Cable System Embedded Web Server for Sensor Data Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sensor systems lack reliable embedded telecommunications capabilities, hindering the efficient sharing of data from radiological, biological, and chemical threat sensors among warfighters and commanders, which is crucial for timely warning and mitigation on the battlefield.

Innovation Solution

A cable system comprising a sensor connection segment, radio connection segment, and computer connection segment, with a printed circuit board assembly that functions as an embedded web server, enabling data passage from sensors to computers and facilitating firmware updates, while authenticating and verifying the integrity of uploaded files using digital signatures and CRC.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If sensors are made portable for individual warfighters, then sensor deployment coverage is improved, but embedded telecommunications capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor deployment coverageVSAvoidembedded telecommunications capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A cable assembly acts as an intermediary between the portable sensor and the radio communication device. The cable includes a sensor connection segment with PCBA that interfaces with the sensor, and a radio connection segment that interfaces with the radio, enabling data transmission without requiring embedded telecom capability in the sensor itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into separate functional segments: the portable sensor unit, the cable assembly with PCBA, and the radio communication device. This segmentation allows the sensor to remain simple and portable while telecommunications functionality is provided by the separate radio component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If firmware updates are provided through a web server, then update accessibility is improved, but system security requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware update accessibilityVSAvoidsystem security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The web server implements feedback mechanisms including digital signature verification, hash verification, and CRC checks to confirm the authenticity and integrity of uploaded firmware files before allowing updates, ensuring security while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Security verification actions are performed preliminarily before the actual firmware update is applied. The system verifies digital signatures, hashes, and CRC values of uploaded firmware files in advance, ensuring security requirements are met before the update proceeds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11258210B1Cable having built-in web portal hosting capability

Publication Date: 2022.02.22 THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

AI summary

A cable system includes a sensor connection segment (SCS), a computer connection segment (CCS), and a radio connection segment (RCS). The SCS includes a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) and a sensor connection cable for connecting the PCBA to a host sensor system. The PCBA includes hardware and software for providing an embedded web server as part of the cable system. The PCBA can send sensor data over a radio network or receive firmware and calibration updates using the RCS and the CCS, respectively.