or current applied to a second of the multiple cores, wherein the second output is representative of that the plug is incorrectly provided in the mounting socket. 18. Method according to one or more of the clause 16 - 17, wherein the method further comprises: providing a third output if the resulting test signal corresponds to multiple expected signals, for example wherein the resulting current corresponds to a sum of two or more expected currents for the test voltage or if the resulting voltage corresponds to a sum of two or more expected voltages for the test current, wherein the third output is representative of that the multicore cable is damaged.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Sensor reading system for collecting sensor data from a sensor device of a vehicle located at a sensor reading location, wherein the sensor reading system comprises:- a processing device for obtaining the sensor data; and- a multicore cable connected to the processing device on one end thereof and comprising a plug on the other end thereof for connecting the multicore cable to the sensor device of the vehicle, wherein the plug comprises conducting protrusions, each conducting protrusion connected to a corresponding core of the multicore cable, wherein the sensor reading system further comprises a mounting socket provided adjacent to the processing device for mounting the plug therein when the multicore cable is not connected to the sensor device, wherein the mounting socket comprises multiple conducting receivers corresponding to the conducting protrusions of the plug, wherein the conducting receivers are arranged such that each receiver contacts a corresponding protrusion when the plug is correctly provided in the mounting socket, wherein the sensor reading system has a stored configuration in which the plug is mounted in the mounting socket, and wherein the sensor reading system has a measuring configuration in which sensor data is collected, wherein the processing device is configured to:- provide a test signal to the multicore cable;- determine whether the sensor reading system is in the stored configuration based on a resulting signal on the multicore cable, e.g. wherein the resulting signal results from the mounting socket receiving the test signal; and- provide a first output if the resulting signal is an expected signal, wherein the first output is representative of that the sensor reading system is in the stored configuration and wherein the first output indicates that a vehicle at the sensor reading location may depart therefrom.

2. Sensor reading system according to claim 1 , wherein the test signal is a test voltage or test current, the resulting signal is a resulting current or voltage through the multicore cable, and the expected signal is an expected current or voltage, wherein the expected current or voltage is the expected current or voltage through the multicore cable for the test voltage or current when the plug is correctly provided in the mounting socket, wherein the processing device is configured to:- apply a test voltage or current to the multicore cable;- determine a resulting current or voltage through the multicore cable; and- provide a first output if the resulting current or voltage is an expected current or voltage, wherein the expected current or voltage is the expected current or voltage through themulticore cable for the test voltage or current when the plug is correctly provided in the mounting socket.

3. Sensor reading system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the processing device is configured to:- apply the test signal to each core of the multicore cable.

4. Sensor reading system according to claim 3, wherein the processing device is configured to:- determine, for each core, a resulting signal from the corresponding core for the applied test signal; and- provide the first output if each resulting signal is a corresponding expected signal, for example wherein each resulting current or voltage is a corresponding expected current or voltage, wherein the corresponding expected current or voltage is the expected current or voltage through the corresponding core of the multicore cable for the test voltage or current when the plug is correctly provided in the mounting socket.

5. Sensor reading system according to claim 4, wherein the processing device is configured to subsequently apply the test signal to each of the cores.

6. Sensor reading system according to one or more of the claim 3 - 5, wherein the processing device is configured to:- provide a second output if one of the resulting signals for the test signal applied to a first of the multiple cores is an expected signal for the test signal for a second of the multiple cores, for example if one of the resulting currents or voltages for the test voltage or current applied to a first of the multiple cores is an expected current or voltage for the test voltage or current applied to a second of the multiple cores, wherein the second output is representative of that the plug is incorrectly provided in the mounting socket.

7. Sensor reading system according to one or more of the claims 3 - 6, wherein the processing device is configured to provide a third output if the resulting test signal corresponds to multiple expected signals, for example wherein the resulting current corresponds to a sum of two or more expected currents for the test voltage or if the resulting voltage corresponds to a sum of two or more expected voltages for the test current, wherein the third output is representative of that the multicore cable is damaged.

8. Sensor reading system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein each conducting receiver is connected to a corresponding impedance, wherein each impedance is a unique impedance.

9. Sensor reading system according to claim 8, wherein no impedance is equal to a sum of any of the other impedances.

10. Sensor reading system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the conducting receivers are grounded.11 . Sensor reading system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein protrusions corresponding grounded receivers extend further from the plug than the protrusions corresponding to the other receivers.

12. Method for determining a stored configuration of a multicore cable, wherein use is made of a sensor reading system according to one or more of the preceding claims.

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the method comprises:- provide a test signal to the multicore cable;- determine whether the sensor reading system is in the stored configuration based on resulting signal on the multicore cable, wherein the resulting signal results from the test signal; and- provide a first output if the resulting signal is an expected signal, wherein the first output is representative of that the sensor reading system is in the stored configuration and preferably wherein the first output indicates that a vehicle at the sensor reading location may depart therefrom.

14. Method according to one or more of the claims 12 - 13, wherein the method comprises:- applying a test voltage or current to the multicore cable;- determining a resulting current or voltage through the multicore cable; and- providing a first output if the resulting current or voltage is an expected current or voltage, wherein the expected current or voltage is the expected current or voltage through the multicore cable for the test voltage or current when the plug is correctly provided in the mounting socket, wherein the first output is representative of that the plug is provided in the mounting socket.

15. Method according to one or more of the claims 13 - 14, wherein the method further comprises:- applying a test signal to each core of the multicore cable.

16. Method according to claim 15, wherein the method further comprises:- determine, for each core, a resulting signal from the corresponding core for the applied test signal; and- provide the first output if each resulting signal is a corresponding expected signal, for example wherein each resulting current or voltage is a corresponding expected current or voltage, wherein the corresponding expected current or voltage is the expected current or voltage through the corresponding core of the multicore cable for the test voltage or current when the plug is correctly provided in the mounting socket.

17. Method according to claim 16, wherein the method further comprises:- provide a second output if one of the resulting signals for the test signal applied to a first of the multiple cores is an expected signal for the test voltage applied to a second of the multiple cores, for example if one of the resulting currents or voltages for the test voltage or current applied to a first of the multiple cores is an expected current or voltage for the test voltage or current applied to a second of the multiple cores, wherein the second output is representative of that the plug is incorrectly provided in the mounting socket.

18. Method according to one or more of the claims 16 - 17, wherein the method further comprises: providing a third output if the resulting test signal corresponds to multiple expected signals, for example wherein the resulting current corresponds to a sum of two or more expected currents for the test voltage or if the resulting voltage corresponds to a sum of two or more expected voltages for the test current, wherein the third output is representative of that the multicore cable is damaged.

19. Vehicle filling terminal provided with a sensor reading system according to one or more of the claims 1 - 11.20 Method according to one or more of the claims 12 - 18 for filling a vehicle at a vehicle filling terminal according to claim 19 and / or wherein use is made of a sensor reading system according to one or more of the claims 1 - 11 , wherein the method comprises:- providing the vehicle at the sensor reading location;- connecting the sensor reading system, e.g. the multicore cable thereof, to a sensor device of the vehicle;- filling the vehicle;- disconnecting the sensor reading system from the sensor device of the vehicle;- mounting the plug into the mounting socket; and- departing the vehicle from the sensor reading location if the processor provides the first output.

Images