Buffered Measurement Elements for Parallel Data Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement systems in industrial automation require each measuring element to be inactive while transmitting data, limiting flexibility and efficiency, as only one measuring element can be active per channel, and data must be sent in a complete chain, preventing targeted data transmission from individual elements.
Innovation Solution
A method where measuring elements detect data at least partially simultaneously, buffer the data, and the evaluation module reads out the buffered data via a communication line, allowing parallel operation and targeted data transmission without forming a data chain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If measuring elements transmit data sequentially through a data chain, then data can be sent through a single channel, but only one measuring element can be active at a time and targeted data transmission is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into independent measuring elements, each with its own buffer memory. This segmentation allows individual elements to store and transmit data independently, eliminating the sequential data chain constraint and enabling parallel operation of multiple measuring elements on a single channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces buffer memories as intermediary storage units in each measuring element. These buffers act as mediators that decouple the measurement process from the transmission process, allowing measuring elements to detect and buffer data simultaneously while enabling the evaluation module to read data from any element independently without requiring other elements to be inactive.
2Productivity
If multiple measuring elements operate in parallel, then data detection efficiency increases, but data assignment and reading becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Each measuring element is equipped with its own buffer memory that automatically stores detected measurement data with associated identification information. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex external data management systems, as each element independently manages its own data buffer, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling parallel operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary buffering of measurement data in each measuring element's buffer memory before transmission to the evaluation module. This preliminary action separates data detection from data transmission, allowing multiple elements to detect and buffer data in parallel without interference, while the evaluation module can subsequently read from any buffered data independently.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for operating a measurement system including an evaluation module and several measuring elements. The evaluation module and the measuring elements are connected via a communication line. The method includes detecting measurement data via the several measuring elements. At least two of the measuring elements detect the measurement data at least partially at the same time. The method further includes: buffering the detected measurement data in the respective measuring element; and reading out the measurement data buffered in the measuring elements with the evaluation module via the communication line.