Channel-Based Device Abstraction for Flexible Data Logging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for connecting and monitoring diverse objects, such as animals, plants, and equipment, lack flexibility in data transformation and combination, and are not easily adaptable to new problems, especially when dealing with embedded computing devices with limited capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A channel-based system that abstracts objects into properties (channels) with 'set', 'get', and 'refresh' methods, allowing for data logging and control, using a gateway device to connect and transform data from various devices, and storing this information in a channel database for flexible presentation and logging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed system interface is defined for data acquisition, then the system can present measurements from objects meeting predefined criteria, but the system has limited flexibility and little capability for transforming or combining data from multiple sources
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments data acquisition and processing into independent device drivers, channels, and processing modules. Each device driver handles specific devices independently, and channels represent individual data streams that can be processed separately. This modular segmentation enables flexible data transformation and combination without compromising system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal channel-based architecture that can handle diverse data types from multiple sources through a common interface. The channel processing framework provides multi-functional capabilities including data collection, transformation, combination, and presentation through a unified system that adapts to different device types and data requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a purpose-built data acquisition system is constructed, then the system can be customized for specific problems, but it is expensive to build and maintain and difficult to adapt to new problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal data acquisition and processing system that can be adapted to various problems through configuration rather than redesign. The channel-based architecture with pluggable device drivers and flexible processing rules allows the same core system to handle different device types, data formats, and processing requirements, reducing both development and maintenance costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic adaptability through configurable processing rules and flexible channel definitions that can be modified without system redesign. The architecture allows runtime configuration of data transformation logic, combining rules, and presentation formats, enabling the system to adapt to new problems while maintaining a stable core infrastructure.
3Productivity
If data processing is performed on embedded computing devices with limited capabilities, then the system can operate with modest hardware, but the processing and storage capabilities are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts complex data processing operations from resource-constrained embedded devices and relocates them to more capable systems. The embedded devices perform only essential data collection and transmission, while data transformation, combination, and extensive processing are performed remotely, allowing modest hardware to achieve high productivity without being burdened by complex processing requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of communicating with a plurality of different types of devices. A device driver is defined for each type of device. The device driver creates and maintains a set of channels for each device; each channel represents a property of the device. Newly acquired data received from one of the devices is received at the device driver and published to the channel associated with the data. Publishing the newly acquired data to the channel associated with the data includes storing the newly acquired data in a channel database with a time stamp corresponding to the time the data was received. Control information for one of the devices is received at the device driver and associated with one of the channels. The control information is passed to the device being controlled.